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The "White City of the North" has something to offer for everyone. In Helsinki, historical sights combine with
 Piece of cultural history |
23-27 Bulevardi Helsinki 00180 Finland +358 9 169 3544 |
The Aleksanteri theatre, the "Old Opera House", is located near Hietalahti square and the charming Sinebrychoff park. Nowadays the building is home to occasional theatrical performances and concerts. The bricks for this decorative red building were transported all the way from Ahvenanmaa. The building was designed by Kosperoff and completed in 1879 to serve as a theatre to the local Russian garrison. The National Theatre and Opera companies moved here in 1918; the National Theatre moved away quite quickly, but the National Opera remained at the theatre until 1993, when the new Opera House was completed in Töölö. The Old Opera House is an important part of Finnish cultural history. Its lovely surroundings and excellent shows are also good reasons for a visit. The National Ballet's school operates on the premises, and the program consists mainly of operatic and ballet performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eero Pailinna |
 Photo: Oliver Wihler |
 Photo: koskicar |
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Nice place for a stroll |
between Pitkäsilta Bridge and the railway Helsinki 00170-0053 Finland |
The inlet made up of the Kaisaniemenlahti and Eläintarhanlahti bays, between Pitkäsilta Bridge and the railway tracks, is a great area for walks. The streets are wide and in a good condition, and there is plenty to see. Kaisaniemenranta is the most beautiful part of the area, a wide boulevard surrounded by trees, framed on one side by the bay and on the other side by old wooden houses and stunning gardens. At Pitkänsillanranta the sights include the leafy shore and the gorgeous buildings looming above, and as you move further to Säästöpankinranta there are parks and a view to the fountain in the middle of the bay. On the opposite side of the bay lie Tokoinranta and Eläintarhantie, an area known not just for architectural sights such as the Helsinki City Theatre, but also for its parks. Most Helsinkiites know Tokoinlahti for the tent that is erected there during the annual Helsinki Festival, as a venue for performances by top Finnish and international artists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Montse & Ferran |
 Photo: Montse & Ferran |
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Alvar Aalto's controversial creation |
1 Kanavaranta Helsinki 00160 Finland |
The easily recognisable form of the Enso building, cause to a lot of controversy, guards the district of Katajanokka. The building, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1962, has been called the "sugar cube" due to its shape and colour. The cubic house with its interesting lines of windows has caused quite a stir among citizens, as it is thought unsuitable for its surroundings. It doesn't exactly blend in with its neighbours—the Jugend-style Katajanokka, the elegant Presidential Palace and the majestic Uspenski cathedral. The Enso building was built on the spot of the old Norrmén castle, a decorative redbrick building, which was a close cousin of the Uspenski Cathedral. Many feel that the old building should have been kept in its place. Nevertheless, the Enso building is an important architectural landmark and a beautiful building. Its white marble walls and symmetrical windows bring a special flair to the area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 True multi-purpose centre |
1 C 15 Tallberginkatu Helsinki 00180 Finland +358 9 4763 8300 http://www.kaapeli.fi/ |
The Cable Factory houses a set of spaces for a wide variety of uses—offices, restaurants, museums, studios and galleries, as well as tiny band rehearsal rooms and two radio stations (Radio City and KissFM). The building is utilised to the smallest nook. Until the 1980s the Cable Factory was what the name implies, and the interiors vary in shape and size. Although every room has been thoroughly renovated, the basic feeling is still as austere as that of a factory. This does not discourage a wide range of activities from taking place here, you can catch art festivals, exhibitions and theatre, dance and music performances. The impressive 100m Sea Cable Hall (Merikaapelihalli) is frequently used for performances, and has seen events featuring thousands of people, wild horses, motorcycles and symphony orchestras. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marko Kettunen |
 Photo: Satu Palander |
 Photo: stickerHelsinki  |
 Photo: Tommi Jäkkö |
 Photo: Mikael Leppä |
 Photo: Ari Tulla |
 Photo: Antti Hietaniemi |
 Photo: Tero Heino |
 Popular, historic park |
Kaivopuisto Helsinki 00140 Finland |
Kaivopuisto is Helsinki's most famous park, filled with sights. Its cliffs offer fantastic views of the city and archipelago. Kaivopuisto was founded in 1830, mainly as a spa facility for aristocrats. They also built Kaivohuone, still a popular place for relaxing, parties and dining. As the Crimean War and the 1850 cholera epidemic came along, the spa shut down and was later destroyed during World War II. Nowadays, Kaivopuisto is a popular place for strolls and summer picnics. On May Day, this is the best place in the city, and thousands of people spend the day here. The park is used for many events, celebrations and free concerts. Kaivopuisto and its surroundings contain a multitude of sights, such as the American, British and French embassies, Mannerheim Museum and Cygnaeus Gallery. Across the road that lines the shore is the popular café Ursula. The park's two most famous landmarks are along Iso Puistotie street: Kaivohuone, and the Kalastava Karhu or "Fishing Bear" well. In the centre of the park stands the elegant Ursa observatory. Nearby is a bust of Nordenskiöld, the explorer who discovered the passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anna Amnell |
 Photo: Toni Viemerö |
 Photo: Jari Kirvesoja |
 Photo: gm fonseca |
 Photo: Sami Niemelä |
 Photo: Marco Amoroso |
 Photo: Luciano |
 Photo: Paul Mison |
 Photo: Anna Amnell |
 Photo: Sin Shoo GOH |
 Photo: Juan I. Cubilla |
 Photo: Lela |
 Photo: Jari Latvala |
 Nature in its full glory |
7 B Lönnrotinkatu (Helsinki Expert) Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 2288 1222 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
Even the name says it all: this is the dream tour for a nature-lover. The half-day trip covers one of Finland's most important protected sites, Nuuksio National Park. Cisitors can become acquainted with southern Finnish nature at its best: crystal-clear lakes and ponds and mighty forests. The tour, led by an expert guide, is an introduction to the stunning beauty of Finnish nature, and to the special features to Nuuksio. Among other things, this is the main place in Northern Europe where flying squirrels nest. The trip includes a one-kilometre walk through the woodsand lasts four hours and starts in front of the City Tourist Office. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sameli |
 Photo: Timo Tervo |
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Classic functionalism |
1 Paavo Nurmen tie Helsinki 00250 Finland +358 (0)9 4366 010 http://www.stadion.fi/ |
The Helsinki Olympic Stadium is a majestic piece of functionalist architecture. Designed by Yrjö Lindgren and Toivo Jäntti, it was completed in 1940; since then it has seen many renovations and changes. The bleachers are much more comfortable now, and the stadium can accommodate 40,000 people. Originally constructed as a venue for the 1940 Olympic Games (cancelled because of WWII), the stadium is best known for hosting the 1952 Olympics. Its most famous part is the 72 meter tower, which also offers one of the best views of the city. It plays host to numerous concerts, and amateur and professional sporting events (including the World Cup), hosts the Finland vs. Sweden athletics every other year, and is also home to the Finnish Sport Museum. Next to the car park is the statue of one of the world's all—time greatest athletes, the legendary Paavo Nurmi. The statue was sculpted by Wäinö Aaltonen in 1952, the year Nurmi was given the honour of lighting the Olympic torch. A statue of another great Finnish athlete of the 1970s, Lasse Viren, is across the street. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Olli Alopaeus |
 Photo: Olli Alopaeus |
 Photo: grisok |
 Photo: Harri Paavolainen |
 Photo: Mike Lipscomb |
 Photo: Docnico |
 Photo: Brit Steiner |
 Photo: Erik Lammerding |
 Photo: Gemma Gray |
 Photo: Caroline Yu |
 Photo: filmvanalledag |
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 Photo: Neil Sneddon |
 Photo: David Procházka |
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 Photo: Paul Hart |
 Photo: Heikki Alanen |
 Photo: Anssi Koskinen |
 Photo: Michael Keenan - UK |
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 Photo: Matti Sillanpää |
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 Photo: Florian Greiner |
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Majestic landmark of Helsinki |
30 Mannerheimintie Helsinki 00100 Finland http://www.eduskunta.fi |
The Parliament, now a heritage listed building, was constructed in 1926—1931 after the design Oratoribus by architects Borg, Sirén and Åberg. This is Finland's only representative og 1920s Classicism. Its monumental exterior is characterized by 14 Corinthian columns, and is built of red granite. The building is made of Finnish materials, and it represents the unity of architecture, art, workmanship and industrial design. This is apparent in the decor as well as the 900 works of art on display, the most famous of which are the bronze sculptures in the Session Hall designed by Wäinö Aaltonen. Each of the five floors is unique, connected to the others by a white marble staircase and famous open lifts. Most important for visitors are the beautiful main lobby, the stately Session Hall and the awe—inspiring Hall of State. Guided tours are arranged on Saturdays and Sundays, and on weekdays in July and August. Tuesdays and Fridays you can watch the Parliament in session from the public balcony. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alex Maneu |
 Photo: zache |
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Renowned architectural masterpiece |
Rautatientori Helsinki 00100 Finland |
The Railway Station is an important symbol of Helsinki, as well as an internationally renowned pearl of architecture. The building dates from 1914, and represents late Finnish Art Nouveau. It is the main work of famous architect Eliel Saarinen. The façade of the Railway Station, with its main entrance framed by a row of huge statues holding lanterns designed by Emil Wikström, is a familiar sight to all Finns. The pink—granite and copper structure with its famous clock tower is beautiful inside as well; old lamps and a beige colouring are complemented by original woodwork, creating a warm atmosphere. The Railway Station brings together many forms of travel: railway, metro and buses (on the square next to the station). Trams go right past the building as well. The shops and tunnels under the station offer bargain shopping opportunities and good connections to most of the city centre. The tunnels are a convenient route to take especially during bad weather. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stian Jondal |
 Photo: Charanpal Dhanjal |
 Photo: Anton Särkkä |
 Photo: Petri Tuohimaa |
 Photo: Jenni Meriluoto |
 Photo: Kevin Pollard |
 Photo: David Harding |
 Photo: Philip Menke |
 Photo: Mikael Albrecht |
 Photo: annmariii3 |
 Photo: Juha Heikkila |
 Photo: michelle |
 Photo: Geoff Stahl |
 Photo: Karel Moravec |
 Photo: Stéphane Lecorney |
 Photo: Geoff Stahl |
 Photo: StaneStane |
 Photo: samiru |
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 Photo: jim proffit |
 Photo: Ramon Sadornil |
 Photo: Tobias Grosch |
 Photo: Phil Davies |
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 Photo: Jarkko Karhunen |
 Photo: Proenski |
 Photo: Harri Haataja |
 German church |
4 Bernhardinkatu Helsinki 00130 Finland +358 9 636 070 http://www.delgifi.pp.fi/ |
This German Protestant church in Kaartinkaupunki (on the southern part of Unioninkatu, near Tähtitorninmäki) is certainly one of the loveliest in Helsinki. It was consecrated in 1864. The Germans who lived in Helsinki in the nineteenth century had their own parish circle with regular German services; in 1858 they were given the right to form their own congregation and this church was the result. The church is very attractive and has a romantic atmosphere. No wonder, then, that this is one of the most popular wedding churches in the Helsinki region. On Sundays the church often has an evening service at 11p. In addition to that, Sunday services are held at 11a. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Helsinki's most photographed building |
29 Unioninkatu (Senaatintori) Helsinki 00100 Finland +358 9 709 2455 |
The Lutheran Cathedral (also Suurkirkko or St. Nicholas Church) is Helsinki's most important landmark. The majestic outline of its 71 meter central tower illustrates the true glory of the White City of the North. The cathedral was designed by C. L. Engel in 1830; when Engel died in 1840, E. B. Lohrmann took over the supervision and added several touches to the original blueprints, including details in the simple yet beautiful interior. The cathedral was finally completed in 1852, though the famous grand steps would not be there for another 20 years. Despite the western, classical style, the influences of Russia and especially that of Czar Nicholas I are also visible. The cathedral's famous statues of the Apostles were originally Nicholas's idea. The Czar also donated the altarpiece, the work of Russian artist von Neff. The cathedral has a high—ceilinged crypt, a venue for exhibitions and concerts, and a café open every summer. The cathedral, decorated with statues of Mikael Agricola and the religious reformers Luther and Melanchthon, hosts both ordinary and more official (Government and University) services, as well as various concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dominic marcinkus |
 Photo: Petteri Sulonen |
 Photo: Peter PZ |
 Photo: phototouring |
 Photo: phototouring |
 Photo: Hurina |
 Photo: Nadia Prigoda |
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 Photo: eesu |
 Photo: Marko_K |
 Photo: Leena Saarinen |
 Photo: Tiina Rajasalo |
 Photo: Zunkkis |
 Photo: Jouni Heinänen |
 Photo: Hiranya Samarasekera |
 Photo: Rebecca Slaven |