Finland's capital was established in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 1800s that the city became what it is today. This was the period when the Russians built Helsinki in the style of St. Petersburg, with wide avenues and neoclassical palaces.
The Swedes had just finished building Suomenlinna, a massive naval fortification designed to keep the Russians at bay. This massive project is still going strong, and it's just one of many interesting things to see in Helsinki. Make time to visit some contemporary architecture, such as the Temppeliaukio Church.
1. Suomenlinna
Take the boat from Kauppatori and you'll be in one of the most spectacular locations in Scandinavia, if not the globe, in a matter of minutes. Suomenlinna is a massive marine fortification comprised of seven islands.
The Swedes built it to protect their eastern holdings in the mid-1800s, but it was conquered by the Russians around the turn of the century. It's no exaggeration to say that Suomenlinna hasn't altered much since then. A tiny baroque hamlet nestled within the star-shaped walls and gun posts still houses 1000 people.
2. The Cathedral of Helsinki
This landmark's towering green dome rises over the Helsinki skyline at night, and it seems to glow like a beacon from the sea. Whatever brings you to Helsinki, this whitewashed neoclassical church is one of the must-see attractions.
It was named St. Nicholas' Cathedral when it was constructed in the mid-nineteenth century, in honor of Russian Tsar Nicholas I, who was also Grand Duke of Finland.
It was simply renamed Helsinki Cathedral when Finland gained independence in 1917.
3. Esplanadi
This is a finger of green space right in the center of the city, a location where visitors and Helsinki residents gather to picnic, relax, and be entertained in the summer, and is known to locals as "Espa." The Espa Stage, an outdoor venue with a lively program of events and live music performances, is located in front of Cafe Kappeli during this time of year.
Come to Jazz-Espa, a month-long jazz event, or the Marimekko Fashion Show in June.
4. Temppeliaukio Church
There aren't many churches in the world that are quite like this one. Temppeliaukio was built in 1969 as the result of a postwar design competition won by the Suomalainen Brothers. The structure is partially subterranean and was hewn from a bedrock for the inner walls.
A round skylight surrounds the center dome, allowing daylight to fill the main room throughout the day. The architects created every item of décor and furnishings within this magnificent church. The wide copper dome of Temppeliaukio Church will seem like an extraterrestrial invasion as you approach it along Fredrikinkatu.
5. Island of Seurasaari
An open-air museum has erected a collection of classic Finnish buildings from all across the nation on a small island a few kilometers north of the city center. The museum is open throughout the summer, and professional interpreters dressed in traditional clothing can teach you about life and work in rural Finland during the past 400 years.
A network of paths connects the ancient factories, farms, manor homes, and cottages, allowing for pleasant excursions in the woods or along the shore.
6. Uspenski Cathedral
This orthodox church in Pormestarinrinne is the ideal place to start if you're searching for sites that demonstrate Russia's century-long relationship with Finland. It's the biggest Orthodox church in Western Europe, and it's perched on a hill in Katajanokka, one of Helsinki's more affluent neighborhoods.
The church's roots are obvious from the exterior, with its red-brick towers and golden cupolas.
Take a peek at the Iconostasis, which has a collection of stunning paintings portraying the Virgin Mary and a slew of saints.
7. Old Market Hall
The Old Market Hall by the lake in Eteläranta has been open all day, Monday to Saturday, since 1889. There had never been a permanent structure for Helsinki's open-air markets, which were hosted in squares. It's a beautiful Byzantine revival structure that's worth seeing even if you don't need to buy it.
If you want to buy anything, there are a variety of booths offering fresh food like meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables, as well as Finnish pastries and cheeses.
8. Urban Sauna
Sauna is a Finnish term, and the country has three million of them, including a significant number of them right here in Helsinki. Many are accessible to the public, and whether you come in the winter or summer, it's one of those experiences you must have in Finland.
The neighborhoods of Kotiharju, Merihaka, Hermanni, and the new “Löyly” complex at the southern end of the Helsinki peninsula are all good places to go for public saunas. There is some sauna etiquette to know, but nothing too complicated: Men and women are generally separated, it's preferable to remain nude although towels are permitted, and if you must speak, keep your voice quiet!
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