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Helsinki, Finland |
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Lying at 60°N. latitude,
Helsinki is the northernmost metropolitan area with a
population of over one
million. It has
close historical ties to Stockholm, Tallinn and St.
Petersburg. Its main development occurred when Russia
defeated Sweden, annexed Finland and declared Helsinki
the capital in 1812. |
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Helsinki is located on the tip of a peninsula and incorporates
315 islands. |
The pretty cobblestone streets were almost deserted when we
first arrived early on a Sunday morning but became very lively
with active families later in the day. |
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Helsinki is a relatively young city. Most of its urban
development began in the mid 1800s, with its most rapid growth
after the 1952 Olympics.
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Helsinki's delightful architecture has contributed to its
designation as a world design capital and the world's most liveable city. |
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The National Museum of Finland illustrates
Finnish history from prehistoric times to the present, and has a
comprehensive collection on the culture and ethnography of
everyday life.
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Completed in 1868 in the Katajanokka district, the Uspenski orthodox cathedral
is an important symbol of the Russian influence in Finland. |
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The Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral, the icon of Helsinki, is
located in Senate Square, around which it, the Government Palace
and the University of Helsinki make up the historical and
cultural heart. |
Modern Finnish design can be seen in buildings such as the Kiasma Museum of
Contemporary Art and Finlandia Concert Hall. |
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The Tempplekiaukio Church which is built directly into solid
rock, is one of Helsinki's architectural gems.
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Helsinki features many shops specializing in interior design,
kitchen decor and other decorative arts.
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The booths in Market Square at South Harbour sell traditional
Finnish foods and snacks. |
Shops feature traditional handicrafts such as woolen sweaters
and wooden carvings. |
The challenging Finnish language, in the
Uralian language family, is related to Estonian and Hungarian.
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On the bridge connecting the North and South Harbor esplanades,
a tradition of love locks has become popular. |
The statue of the three smiths is a
popular meeting place
at the intersection between famous shopping street
Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie.
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The bay and harbor areas have piers and terminals, with walkways
connecting Esplanadi Park and a series of parallel streets.
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Exploring the long coastline of the archipelago, visiting
deserted lighthouses, fishing, and engaging in water sports are
part of the Finnish maritime heritage and laid back lifestyle.
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