Helsinki Attractions

Helsinki Pictures

Helsinki’s architecture and style is a reflection of its recent past. After its destruction in a fire and then appointment as Finland’s capital in eighteen twelve, most of the building dates back to the early nineteenth century and is strongly influenced by its links to the Russian capital St Petersburg.

The Senate Square built after the fire is the most logical place to start. Here stands the impressive and probably most eye-catching sight of Helsinki, the Lutheran Cathedral as well as the University and Government Palace all built in the early nineteenth century period in neoclassical, empire-style. From here a stroll towards the sea front will lead to the Orthodox Cathedral, City Hall and Presidential Palace. Along stretches of the sea front you can take in the (rather unusual) southern European-style villas of Helsinki’s wealthier inhabitants.

The areas of Hakaniemi and Kruununhaka are worth looking at to get a flavor of Helsinki’s more distant past. Parts of these areas contain houses and monuments that date back to the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Given the later destruction that took place through fire, these are rare sights indeed.

As with the other Scandinavian capitals, the outskirts of Helsinki provide much unrivalled and unique forms of natural beauty. This is particularly the case when taking trips to the numerous surrounding islands and islets, the largest of which are Seurasaari and Suomenlinna.