Top 25 Helsinki Attractions, Finland

The capital of Finland cannot boast of grandiose magnificent architecture, a large number of historical sights and some particularly outstanding cultural heritage. However, Helsinki is an original, atmospheric city and it definitely has its own charm.

City officials welcome modern architectural designs. Thanks to this, tourists can admire the unusual Temppeliaukio Church and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence. The granite-clad embankments of the Finnish capital turn into restrained and majestic panoramas of the Baltic Sea, where cruise liners and ferries rock on the waters.

Helsinki is a solid, solid and prosperous city. There are no enchanting Gothic cathedrals and castles here, but there is an incomparable Kiasma, strict northern nature and the triumph of common sense.

What to see and where to go in Helsinki?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Cathedral and Senate Square

Senate Square is one of the three central squares of the Finnish capital. Around it are concentrated sights and main tourist routes. The place is decorated with the architectural ensemble of the Cathedral, which was erected in the first half of the 19th century after the proclamation of Helsinki as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. Inside the cathedral there is a monument to the founder of the Reformation - M. Luther.

Monument to Sibelius

A monument dedicated to the famous and revered Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. In honor of this outstanding historical figure, several streets, a music academy, and a city park are also named. The monument was erected in 1967 according to the project of E. Hiltunen. This is an abstract composition, which is a heap of metal pipes and a bas-relief of the composer located at the foot.

Havis Amanda

City fountain, one of the symbols of the Finnish capital. The project was developed by the sculptor V. Wallgren at the beginning of the 20th century. In the middle of the sculptural group there is a statue of a woman - a "sea nymph", on the sides there are fabulous sea lions. It is hard to believe, but before the installation of the monument, there were heated discussions for more than two years about the propriety of installing a naked figure in the city center.

Fortress of Sveaborg

A sea fort located on rocky islands near Helsinki. From the city center you can quickly get there by ferry. Sveaborg is a Swedish name, the Finns call the fortress Suomenlinna. The construction was erected in the middle of the XVIII century at a time when Finland was part of Sweden. The fortress was the base for the Swedish fleet and protected the approaches to Helsinki.

Church of Temppeliaukio

The original temple, located in a natural rock. The church is considered one of the most striking sights of Helsinki. Thanks to the unusual architecture, a stunning acoustic effect is created in the church hall. The idea of ​​progressive design belongs to the Suomalainen brothers. The temple was built in the 70s. XX century and quickly gained fame and popularity. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Temppeliaukio Church every year.

Assumption Cathedral

An Orthodox church built according to the project of A.M. Gornostaev in the middle of the 19th century. The architectural style of the cathedral is a mixture of the Byzantine style and the traditions of Russian temple architecture. In 1872 he was given the status of a cathedral. At the moment, the Assumption Cathedral in Helsinki is the largest Orthodox church in Western and Northern Europe.

Church of Kallio

The granite bulk of the Kallio Church is often called a striking creation of the so-called "Finnish" Art Nouveau or "National Romanticism". This rather original building appeared in 1912 and soon became the main attraction of the entire Kallio region. It is believed that the architect L. Sonck, when designing the building, took as a model the description of the Old Testament temple of Solomon (including its impressive size).

Church of Saint John

Lutheran church of the late 19th century, a grandiose creation of the Swedish architect A. Melander. It was built on the spot where the pagan holiday of Ivan Kupala was always celebrated. The church is very impressive in size - at the same time 2600 people fit inside. The building was built in the "reference" neo-Gothic style, the interior space is decorated with wooden decor, which was created by the best Finnish craftsmen.

Chapel of Silence Kamppi

The modern building, erected in 2012 according to the design of M. Summanen, N. Sirol and K. Lintula, is an interesting and striking example of the latest architecture in Helsinki. The chapel is not a temple in the usual sense, services are not held here, but on its territory you can get psychological help or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city space.

National Museum of Finland

Museum of the History of Finland, where you can trace the development of the land of Suomi (as the Finns call their state) from ancient times to the modern period. Museum expositions are quite extensive - from clay shards to the thrones of rulers, from medieval weapons to the technical achievements of the Nokia company. The museum was opened to visitors in 1916.

Design Museum

The expositions of the museum demonstrate the achievements of Finnish applied art. It often hosts exhibitions, international events, demonstrations of fashion collections of young designers. The museum was founded in 1873 as a workshop for teaching applied arts. Now this place is considered one of the best modern creative venues in Europe.

Museum of Natural History

One of the three largest national museums in Finland. The exposition dedicated to natural history and evolution is located on four floors. Among the most valuable artifacts there are fossil exhibits that are more than a thousand years old. The collection is divided into four parts: History of Life, Nature of Finland, History of Bones, Nature of the World.

Science Museum "Eureka"

The museum is located in the city of Vantaa near the Finnish capital. It is an interactive gaming, educational and entertainment center where visitors of different ages can experiment, explore the nature of physical phenomena and just have a good time. In museum "laboratories" under the guidance of specialists, more complex experiments can be carried out.

Ateneum Art Museum

An art gallery with a rich collection of works of art. A special place is given to the canvases of Finnish artists - representatives of the Golden Age period in national art. There are also works by recognized world classics: Van Gogh, P. Gauguin, Modigliani, Degas, F. Goya, Cezanne and others. The collection contains a large number of paintings by Russian artists: Levitan, Shishkin, Repin, Polenov.

Kiasma

A grand museum of modern art, located in a monumental building of modern architecture. The museum specializes in collecting works by Finnish masters and artists from nearby countries. Often, many works are created by order of Kiasma. Now the museum's collection has about 9 thousand exhibits, but the funds are constantly replenished and the exposition is growing.

Seurasaari open-air museum

The museum is located on the island of the same name to the west of Helsinki. There are similar expositions in many European countries, they are designed to acquaint tourists with the traditional life and life of the local population. In Seurasaari, you can see the wooden dwellings of villagers, Finnish saunas, outbuildings, windmills, religious buildings brought from all over the country.

Market Square

The square was formed at the beginning of the 19th century. Since then, there has been a market here, popular with visitors to Helsinki and locals. On the square you can buy souvenirs, fresh products, excellent fish, and also have a delicious lunch. Ferries depart from here to Suomenlinna. An obelisk in honor of the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna was erected on the square.

Old covered market

Shopping malls on the shores of the South Bay, located in an elegant brick building of the XIX century. The market offers a large selection of meat, fish, seafood, bread, various pastries. There is also a shop of local delicacies and sushi - restaurant. The old covered market is quite an atmospheric place with carved wooden stalls, small shops and friendly sellers.

Helsinki Railway Station

The relatively small building of the capital's railway station is an architectural monument of the early 20th century. It was built according to the design of the architect E. Saarinen. The Art Nouveau façade is decorated with figures of stone giants created by E. Wikström. Numerous suburban electric trains and long-distance trains depart from the station to various European countries and to Russia.

Serena Water Park

Water park in the suburbs of Helsinki, which is open to the public all year round. Quite a few slides are located in the open air, and during the cool Finnish summer you can often see children playing in the water at a temperature of only 19 ° C. When buying an All Inclusive ticket, you can visit all attractions, a bar and a restaurant (alcohol for a fee).

Sea Life Maritime Center

Oceanarium, located in the northern part of the Finnish capital. Sea Life aquariums feature a wide variety of marine life: stingrays, sharks, corals, jellyfish, seahorses, exotic tropical fish, inhabitants of the harsh northern seas. There are group tours in Finnish, Swedish and English around the aquarium. The guidebook also contains information in Russian.

Linnanmäki

Amusement and amusement park, quite popular with tourists and locals. Up to a million visitors come to Linnanmäki every year. Carousels and park attractions are made in leading European countries and meet the latest safety requirements. There are several free attractions for children in the park.

Zoo Korkeasaari

The zoo is located on the island of the same name. It was founded in 1889 by A. Fabricius. Bears were the first inhabitants of the zoo. Snow leopards live on the territory of Korkeasaari, which are now on the verge of extinction. In addition to magnificent northern animals, in the zoo you can admire reptiles, tropical birds, representatives of exotic fauna.

Botanical Garden

The garden is located near the central part of Helsinki. Rose gardens were laid out on the territory of the park, greenhouses and a system of artificial ponds were created. In summer, the garden turns into a magnificent flowering and fragrant canvas. On its territory, thematic events, various exhibitions, competitions, actions in defense of nature are regularly held.

Esplanade Park

City park, Finnish "Champs Elysees" and one of the favorite places for walking locals and guests of Helsinki. Here you can have a great rest in between visiting the numerous shops and sights of the Finnish capital. In the eastern part of the Esplanade there is a small concert venue where progressive music groups perform in the summer.