Helsinki City Travel Guide Business & Tourist Travel Information
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Helsinki City Guide Business & Tourist Travel Information
Helsinki History Overview
Helsinki was built in 1550 as the Finnish alternative to Tallinn. For over two hundred years its development was constrained by poverty and war until it was occupied by the Russians in 1809. The Russians gave the Finnish State a degree of autonomy and nominated Helsinki as the country's capital. During the remainder of the 19th century the city grew rapidly aided by the introduction of railways and industrial development. The Russian influence on its architecture was highlighted in the centre of the city which was rebuilt in styles similar to those of St Petersburg.
Though in WW1 Helsinki suffered little damage after the civil war in 1918 around 13,000 defeated pro-soviet sympathisers were imprisoned in the fortress on Suomenlinna Island. In the following twenty years the standard of living in the city improved.
During WW2 the city was attacked in two waves by Russian bombers. In 1944 the second wave during the early summer saw over 15,000 bombs fall on the city from 2,000 bombers. Remarkably this sparsely populated city escaped the widespread destruction experienced in other european cities at the time. After the end of WW2 the city grew three fold but today it is after Brussels the second most sparsely occupied countries in Europe. Though much of the old architecture remains the city has as a result of the booming economy many examples of modern skyscrapers.
Sightseeing & Attractions In Helsinki
The White Cathedral (Senate Square) Built in 1802 has on its roof statues of the disciples and Christ. Inside it has a very imposing organ which contrasts its high ceiling contrasts the spacious white walls. The Cathedrals bells ring daily at 17.49 This is the city's most prominent land mark and is open daily from 9am - 6pm The Suommenlinna Island and Fortress is just 1 km outside central Helsinki - a 20 minute boat ride from the Market Square. It was founded in 1749 to defend the city from attack by the sea. In winter is very exposed and summer a good place for a picnic. The site is listed as a World Heritage Site. Certain parts of it are open at different times - further details from this website.
The Uspenski Orthodox Church is in most visitors view a cathedral. Situated on a stony hill about 300m meters east of the Market Square it is a curious mixture of Russian-Byzantian and western style architecture. It was built in red brick in 1868 and is t largest orthodox cathedral in western and northern Europe. It boasts 13 domes and a three storey bell tower. Its internal decor is magnificent. Open daily from 09.30 - 16.00 and Sundays between its Finnish services - midday - 15.00.
Kauppatori - Market Square & Market Hall: For those who enjoy open air markets this is one of those gems - fresh salmon and fish (straight from the trawlers) stalls mixed with flower and souvenir stalls! Sofiankatu Museum Street runs between the Market and Senate Squares. This enchanting cobblestone street with its antique street furniture it is a trip back to the 19th century literally. Sadly it has one or two out of place tourist cafes.** Children and grown up adults will appreciate the Linnanmaki Amusement Park. This is one of Finland's three such parks and thought it was first opened in 1950 it sees over a million visitors every summer as it is constantly adding new rides and horror experiences. For more details visit their website. The National Museum next to the Parliament Building, offers permanent and temporary exhibitions. The former consist of The Prehistory of Finland (the Ice Age), The Realm, A Land and Its People, The Treasure Troves and The Past Century. The number of archaeological artifacts, and suits of armour is amazing and the clothes jewelry along with the sculptures, mean you can spend a long time here. Closed on Mondays and opens from 11am to 8pm Tuesday & Wednesdays - and from 11am till 6pm Thursday to Sunday - Website. Esplanadi Boulevard in the centre of Helsinki is the city's park with three streets crossing its grounds. Here you shop in the famous Stockmann Department Store, shop to you drop on can join the Pohjois-Esplanadi and then recover in one of the the Las Ramblas style cafes
Russian Coffee House
There are several places in Sofiankatu Museum Street (between the Market & Senate Squares that you can stop for coffee the best is probably the Russian Coffee House which seems to have more locals than most.
Festivals In Helsinki
In the summer Helsinki stages several outdoor festivals including the May Day Carnival, the annual Samba carnival and the Midsummer Festival and the October Herring Festival not forgetting , the Helsinki City Marathon. See the tourist board links above for more info on these and other festivals which include ballet and opera.
Restaurants In Helsinki
Havis (Etelärantatie 16), near Market Square, is one of the city's great adventures. It offers traditional Finnish Fish Fare coupled with some memorable vegetarian dishes. Most notable of the former are the blue mussel soup and the lavaret - whitefish - very slowly fried! The veggie menu always includes a 'special of the day' but having said that the mushroom crepes with glazed vegetables are of very trustworthy. For after's the coffee pudding with doughnuts is guaranteed to ensure you don't leave in a hurry. Note the restaurant is open Monday - Saturday and closed between September & April Tele: 09 - 869-5660.
Nokka Kanavaranta 7, on Katanajanokka quay and beneath the Helsinki Culinary Institute, has built up a good reputation for preparing fresh food and seasonal dishes. Its snow grouse has been mentioned by many discerning guests. Closed Sun and some lunchtimes for further details: Tele 09 - 687-7330.
Palace Gourmet (Palace Hotel), Eteläranta 10. Prices here are are not for the meek but the rewards for being brave are worth the suffering. The menu is a mixture of Finnish and French cuisine and includes an option of a seven course meal - which differs from day to day. The fillet of lamb and accompanying side dishes - especially the garlic sauce is 'bliss.' The food by anyone's standards is exceptional and the service is of a high standard as well. Tele: 09 - 1345-6715. Advance booking advisable.
Sipuli Kanavaranta 3, (in front Uspenski Church) which caters for those who like both French and Finnish cuisine. The roasted veal fillet is exceptional as is the smoked fillet with Salmon mouse. When available the Fennel soup with mushrooms is also to be enjoyed. Relaxing wooden decor. Its opening hours at weekends are variable so its best to ring first. Telephone : 09 - 622-9280.
Troikka Caloniuksenk. 3. This very pleasing establishment is another journey back in time. The menu is predominantly Russian and the food can only be described as exceptional. The herring is both fresh from the baltic sea and out of this world. One of Helsinki's best all round fares with several home made compliments. Open Monday - Saturday. Closed lunchtimes in July. Telephone 09 - 445-229.
Zetor, Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 3-5, , This is the place for a hearty meal though those on a diet might think twice. Karelian stew, sausage and meatballs are just part of the fare. It opens late and when most restaurant staff in Helsinki are on their way home this establishment turns into a night bar come rock club. Good food and reasonably priced. Tele 09 - 666-966.
Bellevue Rahapajank. 3. At 80 years old this is one of Helsinki's oldest restaurants and is popular with locals. The menu is part Finnish and part Russian and you will find the many of them choose the ox fillet. The decor is somewhat salubrious and the service very friendly. Intimate. No open at lunchtimes at the weekend and sometimes closed at weekends during the summer. Telephone 09 - 179-560.
Namaskaar & Wok It Sanomatalo, Postikuja 2, offers plentiful Japanese, Thai and Indian dishes at very decent prices in a very 'tee' environment. Good service as well. Telephone 09 - 6812-1450. Sundmands Eteläranta 16; often credited with setting the standard in Helsinki for fine dining this five room establishment is within a 19th century mansion house. The classical decor is home to fine Finnish cuisine which is supported by an extensive wine list. Telephone 09 - 622 6410. Open mon -sat with a lunchtime menu weekdays.
Papa Giovanni World Trade Centre, Keskuskatu 7, this easy to find Italian restaurant has a good reputation for its fish (including fresh lobster) and meat dishes rather than pizzas. Classy but not overpriced Tel: 09 622 6010
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