Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Descending into the weekend maelstrom of Helsinki's excellent variety of
pubs
and
bars
Grabbing a picnic and exploring the fortress island of
Suomenlinna
that guarded
Helsinki harbour
Browsing the bohemian design district of
Punavuori
Checking out the fresh produce in the city's fabulous
market halls
Sweating out your cares in traditional, atmospheric
Kotiharjun Sauna
Tripping across to
Tallinn
to admire its unforgettable Old Town
Strolling among traditional wooden buildings on
Seurasaari
Dining
on avant-garde forage-based tasting menus or traditional food such as meat-
balls or liver (
Click here
)
Absorbing the atmosphere inside
Temppeliaukion Kirkko
History
Helsinki was founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa to rival the Hansa trading town of
Tallinn. Earlier trials at Ekenäs were fruitless, so traders from there and a few other towns
were shanghaied to newly founded Helsingfors (the Swedish name).
For over 200 years it remained a backwater, though it was razed in 1713 to prevent the
Russians occupying it. The inhabitants fled or were captured, and only returned after the
Peace of Nystad in 1721. Later the Swedes built the Sveaborg (Suomenlinna) fortress to
protect this eastern part of their empire against further Russian attack. Following the war
of 1808, however, the Russians succeeded in taking the fortress and a year later Russia an-
nexed Finland as an autonomous grand duchy. A capital nearer Russia than Sweden was
required and Helsinki was chosen in 1812: Turku lost its longstanding status as Finland's
capital and premier town.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Helsinki grew rapidly and German architect CL En-
gel was called on to dignify the city centre. The city suffered heavy Russian bombing dur-
ing WWII, but postwar Helsinki recovered and hosted the 1952 Summer Olympics. These
