Three central squares of the Finnish capital: Senate, Trade and Railway Station. They have always been of interest to tourists, since it is precisely on them that many architectural monuments and attractions are concentrated. We will pay a little attention to each of them and get to know them better.

Senate square

Senate square

The main features of the panoramic view that opens from the steps of the Cathedral, developed in the first half of the XIX century. In 1812, Helsinki was proclaimed the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. And the new capital had to comply with such a high status. For the design of the central square of the city, a German architect Karl Ludwig Engel was invited, who in 20-30. XIX century designed a number of official buildings that make up the main ensemble of the Senate Square.

To find out where what is located, take the Cathedral as a starting point. This monumental building was erected for 22 years. Originally the cathedral was called Nikolsky and was dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. It was also a way of expressing respect to the Russian Emperor Nicholas II, who presented a painting of Timofey Andreyevich von Neff to decorate the altar of the temple. Later, the cathedral was renamed Helsinki Cathedral.

Address of the Cathedral: st. Unioninkatu, 29.

Architecture

Engel was the architect at first, but he died in 1940, and another architect, Ernst Lormann, was completing the building. The construction was completed in 1852. The roof of the cathedral is decorated with figures of 12 apostles, and inside there are statues of Martin Luther (founder of the Reformation), Philip Melanchthon (humanist and theorist of Lutheranism) and Michael Agricola (bishop who translated the Bible into Finnish).

Events

On the square in front of the cathedral, various festive events take place, the most spectacular of which is the celebration of Lucia Day. Every year on December 13, out of 10 candidates, Lucia, Queen of the World is chosen, crowned with a crown of burning candles, and the festive procession begins.

The cathedral is open daily from 9.00 to 18.00 (from June to August from 9.00 to 24.00). The entrance is free. Periodically, the cathedral hosts official events, during which the entrance for tourists is closed.

Directly in front of the cathedral there is a monument to the most respected Finnish emperor, Alexander II, under whom his own currency, the mark, was introduced in Finland, and Finnish received the status of the state along with Swedish. Walter Runeberg, the author of this project, portrayed the emperor in the form of a guard officer. He delivers a speech, and around him are four allegorical figures: "Law", "Peace", "Light" and "Labor".

What kind of buildings surround the Senate Square?

If you stand on the granite staircase of the cathedral facing the square, then the State Council building will be on your left - another project of Engel. Previously, the Senate was located here (hence the name of the square), but now this is the place of work of the Government of Finland. On the second floor is the office of the Prime Minister. Visitors are not allowed here.

To the right of the cathedral you will see the main building of the University, designed by Engel in 1832. Like the State Council building, it is made in the neoclassical style and repeats the same proportions and composition. Next to the university building, on Unionionkanu Street, is the University Library. This building is rightfully considered one of Engel's most beautiful works.

Well, at the very far end of the square (if you look from the steps of the cathedral) are the houses of wealthy merchants of the 18th century. Now various city institutions are located there, and on the lower floors there are shops, restaurants and cafes. The oldest building of them is the Cederholm house (this is a two-story small mansion on the corner of the square), there is a museum of merchant life and temporary exhibitions are held there.

In 2005, Senate Square had its own “voice”. Every day at 17.49 a 5-minute musical composition is broadcast, which is best heard near the monument to Alexander II.

Station Square (Rautatientori)

It is with her that the acquaintance with Helsinki begins for all those who arrived in the Finnish capital by train. The station building itself, of course, deserves attention, this is one of the main symbols of the city. The station began its work in 1919. Its architecture is peculiar: the building is decorated with pink granite, on one side it is crowned by a massive tower, and huge figures with lanterns in their hands rise on the sides of the main entrance. In the station building you can find a pharmacy, shops, a tourist information point (where there are all kinds of maps and tourist booklets), several cafes.

Let's hit the road

To the right of the railway station there is a bus stop, from where the majority of regular buses depart, including those that go to the airport, as well as a taxi stand.

For shopping lovers

Opposite the station you will see the most controversial building in the center of Helsinki - Mccaratalo, which means "sausage house." The building got such a name because of the ledge encircling it (there is a parking lot). Shops were located on the lower floors, and offices on the upper floors.

Speaking of stores. Station Square may well be considered as a starting point for shopping in the capital's department stores. You can get to Sokos, Kamppi and Forum right along the underpass that goes from the station. Different shops also work in the underpass.

Culture

On Vokzalnaya Square, a beautiful castle-like building of gray granite rises topped with a red roof. This is (Kansallisteatteri). In his repertoire you can almost always find plays by the Finnish playwright Alexis Kivi (it is his monument that is located near the theater). Directly opposite, on the opposite side of the square, is the Ateneum Art Museum. And behind the National Theater is the large Kaisaniemi Park (it includes the University Botanical Garden, in whose greenhouses there are many tropical plants).

Market Square (Kauppatori)

Perhaps this is the busiest place in Helsinki. In summer, you can buy berries, fruits and vegetables grown by caring farms, try local delicacies, and also find the largest selection of souvenirs and handicrafts in the capital. In October, the Silakkamarkkinat Herring Fair is held here annually, where you can taste a wide variety of fish dishes. And in the winter the Christmas market is open. At any time of the year, tent cafes are open where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri 6.30 - 18.00

Sat 6.30 - 16.00

Sun (only in summer) 10.00 - 17.00

Attractions around

It is worth noting the nearby attractions.

In front of the square is the Havis Amanda Fountain (Sea Nymph). This sculpture was made by Ville Valgren and installed here in 1908.

Not far from the square is the Palace of the President of the Republic. For some time it housed the Finnish residence of Russian emperors, and since 1919 this building became the palace of the presidents of independent Finland.

The Esplanade Park (Esplanadin puisto) adjoins the shopping area, where it is so pleasant to stroll in the summer in the shade of large trees. At the beginning of the park is the famous Kappeli restaurant, and opposite it is the Espa summer theater, whose open stage in warm times often also serves as a concert venue.

Not far from the square (Kanavakatu street, 1) is located the Assumption Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in Western Europe. It was built in the pseudo-Byzantine style by the Russian architect A.M. Gornostaev in 1868.

Senate Square has been the main square of Helsinki since the 17th century. The square acquired its present form in the early 19th century, when the Russian Tsar Alexander II moved the capital of Finland from Turku to Helsinki. Senate Square and its surroundings are a unique example of neoclassical architecture.

History of occurrence.

The Senate Square has a rather rich history. In 1809, Finland was incorporated into the Russian Empire as an independent duchy, and three years later, Helsinki proclaimed it the capital. Johan Albrecht Ehrenström, a military engineer, was appointed the head of the city’s reconstruction committee, who commissioned the talented architect Karl Ludwig Engel to design and build about 30 public buildings in Helsinki. Many of his creations are located on Senate Square.

Architecture.

Senate Square is the most coherently preserved neoclassical square in Europe, which arose on the site of the church, city hall and market of the 17th century.
  On the south side of Senate Square, on Sofiankatu Street, are the mansions of Swedish merchants of the 18-19th centuries, among which the oldest stone building in Helsinki stands out - the Cederholm house, erected in 1757, which today houses the museum. The rest of the houses are currently reserved for offices, shops and restaurants.
  One of the main attractions of Senate Square is the Lutheran Church (formerly Nicholas Church). On the eastern side of the square is the State Council building, which was the Imperial Senate in 1822.
  In the center of the square is a statue of Emperor Alexander II (1894).
On the western side of the square, opposite the Council of State, stands the main building of the University of Helsinki. Originally built in 1832, the building was completely destroyed in one days of an air raid in 1944, but was later rebuilt, repaired and reopened in 1948. The main merit of the architect is that he was able to create a single harmonious composition of buildings and structures in a rather hilly area with protruding rocks in some places. That is why Helsinki is called the White Capital of the North.

Tourist note.

In the summer, all kinds of concerts, festivals and other entertainment events are held on Senate Square. The stage is erected directly on the square, and numerous spectators are placed on the step of the cathedral. The most solemn events held on Senate Square can be seen on the city day (June 12), and during the annual Helsinki Festival (mid or end of August). Every day at 17.49, the composition “Sounds of the Senate Square” plays on the square, which was written specifically to mark the end of the working day and the beginning of the rest. The square itself is not of particular interest to the residents of Helsinki - only tourists stop to take pictures, while locals in a hurry just cross it.

Neighborhood.

You can stay in Helsinki near Senate Square at: Seurahuone Helsinki, Hilton Helsinki Strand, Klaus K Hotel, Holiday Inn Helsinki City Center, Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka. More economical option: Eurohostel, Hotel Finn, Omena Hotel Helsinki Lonnrotinkatu, Omena Hotel Yrjonkatu, ANNA HOTEL. Near Senate Square are the Cathedral, Cederholm House, Esplanade Park, Atheneum Art Museum and the National Museum.

Helsinki is a very beautiful city with amazing architecture. A rich history left its mark on his appearance. Arriving here, vacationers will be able to visit the squares and museums, admire the beauty of churches and parks. Even a week may not be enough to get to know the capital - the sights here are located literally at every step.

Senate Square (Senaatintori)

It is best to start exploring the city from its cultural and historical center. The name speaks for itself: it is here that the building of the Senate (now the State Council) is located. Nearby is the University, and on the contrary you can see the former residences of prosperous merchants of the century before last. In the middle of the square stands a monument to the Emperor of the Russian Empire Alexander II, who did a lot for the Principality of Finland. Four figures are installed next to him, embodying the law, peace, labor and light. The houses surrounding the square ring form a harmonious architectural ensemble.

Church in the rock (Temppeliaukio kirkko)

Helsinki has many religious sites, but the most unusual of all can rightfully be called the Lutheran church in granite rock. The avant-garde construction caused an ambiguous reaction of society, but now Temppeliaukio is considered one of the symbols of the city, and even the most skeptical townspeople have come to terms with its original style.

The hall of the church is spacious, and part of the walls is untreated rock. Light enters through the windows surrounding the huge dome, so there is no feeling of stiffness. It has excellent acoustics, which is why the temple is often used for concerts. However, even on ordinary days, it is worth coming here to listen to a magnificent organ with more than 3000 pipes. There are no bells in Temppeliaukio, instead of them there are columns installed in the walls through which bell music written by Tanel Kuusisto is broadcast.

Entrance to the church is free, but you need to focus on the schedule of services. In the summer from Monday to Saturday, it is open from 10:00 to 17:45, and in the winter from 10:00 to 17:00. On Sundays, Temppeliaukio Church begins work an hour later.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Jumalansynnyttäjän kuolonuneen nukkumisen katedraali)

Another religious building, whose appearance will not leave anyone indifferent, is made in the classic pseudo-Byzantine style. The Assumption Cathedral, built at the end of the 19th century on the basis of the Katajanokka Peninsula, is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Finland. It is built on a rock and proudly rises above the nearby buildings. The outer walls are made of red brick, and thirteen bulbous chapters are covered with gold leaf. The main dome rises in the central part of the square structure, while the bell tower is located on the south side. From the platform in front of the cathedral offers a beautiful view of the whole of Helsinki.

The cathedral can be visited on all days except Mondays. Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday - 9: 30-16: 00, Saturday - 9: 30-14: 00, Sunday - 12: 00-15: 00. If tourists want to attend the service, the time needs to be specified separately.

Market Square (Kauppatori)

Helsinki's Market Square is worth a visit not only for shopping lovers, but also for those who want to see the daily life of the city. Along its perimeter, there are retail outlets where everything you want is sold - from delicacies to clothing and souvenirs. It’s worth taking a walk here, because Helsinki does not tolerate fuss. In addition to tents, one of the city’s symbols is located here - the Sea Nymph fountain, as well as an obelisk in honor of the Russian Empress Alexandra Fedorovna.

As in any market, trading is carried out on weekends in the morning. It is especially interesting in the square for Christmas holidays, when everything around is decorated with garlands. You can strengthen your strength after shopping, and in winter you can warm up in small cafes.

Sveaborg Fortress (Suomenlinna)

Sveaborg (“Swedish Fortress”) or Suomenlinna (“Finnish Fortress”) are the names of one and the same historical object, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Currently, the strengthening has passed to civilian administration, but earlier it had an important defense function.

The fortress was erected on islands located two kilometers from Helsinki. Here lovers of history, architecture and military affairs will find many interesting things for themselves. Among the tourist sites can be identified:

• suomenlinna Museum (Suomenlinna-museo) - ticket from 5 euros;
• toy Museum (Suomenlinnan Lelumuseo) - admission is from 5 euros;
• war Museum (Sotamuseon Maneesi) - ticket costs 4 euros;
• museum of Field Marshal Ehrensvärd (Ehrensvärd-museo) ticket from 3 euros;
• customs Museum (Tullimuseo) - admission is free;
• submarine museum Vesikko (ticket price) from 4 euros.

Not the entire fortress is open for visiting - part of it is reserved for the naval academy, and there is also a prison. Interestingly, it is the prisoners who are involved in maintaining order in Sveaborg.

You can get here only by ferry or river tram from the Market Square. One way ticket costs 4 euros. Tourists who decide to visit the attraction for the first time should remember that there is no transport on the territory of the fortress, so shoes should be worn as comfortable as possible.

Winter Garden

The winter garden is a wonderful romantic place, perfect for unhurried walks. This is a kind of oasis of wildlife in the middle of the metropolis. Having crossed the threshold, you immediately find yourself in a tropical forest: birds sing, creepers hang from the ceiling. However, going a little further, it is impossible not to note the order prevailing here: paths are sprinkled with gravel, and animals are located in cages.

The territory is divided into several parts: a pool with fish, a cactus garden and an area of \u200b\u200bexotic plants and flowers. Entrance to the Winter Garden is free, but it only works until 15:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays - until 16:00, the day off is Monday. You can get here by tram No. 2, 4 and 7A, stop Töölön halli.

Museum of Contemporary Art "Kiasma" (Kiasma)

Kiasma Museum is one of the youngest in Helsinki. It is dedicated to contemporary art in the broad sense of the word. The museum does not look like classical galleries - rather, it is several creative sites collected in one place. There are 25 departments in total, covering such areas as painting, cinema, photography, sculpture, music, architecture and so on. Exhibitions are constantly updated, and so that visitors can freely navigate in the expositions, they provide audio guides at the entrance.

The museum is located at: Mannerheiminaukio Square, 2. Kiasma opens at 10:00, but the working hours vary: on Tuesday it is open until 17:00, on Wednesday and Thursday - until 20:30, on Friday - until 20:00, on Saturday - until 18:00, on Sunday - until 17:00. Monday is the day off. Entrance ticket costs 12 euros, for students - 8 euros.

Aleksanterinkatu Street

Aleksanterinkatu or Aleksandrovskaya Street is the historical center of Helsinki, the richest street in the city. Trade was conducted several centuries ago, and since then nothing has changed in this regard. It is here that the stores of the most famous brands are located, as well as the largest shopping center in the capital - Stockmann. A visit to Aleksanterinkat will be interesting not only for the purpose of shopping - the street itself is very beautiful. You can get here by bus (No. 4, 4A, 7A and 7B) or tram (3B).

Acquaintance with the city

By bus or tram

Bus tours in Helsinki begin at the central station (Simonkatu 1) or at the port (Silja and Viking terminals). An inexpensive but very exciting alternative to a bus tour is to get to know the city on the 3T tram line. In this case, we recommend starting the tour from the station, then the tram follows almost all the main attractions of Helsinki. Together with the ticket, it would be nice to buy an accompanying brochure with a description of the objects that the tram is rolling past.

On foot or by bike

The Helsinki Information Center brochure lists popular itineraries for exploring the city and bike rental facilities.

On the ship around Helsinki

Pleasure boats in the summer every hour (from 10.00) depart from the Market Square and from Hakanie Square - you can take a trip around the islands off the coast of Helsinki.

Leisure

Holidays in Helsinki need not be limited to visiting attractions - the city has a huge selection of places where you can spend time actively and fun. Of course, first of all, tourists will want to travel on water. It can be both an exit to the open sea, and a boat trip along the coastline. You can get acquainted with the underwater inhabitants without leaving the mainland - in the Sea Life aquarium. It has more than 50 aquariums, and under the largest of them, where sharks are kept, there is a glass tunnel.

The historic Vanhankaupunki district is a place where fishing enthusiasts should go. To catch fish in law-abiding Finland, you need to have a license, but you can freely buy it at Meri-Info kiosks located in Stockmann department store on ul. Aleksanterinkatu 52, or at the address: st. Unioninkatu 23.

Winter is perhaps the most favorite time of the year for the Finns, and how to resist the temptation to skate or ski down the slope, especially if all these activities are available in the city center. In addition to the covered ice parks and sports complexes located in and around Helsinki, ski runs and ice rinks are also flooded directly in the open.

The Finnish sauna is a must for any tourist who comes to Helsinki. The steam rooms are equipped right in the houses, on the roofs, and sometimes even on buses, and visiting them is an important part of the culture. One of the most colorful of public saunas is Raukhaniemi. Its peculiarity is that instead of an artificial pool, visitors plunge into the wormwood of Lake Näsijärvi.

Every year from late August to mid-September, a festive atmosphere reigns in Helsinki for three weeks. Concerts, performances are everywhere, and various events are organized. In the capital's cafes and restaurants, performances of every kind are arranged. The culmination of the festival is “The Long Night of Art”.

Shopping

Finnish-made goods, in particular clothes, shoes and interior items, are of high quality, for which they are very appreciated around the world. The choice of place for shopping depends on the product - for souvenirs and colorful handmade products, you should go to the market, but branded items can be purchased at large shopping centers.

Usually, woolen hats and sweaters with a characteristic pattern are usually brought from Helsinki. Warm and original, they will find a place in every wardrobe. Of the national brands, Marimeko has recently been popular - things have an unusual bright design, but at the same time they are well suited to any style.

In addition, you can pay attention to bath accessories. They are sold both separately and as gift sets.

Kuksa is also a traditional souvenir - a wooden cup with a handle-ring. In ancient times, the Finns took them on hikes, tying them to a belt.

The main shopping streets of Esplanade and Aleksanterinkatu (Aleksanterinkatu) are branded shops and small boutiques.

All your favorite Finnish foodstuffs (and sometimes visiting foreigners) can be bought on the market at the port. Opening hours: Mon Sat 6.30-14.00; in the summer of 15.30-20.00.

Near the Pitkasilta Bridge, there is a market on Hakaniemi Square. Here the products are slightly cheaper than in the market at the port.

At the end of Bulevardi Boulevard is the Hietalahdentori Market. It is worth going into the central pavilion. Opening hours: Monday to Friday - 8.00-18.00, on Saturday and Sunday - until 15.00.

How to save in Helsinki

The national currency of Finland is the euro, and at the current rate, even a short trip can be very expensive. In order to have a good rest and save at the same time, it is worth remembering some tourist tricks.

Free admission to museums

The schedule of most cultural sites includes days or hours of free access. So, at the Museum of Culture this time is from 17:00 to 20:00 on the first Tuesday of every month, the next day you can freely go to the Ateneum and Kiasma museums at the same time. On Fridays from 11:00 to 16:00 you do not need to pay for a ticket to the Museum of Finnish Architecture. In addition, the city has a lot of free objects, including churches and parks.

Saving on food

In most trips, it will be the most significant expense item. However, if you cook your own food by buying products in the supermarket, you can save a lot.

Savings on purchases

Inveterate shopaholics should pay attention to outlets, which are very numerous in Helsinki. Discounts in them can reach up to 70%.

When buying things as a gift, you should ask whether it is possible to get a Tax Free refund. In stores operating on this system, you need to take a special check, which is stamped when leaving the country. A refund of the paid VAT can be obtained directly at the customs.

Directions

Of course, the best way to save on travel is to live close to attractions. If this is not possible, and the tourist will have to use public transport every day, you should buy a single ticket. To do this, contact the city’s transport department or a travel agency.

Helsinki Accommodation

Visiting all the sights is a pleasant but rather tedious task, so you need to take care of the accommodation in advance. By tradition, most travelers choose hotels. The capital of Finland is a place where you can choose the right hotel that meets all the requirements for comfort, price per room, range of services. Network establishments, such as Hilton and Radisson, do not need a separate characteristic, but there are many interesting options besides them. For example, Hotel Kämp is the epitome of elegance and chic. It is not surprising that this is where the world elite prefers to stop. You can reserve a room and feel your involvement in the upper strata of society for 200 euros per day.

There are many more economical, but no less interesting hotels in the capital. So, Glo Hotel Art is a real medieval castle, Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel is an eco-hotel, all the interiors of rooms in which are made exclusively from natural materials.

For those who are going to stay in Helsinki for at least a week, as well as tourists with children, it is better to consider such an option as apartment rental (apart-hotels). Among them are Citykoti Downtown Apartments, Helsinki Central Apartments, Forenom Helsinki City Aparthotel.

Also in the city there are quite a few hostels that will appeal to young people, since living in them is inexpensive. Not far from the city center are Eurohostel, Hostel Erottajanpuisto, Domus Academica and others. At the height of the tourist season, the choice of housing is better not to be postponed, since good, profitable options are quickly sorted out. You can find and book a room through our website at the link.

How to get to Helsinki

The fastest way to get to the capital of Finland from Russia is by plane. Daily in this direction from Moscow direct flights run. The road will take no more than 2.5 hours.

Those who for some reason are not suitable for air transport can use the services of Russian Railways. A high-speed train will bring tourists from St. Petersburg to their destination in just 3.5 hours. But the journey from Moscow will last significantly longer - 15.5 hours.

Another option that is also popular is the ferry from the Northern capital. The approximate travel time is 13 hours, but this solution will be most beneficial for those who are used to traveling abroad on their cars - there is a car deck at the passenger's service.

Today we will talk about the capital of Finland - the city of Helsinki. As well as how to get to the city, what sights to see over the weekend and how to save money on a trip.

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa. For almost four hundred years of history, the city, like the whole of Finland, passed to Russia, then to Sweden, until, finally, in 1917, Finland achieved independence.

The Finnish name Helsinki (Helsinki) and Swedish Helsingfors (Helsingfors) are both official city names in these two languages.

Now in Helsinki a little more than 600 thousand people live, also he is constantly in the top of the best, comfortable, safe, but at the same time the most expensive cities in the world. If this is your first time visiting Helsinki, this series of articles should certainly help you.

Helsinki Attractions

Briefly about what you can watch in Helsinki in two days, in our three-minute video. Read a more detailed story below.

Walking in Helsinki, a Russian tourist can discover the city as an incredibly familiar place, as well as an absolute foreign country. The official languages \u200b\u200bhere are Finnish and Swedish, as it will not be difficult to communicate with the Finns in English. Russian speech is also found, but mainly from tourists (most often from St. Petersburg).

You can start traveling in Helsinki from anywhere! For convenience, I will break our two-day budget trip into several articles: “Helsinki Sights”, “” and “”.

West terminal Länsiterminaali

The historic center of Helsinki is located on a peninsula with a very rugged coastline. On three sides, the city is surrounded by the Gulf of Finland, it is not surprising that Helsinki is Finland's largest port. Helsinki has maritime trade and transport links with Estonia, Sweden, Germany, Poland and Russia.



  People who prefer to travel in personal cars can transport their iron horse between the countries by ferry.


  The port area of \u200b\u200bany coastal city, without a doubt, will be included in the list of attractions. There is a tram and bus from the West Terminal, the Bunkkeri stop.


  The monumental and decorative work "Horizon". The project of a metal work was presented by professor and designer Hannu Kähänen: “The length of this monument corresponds to the average depth of the Baltic Sea, which is only 54 meters. In this way, I wanted to illustrate the vulnerability of the Baltic Sea. I hope that this work will shine and sparkle as a symbol of the clean Baltic Sea. ”


  In Helsinki, you can find many pleasant things, for example, a shiny ball near the water and not a single cigarette butt around!


  Or this strange pissing man (also in the western port), it seems to me, he flew from another planet. In fact, this is a portable fountain, in winter it, of course, does not work, and in summer it is placed near the water.

Kalevankatu Street

From the western terminal to the center of Helsinki - a stone's throw. Of course, you can get there by public transport, or you can walk for 20 minutes, for example, along Kalevankatu street.
  As you move away from the port, houses will take on a more and more picturesque appearance:

Hotel Torni (free observation deck)

The Torni Hotel was built in 1931 and has remained the tallest building in Finland for 40 years. "Torni" is translated from the Finnish "tower".

The Torney Hotel is one of the main attractions of Helsinki, because it is from here that you can enjoy a bird's eye view of the city for free.

Hotel address: 26 Yrjönkatu.




  We go into the hotel, go straight to the elevator and go up to the 12th floor! If the elevator button does not work, then the bar is still closed. Come to the reception and ask in English: “When will it be possible to go upstairs?” They perfectly understand where and why you are going, answer with a smile and kindly. We were told that the bar will open from 14.00.

On the 12th floor there is already a panoramic view of the city, but through the glazing. There are also soft chairs and you can use the toilet for free (also with panoramic windows). The bar is located above. To get there, we climb the narrow spiral staircase, go to the summer terrace and admire Helsinki!


  Helsinki is a low-rise city, so the 12th floor is enough to see it all in full view. In the photo below, to the right, in the distance, you can see a tall white and blue building - this is the port where we came from.


  And here we are going to go: to the white temple, another port and other attractions.

Kamppi Chapel

Kamppi chapel (chapel of silence, chapel of silence) is a very unusual representation of the chapel in our (Russian) view: this chapel does not even have a cross, and the shape is kind of strange.

Kamppi Chapel was built in 2012 and belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. This is such a quiet, warm and bright place where everyone can come and relax from the bustle of the city, as well as the chapel staff provide psychological assistance to all those in need.

Operating mode: Mon-Fri 8: 00-20: 00; on weekends 10: 00-18: 00.
  Address: Simonkatu, 7




  The chapel is the embodiment of nature. It is completely made of wood (walls, ceiling, benches), it seems that the sun is breaking through the roof (which is often lacking in cloudy Helsinki), pillows in the form of stones, sand.

Station Square Rautatientori

Station square is also a kind of attraction of each city. Perhaps this is where your journey begins. In any case, there is also something to see here.

Helsinki Central Station was built in 1904-1914. in the style of northern Art Nouveau. It is an architectural monument. On the front side of the building is decorated with giant stone Atlantes, the size of the building itself.

Under the building of the railway station is a metro station. And literally across the road - the Helsinki bus station.


  In winter, an ice rink is flooded at the forecourt.


The Finnish national theater Suomen Kansallisteatteri was built in 1902 (and was founded much earlier - in 1872 in the city of Pori, Finland). Performances based on the works of Russian classics are periodically held in the theater building: Chekhov, Tolstoy, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Gorky, Uspensky.

In front of the theater is a monument to the Finnish writer Aleksis Kivi, the founder of realistic literature in Finnish.


  Opposite is the equally spectacular building - the Ateneum Museum. This is the central art museum in Finland, named after the ancient Greek goddess Athena. The building was built in 1887. The museum fund has more than 20 thousand exhibits.


  Since February 10, 2017, asylum seekers from Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and their supporters have thrown a tent camp in front of the museum and said they would not leave until the authorities stopped the deportation of refugees from Finland.

Mikonkatu Street

Mikonkatu Street is filled with shopping and business centers.




  Here is a very interesting corner house in the style of national romanticism of Finland, built in 1900. It was the first building in Finland to be designed for a trading company. The house is decorated with images of medieval women surrounded by forests.


  Mikonkatu street goes straight to Esplanadin puisto park.

Esplanadinpuisto Park

Esplanad Linden Park (Esplanadinpuisto) was established in the very center of Helsinki in the 1830s. A tree alley was included in the city’s development plan in 1812. Of course, it is better to walk here in the summer, and now we just admire the sights of the surroundings.


  The Swedish Theater (an inconspicuous white building) appeared on this site in 1827. Then it was a wooden building. In 1866 and 1936 rebuilt. Submissions are in Swedish.

Monument to the Finnish poet Johan Ludwig Runeberg, who wrote in Swedish about ordinary Finnish people. The monument, executed by the poet’s son Walter Magnus, was erected in 1885 in the center of the Helsinki lime garden. It is interesting that the monument is not signed, supposedly everyone already knows to whom it is dedicated. At the bottom of the monument is the Virgin of Finland (Suomi-neito) with the anthem of Finland.


  Restaurant Kappeli, similar to a museum. He appeared here in 1840 in the form of a small counter and since then has "grown" to a restaurant. The place is definitely tourist: there is a restaurant, cafe, bar, summer terrace, fountain and other nishtyaki. I can’t recommend or dissuade, because they didn’t go inside.


Fountain "Havis Amanda" (Havis Amanda), which is translated from Swedish means "sea nymph". According to the Finnish sculptor Ville Wallgren, the young maiden emerging from the sea symbolizes Helsinki as well as possible. The sculpture was cast in Paris in 1906, and installed only in 1908.


  Esplanade Park is located between the two carriages Eteläesplanadi (South Esplanadi) and Pohjoiesplanadi (North Esplanadi). Houses along these streets were built in the 19th century.

The Grönqvistin House (Grönqvistin talo), built in 1882-1883.


  Hotel Kämp, built in 1887.


  Both of these buildings were designed by the same architect. Similar buildings can be found both in Moscow and in St. Petersburg, and in many other cities of Russia. For example, the house of E. A. Dernova (S. Petersburg, Gorokhovaya St., 61), or the apartment building of K. B. Corps (S. Petersburg, Gorokhovaya St., 16), located on one street.

The huge inscription "My Helsinki". Glows at night.

Kauppatori Market Square

Kauppatori Market Square is still a market square. Locals buy fresh vegetables and fish here, and tourists buy souvenirs. Since 1594, every year in October, a herring fair has been held on the market square. The market is open on weekends in the morning.

Tram and bus stop: Kauppatori


  The market square adjoins the bay, you can take a walk along the water, admire the boats and ferries, or even sail to the island of Suomenlinna (I will talk about it a little further). Someone opens restaurants in old ships:


  Parking with cute turtles.


  I consider it inhumane to insert stakes in turtles, even if it’s just figurines, it looks just creepy.


  The Empress’s stele (Keisarinnankivi) is set in the very center of the Market Square. A stella with a double-headed eagle was installed in 1835 after a visit to Helsinki by Empress Alexandra Feodorovna - the wife of Emperor Nicholas I. The emblem of Finland with a lion is depicted on the chest of the eagle - a symbol of Finland joining the Russian Empire. During the 1917 revolution, when Finland gained independence, the double-headed eagle was dropped. Once again, it was installed on the obelisk in 1972.


  In the background is the Assumption Cathedral.


  And pay attention to the buildings around the Market Square - typical of Peter, except for the atypical visor-blinds on the windows.

Assumption Cathedral

The Assumption Cathedral (Uspenski katedreeli) was built in 1868, during the reign of Emperor Alexander II, when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. This is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Northern and Western Europe. The cathedral and adjoining houses stand on a separate island, to which a bridge is thrown from the Market Square - here begins the Katajanokka district (translated - Mozhevelovy cape). If you have a couple of free hours, take a walk around Katayanokke and admire interesting houses in the Finnish Art Nouveau style.




  The white building in front of the cathedral is the headquarters of Stura Enso. This is a Finnish-Swedish timber company, one of the largest in the world. Its roots go back to 1288.

Suomenlinna or Sveaborg

Suomenlinna - translated from Finnish "Finnish Fortress", Sveaborg - translated from Swedish "Swedish Fortress". This is a bastion system of fortifications on the islands, now - a museum and a residential area. Why two names? The fortress was built in the XVIII century, when Finland belonged to Sweden, after gaining independence, the Finns renamed the fortress to Finnish. But, since Finland left two main languages, two names were assigned to the fortress.

How to get there? Getting there is very simple: from the Market Square literally every hour a ferry leaves to the island. Ferry tickets are sold at the terminal pier. Minimum ticket price (round-trip) for a 12-hour walk \u003d 5 €. The ferry also has daily subsistence allowance for public transport.

If you sail in the evening, make sure that there is a return ferry, otherwise you will have to spend the night on the island. Also in the evening there will be closed cafes, shops and museums.

Ticket terminals:




  Ferry to Suomenlinna-Sveaborg:


  There are wooden benches on the ferry, which even in winter are not enough for everyone. There is a deck exit, but in winter it is closed. To swim for a short time, 15-20 minutes.


  View from the island of Helsinki:


  Coastal Barracks or Main Gate. Date of construction - 1868-70gg.




  Suomenlinnan Kirkko, she is a lighthouse church. This Orthodox church was built in 1854 at the direction of Nicholas I as a garrison church for Russian soldiers. Later it was rebuilt into Lutheran.


  War Museum:


  Several bridges are thrown to the neighboring island of Susisaari (Wolf Island):






  Walking around Susisaari island is much more interesting, because it was the most fortified part, which means that beautiful bastions, passages and labyrinths have been preserved here.




The walls are built of natural stone. All open tunnels are free to walk around. In good weather, the islands will be interesting to spend almost the whole day, since the territory is much wider than shown in this article: beautiful rocky shores, many corridors inside the stone walls, hilly glades and a beautiful view of the Baltic Sea. It is important to note that on the islands in the bastions there are free toilets that are open even late in the evening.




  "Big Yard", which housed the administrative center of the fortress and the commandant's house. Most of the original buildings were destroyed by artillery of the Anglo-French fleet during the Crimean War of 1855, while the restoration only preserved the first floors.


  In the center of the “Big Courtyard” there is a grave-monument of Augustine Ehrensverd, builder and first commandant of the Sveaborg fortress.


  And these are houses on the islands:

Senate square

Senate Square is located in the central part of the city in the Kruununhaka area, which translates as a “visiting card." From Senate Square you can easily reach the Market Square and two steps to the train station.

Tram and bus stop: Senaatintori

The absolutely symmetrical square was designed by the Finnish architect of German origin Karl Ludwig Engel. The building was carried out at the time of the entry of Finland into the Russian Empire: 1818-1852. Now it’s clear why the whole area causes a deja vu sensation:


  Karl Ludwig Engel unequivocally drew inspiration from Russia, especially from St. Petersburg.

Snow-white Cathedral (almost an exact copy of St. Isaac's Cathedral) is the main cathedral of the Lutheran Church of Finland and the main dominant of the Senate Square.


  Strictness and minimalism are what distinguishes the interior of the Lutheran cathedral from the Orthodox: white walls, white columns, white statues of Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon and Michael Agricola. The only thing that adorns the temple inside is a small altar and a beautiful organ, made in 1967 at the Danish factory Marcussen & Son.


Opposite the cathedral:
  A magnificent monument to Emperor Alexander II, erected in 1894. At the foot of the pedestal, there are figures that represent the “Law” (Lex), “Peace” (Pax), “Enlightenment” (Lux) and “Labor” (Labor).
  The number 1863, fixed at the bottom of the monument, indicates the year in which Alexander II granted the constitution of an autonomous (at that time) Finland.


Mansions of Swedish merchants of the 18th-19th centuries, the oldest among them is the Cederholm house, which now houses a free museum. The remaining merchant houses are now given over to offices, restaurants and shops.


To the west of the cathedral:
  University of Helsinki (Helsinki University). From 1640 to 1827 The university was located in the city of Abo (now Turku) as the Royal Academy of Abo. After the fire in 1827, by decree of Emperor Nicholas I, the university was transferred to Helsinki and renamed the Imperial Alexander University (in honor of the late brother Alexander I). After the independence of Finland, the university began to be called the University of Helsinki.


  The National Library of Finland is the oldest library in the country and at the same time serves as the university and national library.


East of the cathedral:
  The building of the State Council (Government Palace), where the government of the country is still working. In the same building is a very important room - the Presidential Hall, in which the President of Finland approves the laws of the country.

Despite the fact that the photographs were taken from different angles, one can notice that the university building is an exact copy of the building of the state council, except that there are no hours.


  Museum of the University of Helsinki Arppeanum and Museum of the National Bank of Finland Suomen pankin rahamuseo. These are two free museums, they stand opposite each other on the right side of the cathedral.

Church in the rock Temppeliaukion (entrance fee)

Temppeliaukio Church (Temppeliaukion kirkko) - Lutheran parish church inside the rock, built (if I may say so) in 1969.

The developers of the unusual church were the brother architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. They built their project on the idea of \u200b\u200bharmony between the rock and the building, and the maximum preservation of the rocky surface. Obviously, the best solution was to place the church inside the rock, rather than building one next to the other.

The public did not immediately accept such an unusual project; there were both indignation and protests; someone was afraid of the strange appearance of the church, someone was the high cost of construction. However, soon after the construction was completed, the new church was filled with visitors, they began to eulogize about it in foreign magazines, so far the “temple in the rock” is considered one of the best Finnish buildings. In 2004, Temppeliaukio Church was proclaimed a protected architectural monument.

Address: Lutherinkatu, 3 (district Etu-Töölö)
  Working hours: Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 17:00, Sun from 10:45 to 17:00

Outside, the church looks like a rock. If you do not know that this is a church, then you can pass by.




  The entrance looks like an entrance to the bunker.


  Entrance to the church is paid \u003d 3 €.

Another door is installed inside the church, next to which are two girls with a cash register and give out such round sticker tickets, they are scattered throughout the church both inside and outside. If there are a lot of people, and there are almost always large crowds of tourists, you can take the opportunity.


  Inside the church looks simply magnificent: solid stone walls, light, falling roof sweep. But the roof winding took 22 km of copper wire.

Due to the excellent acoustics (thanks to the raw stone), concerts are often held in the church.


  You can climb to the second floor. The organ was manufactured by Finland’s leading organ-building company, Veikko Virtanen OY, but the design was developed by fellow architects.


  Candles in the temple:


  Near the church in the rock saw a parking in the rock 🙂

Mannerheimintie Street

Mannerheimintie Street is the central avenue of Helsinki. It begins at the Esplanadinpuisto park and goes 5.5 km to the north of the city.

On this street is located one of the most important museums in Helsinki - the National Museum of Finland (Suomen kansallismuseo). Museum expositions represent the whole history of Finland: from the Middle Ages to the present day. Those who visited the museum highly recommend it. Admission for adults - 10 €.

Opening hours: VT-Sun 11: 00-18: 00, Mon - closed
  Address: Mannerheimintie, 34




  The building was built in 1910 by the projector of Finnish architects.


  Not far from the National Museum of Finland is the Helsinki House of Music (Musiikkitalo). The building was built in 2011 and is the main concert house of Helsinki with several halls and a chic foyer.


  In the courtyard of the building is a funny composition “Singing Trees”. The creative idea is based on the poem of the Finnish poet Aaro Hellakoski “Pike song” (Hauen laulu, 1928), in which a pike climbs a tree and sings.


  The hall is decorated with modern sculpture "Gaia".


  Even if you do not plan to go to a concert, you can visit the House of Music as a “transit point”: you can warm up, sit and relax, use the toilet and Wi-Fi.

How to get from Russia to Helsinki

You can get from Russia to the capital of Finland in many ways, I will list only direct directions:
  1. Non-stop aircraft fly to Helsinki from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg.
  2. A direct train runs from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
  3. Direct bus service can be reached from St. Petersburg.
4. Also from St. Petersburg you can sail to Helsinki by ferry.

We went to Helsinki from Moscow with transfers:
  First, take the Lux Express Special night bus to Tallinn (Estonia). Buses with soft folding chairs, the bus also has a coffee machine, sockets for each seat, a toilet, Wi-Fi and tablets with various entertainments.


  Then take the Mega Star ferry across the Gulf of Finland to Finland.


  So the trip turned out to be less tiring and more diverse, we even had time to walk around Tallinn.

We also returned from Helsinki by Lux Express buses, only via St. Petersburg.
  Also, do not forget that you need a Schengen visa to visit Finland.

The Senate Square in Helsinki is considered the hallmark of the city and is located in the Kruununhaka area, where most of the excursions in the capital of Finland begin. This is the central square of Helsinki and one of the European squares, the most coherently preserved to this day. It took the place of the former market and city hall, and old wooden buildings gave way to neoclassical architecture.

History

The square began to gain its modern appearance in 1812. As early as the 17th century, it looked completely different. Here was located the city hall, a small church of St. Eleanor, a cemetery and a city market. These unsightly buildings did not fit into the city’s development plan and were dismantled.

When Finland was annexed to Russia in 1809, large-scale development of the city of Helsinki began. That is why the similarity of the architectural and composition ensemble of the Senate Square with St. Petersburg is expressed so clearly. The architect of the Principality of Finland was Karl Ludwig Engel. According to his project, in 1830-1852 the main cathedral of the Helsinki diocese was built - the Cathedral, which is also called St. Nicholas Cathedral. It is located on a raised platform on Senate Square and steps lead to it.

In the 19th century, a university and a Senate building were built on both sides of the square, and then the National Library. In 1894, a monument to Alexander II was erected in the central part in order to honor his achievements, thanks to which Finland received autonomy.

Now on the cobblestones there is a place marked where in the 17th century the Church of St. Eleanor was located, and on the wall of the university library there is a memorial plaque with the names of the architect Karl Ludwig Engel and topographer Johan Albercht Ehrenström.

Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square

The Cathedral or St. Nicholas Cathedral was built on the north side of the Senate Square in Helsinki in 1852. Its architect was Karl Ludwig Engel, and then Erns Lormann.

This evangelical Lutheran church is considered the main in the whole country. Of the architectural features, it is worth noting the central dome, surrounded by four small domes and zinc statues of the 12 apostles.

Monument on Senate Square in Helsinki

The monument to Alexander II is located right in the center of Senate Square. It was created by sculptors Johannes Takanen and Walter Runeberg, and installed in 1894. Dedicated to the Russian emperor and Prince of Finland in memory of the restoration of parliamentarism. The monument depicts the prince himself on a pedestal in the form of a guard officer, as well as four figures below him, which became a symbol of Peace, Enlightenment, Law, Labor.

What to see

Big Senate Square is paved with paving stones and covers an area of \u200b\u200babout 9 thousand square meters. meters. She, along with the Cathedral, is often depicted on souvenirs from Helsinki. The following buildings are located on different sides of the square: the Senate building, the University of Helsinki, merchant houses. On the steps rises the white magnificent St. Nicholas Cathedral (Cathedral), and opposite it in the very center is a monument to Alexander II.

Helsinki Senate

The four-story Senate building was erected in the 19th century, the facade was completed in 1822. Two wings along Aleksanterinkat and Ririnkat were built several years later. A building with a courtyard was erected in 1860.

Over the course of several centuries, many institutions have changed here: the post office, the predecessor of the Bank of Finland, the National Archives, the customs department, and the Aleksandrovskaya pharmacy. And now the Finnish State Council, the cabinet of the Prime Minister are located in the building, and in the former Throne Hall new laws are signed above the entrance.

Video “Senate Helsinki Square from above”

Merchant houses

Merchants located in the southern part of the square survived the fires, reconstructions and now reflect the history of the city of Helsinki, being old-timers. Among them are such well-known buildings as the Bok House (1763) and the Cederholm House (1775).

Now the purpose of merchant houses has changed: there are cafes (Engel, Sunn), shops (goods for babies Annl ja Aleksi, Marttini Oy knives, fashion accessories LUMI Supermarket - Flagship Boutique, souvenirs and gifts Vieno Puustjarvi Ky), restaurants (Chapter, Finnish restaurant Cuisine Savotta Restaurant).

University of Helsinki

The largest and oldest university in Finland, which was originally called the Imperial Alexander University, is located on the Senate Square in Helsinki opposite the Senate building. It was built in 1832 by the project of the architect Karl Ludwig Engel and is very similar in its architecture to the Senate building. The university differs only in Corinthian features. Inside the building are copies of antique statues. At the end of the 20th century, the university was reconstructed, as it was badly damaged during the war years.

Helsinki University Library   located to the right of the university itself. It was completed in 1844. The designer turned out to be the same Karl Ludwig Engel. It houses the unique and largest collection of Slavic literature that censorship has not touched. Fancy architecture, painted vaults and old books are the best things to see in the library, which is free to enter.

activity

On the main square of Helsinki, a lot of interesting events are held, in which residents and guests of the city take part with pleasure. For a unique holiday atmosphere, people come here from all over Finland.

Fairs, festivals, concerts, and public celebrations are often held at Senate Square.

Among the most ambitious, the following events should be noted:

• Kainuu Province Festival   organized annually and sometimes held on Senate Square. It is dedicated to the region in Finland, which borders the Republic of Karelia. On the day of the celebration, guests and passers-by can familiarize themselves with objects that reflect the province's livelihoods: fisheries, agriculture, livestock, forestry and mining, as well as the culture of the inhabitants. Here is a fair where they sell exclusive products: pastries, honey, preserves, cheeses and much more.
• Day of the city, which is celebrated on June 12, is accompanied by music, a solemn ceremony, bright decorations, flows of people, a meal in the open. All residents gather in the square to watch shows and performances by local artists.
• Christmas   - a favorite holiday of the Finns. Senate Square hosts the St. Thomas Fair. Departure shops sell sweets, gingerbread cookies, mulled wine, souvenirs. The area is decorated with illuminations, a Christmas tree with bright garlands and toys is set up, and ice skating is organized.

Video: “Senate Square before Christmas”

How to get to Senate Square in Helsinki

To get to the central square of Helsinki, you need to get to tram   No. 2, 4, 5, 7, 7H to the Senaatintori stop.

The nearest bus stop is Riddarhuset. You can get here the bus   № 17. Next you need to walk along the Aleksanterikatu street for about 200 meters.

Nearest station metro   - “Helsinki University” (“Helsingin yliopisto”). It is located just 350 meters from Senate Square. After leaving the station, you need to move along Fabianinkatu Street, then along Yloipistonkatu and turn onto Hallituskatu.

In Helsinki taxi   It is in demand among tourists, because there is only one metro line and sometimes you have to overcome considerable distances on foot. The following taxi services are popular: Espoo, Taksi Helsinki Oy, Tepin Pirssi Oy. It’s even easier to book a car through the Uber app, and you can know the cost of the trip in advance.