The Lutheran Cathedral
The Lutheran Cathedral is one of Helsinki’s best-known landmarks
with its huge green dome overlooking the city. Designed by Carl Ludwig
Engel, this masterpiece was consecrated in 1852. A powerfully stark
neo-classical building, the interior reflects the architectural
perfection of the exterior. There is no charge to visit the cathedral
and it is open to the public each day.
Website: Lutheran Cathedral
Russian Orthodox Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral was built in 1868 on a rocky outcrop on
Katajanokka peninsula, a site that had originally been set aside
for an Imperial palace. The Cathedral is a reminder of the influence
of Russia over the history of Finland and that the country belonged to
Russia until 1919. It is now Western Europe’s largest Orthodox
Cathedral. A statue of Tzar Alexander II still stands in the square
in front of the cathedral.
Website: Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Seurasaari Open Air Museum
Seurasaari is located on a small island linked to the mainland by a
footbridge. This open-air museum contains folk and farm buildings from
all over Finland. Founded in 1909, the museum gives an outstanding
overview of life in Finland from the 18th to the 20th century.
One of the main exhibits at Seurasaari is the beautiful 17th century
Karuna church.
Website: Seurasaari Open Air Museum
Temppeliaukio Church (‘The Rock Church’)
Two architect brothers shaped this incredible piece of church architecture
from a solid rocky outcrop in 1969. This so-called ‘rock church’
is located right in the heart of Helsinki. Due to its superb acoustics,
the church is sometimes used as a concert hall. A visit to the rock church
will probably be the most unusual spiritual experience that you will ever
have, whether you are religious or not!
Website: Temppeliaukio Church
Finlandia Hall
Finlandia hall is Helsinki’s leading concert and congress centre.
Designed by the great Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, it is visited by 30,000
people each year. Catch a show on one of two main stages.
Website: Finlandia Hall
The Harbour Museum
This Harbour Museum was designed by three of Finland's greatest early
architects. One of the highlights of the museum is the Finno-Ugric exhibit.
The museum cafe serves light meals and Finnish treats such as lingonberry
juice and Finnish quiche.
The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
The Kiasma is Helsinki’s new Museum of Contemporary Art and it is
rapidly becoming one of Finland’s most popular attractions. It is a
fascinating place for hardened art lovers and the uninitiated alike. The
Kiasma is not a gallery in the classic sense; it is a place where the art
and the visitor encounter each other in many ways. The collection starts in
the 1960s and includes works of Minimalism, Pop Art, Arte Povera, German
Neo-Expressionism, Italian Trans-Avant Garde as will as American 1980s
paintings.
Website: Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
Senate Square
Senate Square is regarded as one of Europe's finest neoclassical squares. It
houses the Senate building, the University building and the Lutheran Cathedral.
A popular meeting point, the square is particularly lively in August during the
Helsinki festival and on December 6th when there is a torchlight procession
across the square. Make sure to warm up in Cafe Engel, a popular hangout just
across from the Cathedral.
Website: Senate Square
The Island Fortress of Suomenlinna
The 18th century Fortress of Suomenlinna is a must-see on any trip to Finland.
It is located on an island at the entrance to Helsinki harbour and has been a
UNESCO World Heritage Treasure since 1991. The unique fortress is a fine example
of European military architecture. Besides being a being a historical site and
tourist attraction, Suomenlinna is also a well-loved recreation area for Helsinki
citizens. With 900 permanent inhabitants, Suomenlinna remains a lively island with
an impressive array of museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes to keep you
occupied!
Website: Suomenlinna
The National Museum of Finland
This striking building was designed by three of Finland's greatest early
architects. Built in the Romantic style it was opened in 1919. There are
some rare archaeological finds from the Finnish Stone Age as well as from
medieval and Lutheran periods. There are also good exhibits of folk-culture
artifacts, folk costumes, textiles and furniture as well as foreign
ethnographic collections.
Website: National Museum of Finland
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