SUOMENLINNA MARITIME FORTRESS

Suomenlinna is one of the world’s largest maritime fortresses. Built on six islands off Helsinki in the 1700s, the garrison town is one of the most popular sights in Finland. Suomenlinna has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Suomenlinna offers an unforgettable experience for all ages, with museums, special events, idyllic cafes and cosy restaurants. Children will have a great time exploring the many tunnels of the old fortress. It is good to reserve at least half a day for a visit to Suomenlinna. The vast fortress is best explored on foot, so prepare for some hiking with good shoes and a windbreaker. Suomenlinna is open year-round, but some facilities are only open in the summer months.
www.suomenlinna.fi

SENATE SQUARE - THE HEART OF THE CITY

The Senate Square and surrounding buildings form a unique and cohesive example of Neo-Classicism. This area is crowned by three buildings designed by C. L. Engel between 1822 and 1852: the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the University. The Cathedral is perhaps Finland’s most photographed and recognisable building. It celebrated its 200^th anniversary in 2002.

Another of Engel’s pearls is the University Library on Unioninkatu. The oldest stone building in Helsinki is the Sederholm House (S. Berner, 1757) located on the southeast corner of the square.

The main building of the City Museum can be found on the Sofiankatu museum street.

SEURASAARI ISLAND

Seurasaari is a popular recreation area located fifteen minutes by bus from the centre. The Open-Air Museum offers a fascinating look at traditional life in the Finnish provinces. The many wooden buildings on display represent both eastern and western influences on Finnish building traditions from the 18th to the 20th century. During the summer season various workshops and events are organised at the museum presenting traditional handicrafts, customs and folklore. The island’s beautiful natural surroundings are a great place for long walks throughout the year.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Finland’s 200-seat parliament gathers in this impressive building representing 1920s Classicism. The facade of the building is made of red granite from Kalvola. The main facade includes 14 Corinthian columns.
Further information: +358 (0)9 4322 027, www.eduskunta.fi, Mannerheimintie 30

FINLANDIA HALL

Alvar Aalto’s famous concert and meeting hall is located in a park on the banks of the Töölö Bay. Guided tours are recommended and take approximately 30 minutes.
Further information: +358 (0)9 4024 246 (Info Shop), www.finlandiatalo.fi, Mannerheimintie 13

USPENSKI CATHEDRAL

Completed in 1868 in Katajanokka, the Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. With its golden cupolas and redbrick facade, the church is one of the clearest symbols of the Russian impact on Finnish history.
Tel. +358 (0)9 634 267, Kanavakatu 1

THE SIBELIUS MONUMENT

One of Helsinki’s most popular sights, "the Sibelius Monument" is located in Sibelius Park in Taka-Töölö (near Merikannontie).

TEMPPELIAUKIO CHURCH

Quarried out of the natural bedrock, Temppeliaukio Church is one of Helsinki’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls of the church are created naturally by the rock. In addition to holding religious services, the church is a popular venue for concerts due to its excellent acoustics.
Tel. +358 (0)9 494 698, Lutherinkatu 3