Helsinki was founded by Swedish King Gustav in 1550 to compete with the then, fast-growing, trading city of Reval (now Tallinn, Estonia). The king ordered dwellers to transfer to Helsinki from the neighbouring towns to maximize productivity and start-up the city.
In 1809, Russia took control of Helsinki from the Swedish ruler. Due to its proximity to St. Petersburg, the then, already quite established Finnish capital Turku, lost its title to Helsinki. With a closer location to Russia for watch and control, and the defensive island of Sveaborg (now Suomenlinna), Helsinki was in the perfect position for their new planned cosmopolitan city.
In the 19th till early 20th century, Helsinki progressed in all economical aspects. Transit, construction and industrial developments emerged. More and more settlers migrated to the city fueling its rapid improvement.
Helsinki claimed global popularity when it hosted the 1952 Olympics. The city has also presented many international events from Economic conventions to the World Dog Show. It was named the 'European Capital of Culture' in the year 2000.
Source: Helsinki.com
Helsinki
Helsinki in figures:
620,982 people
300+ islands
1 sea fortress
The capital of Finland is a compact city easily explored on foot. Design, architecture, culture and shopping are all great exploration angles and large park areas, forests, lakes, and the coastline with numerous islands sprinkled off it make certain there’s no shortage of natural presence. Needless to say, there’s something going on in Helsinki every day of the year.
Arriving in Helsinki
Helsinki can easily be reached from anywhere in the world.
By plane
Around 200 international flights a day arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which is situated 19 kilometres from the centre of Helsinki and can be reached by car in approximately 25 minutes. You can also take taxi, the Finnair city bus or Bus 615 to the Central Railway Station. A taxi to city centre costs approximately 35-40 euros.
By train
There are excellent train connections from Helsinki to all major towns in Finland as well as to Lapland. There is also a daily train service to St. Petersburg and Moscow. The Central Railway Station is a landmark unto itself in Helsinki.
By bus
Buses from all around Finland arrive to the central bus station, from the largest cites approximately every hour.
By ferry
There are daily ferry services to Helsinki from Estonia and Sweden, see e.g. Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line or Eckerö Line, as well as from Germany by Finnlines. All the ferry companies offer also possibility to take a car with you. Helsinki can be reached by ferry also from Russia by St. Peter Line as well as from Poland.