Helsinki is the capital of Finland and the heart of the country’s economy, politics and culture. Gorgeous architecture reflects the city’s historical past while the citizens continue building a promising future. Guide One highlights key sites to see near the South Harbour.
If you sail through the Baltic Sea into the Gulf of Finland and through the South Harbour, this will be your first view of Finland’s capitol city. Since Helsinki was founded in the mid-16th century, it has struggled with a devastating plague, foreign invasions, a civil war and the rule of Sweden and Russia. But since the country’s independence in 1917, Helsingfors have prospered and become the country’s largest metropolitan area with over one million people.
Port of Helsinki, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In 1820, this building at Market Square began as a wealthy merchant’s home. The mansion became the governor’s residence in 1837 and later the Imperial Palace of Helsinki. After a major renovation gave the façade a Neoclassical appearance, the palace was used occasionally by Russian tsars and their families from 1854 through 1915. During WWI, the historic site was a hospital, military headquarters and ministry office. Once Finland declared independence, the Presidentinlinna became an official residence for the President of Finland.
Mariankatu 2, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Finnish Supreme Court was established in 1918 shortly after the country declared independence. The federal judiciary consists of a president and 18 justices. They decide on about 150 cases a year when an interpretation of Finland’s laws is required. The country’s highest court moved into this building next to the President’s Palace in 1933. The structure was constructed in 1799 and was significantly renovated in 2009.
Pohjoisesplanadi 3 00101 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This young couple is resting from their busy day of sightseeing by sitting along the Market Square quay. The calm water they are watching is part of Eteläsatama (South Harbor) and the Helsingfors Hamn (Port of Helsinki). The scenic waterway has a derogatory nickname: Cholera Basin. This stems from an incident in 1893 when a man aboard a ship died of cholera and his waste further polluted the harbor which was a dumping ground for sewage. Four of the buildings along Eteläranta are (right to left): White & Case Oy (law firm), Taivas (advertising agency), Old Market Hall and the Palace Hotel.
Kauppatori 00101 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
There are several vendors around the Market Square at the end of the South Harbor. The most charming and oldest market is Gamla Saluhallen. The distinctive building with red brick and white trim opened in 1889 and then reopened in 2014 after an extensive renovation. Inside the Old Market Hall you will find food stalls, restaurants and cafes.
Eteläranta, 00130 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Helsinki’s Market Square buzzes with activity. Some merchants sell their food and crafts under outdoor tents while others are housed inside market halls. Several sightseeing boats load up their passengers at Kauppatori for a short day or dinner cruise through the South Harbor and into the Baltic. The white building across North Esplanade street is City Hall. Peeking over the top is the copper dome of Helsinki Cathedral.
Eteläranta 18, 00101 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This regal white building with columns and pilasters was the Hotel Seurahuone when it opened in 1833 adjacent to Market Square. Carl Ludvig Engel is credited with the Neoclassical design. He was also the lead architect for several other Helsinki landmarks constructed during the first half of the 19th century. When the hotel moved in 1913, it was converted into the Helsinki City Hall. Heisingfors Stadshus is the headquarters for the mayor, city council and other administrative functions.
Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Russians destroyed most of Helsinki during the Great Northern War in the early 1700s. Then, Finland became part of Russia nearly one hundred years later in 1812. Soon afterwards, the cathedral and several surrounding buildings were constructed including the University of Helsinki Main Building in the background. In 1894, this statue by Walter Runeberg of Alexander II was erected in the center of Senate Square (Senaatintori). He was the Emperor of Russia and Grand Duke of Finland from 1855 until his assassination in 1881. Although Alexander the Liberator did support Finland’s autonomy, it is surprising this monument remains standing after the country’s independence in 1917.
Senate Square 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Royal Academy of Turku was established in 1640. When the institution moved to Helsinki in 1827, it became the Imperial Alexander University of Finland. Five years later, they moved into this newly constructed, Neoclassical building. The University of Helsinki Main Building was destroyed during air raids in 1944 and refurbished in 1948. On the opposite side of Senate Square is an almost identical structure. Senaatintalo has housed Finland’s Senate after opening in 1822. Today, the Government Palace is the office for the prime minister and Ministry of Finance.
Unioninkatu 34 00101 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This stunning landmark in Helsinki was built in 1852. It was named St. Nicholas’ Cathedral and dedicated by Nicholas I while he was the Emperor of Russia and the Grand Duke of Finland. The design is patterned after Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg. After Finland declared independence on December 6, 1917, it was called the Great Cathedral. The name changed again in 1959 to Helsinki Cathedral. The massive granite staircase leading up to the front portal from Senate Square is almost 200 feet wide.
Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This view of the Helsinki Cathedral provides a close look at the beautiful central dome. It rises 262 feet and is supported by Corinthian pillars. The original Neoclassical design was by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel. He also created the Senate Square in front of the church. His successor, Ernst Bernhard Lohrmann, added the four smaller domes. You will see larger-than-life statues along the roofline. These are the Twelve Apostles created by Hermann Schievelbein and August Wredow. They are the largest collection of zinc sculptures in the world.
Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
From the 12th century until their independence in 1917, Finland was a physical and political battlefield between Sweden and Russia. During this period, Finnish nobility evolved among wealthy landowners. They received special privileges, tax relief and titles in exchange for supplying soldiers to the ruler’s cavalry. These noblemen, their families and heirs were registered in the Finnish House of Nobility. Since 1862, the Ritarihuone has been their assembly hall and offices. The Neo-Gothic building was designed by Georg Theodor Chiewitz.
Ritarikatu 1, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This bas-relief portrays the story from the New Testament of Luke, chapter 5:1-11. After Jesus preaches to a group of empty-handed fishermen, He instructs Simon to recast their nets. Their catch is so plentiful their boat almost sinks. After this miracle, Peter, James and John became His first disciples. Pietarin Kalansaalis was created by Carl Wilhelms in 1951. The artwork is displayed on the wall of Meritullin Seurakuntatalo, the parish house of Meritulli. The fishermen carving appropriately faces the harbor.
Meritullinkatu 2 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
These magnificent buildings on North Beach in the Kruununhaka neighborhood have a commanding view of the North Harbor. From left to right they are: the Standertskjöld house (1885) and the Bäck’s house (1882). Both were designed by Theodor Höijer. He was a prominent Finnish architect who favored the Neo-Renaissance style. The next several homes, all built from 1885 through 1929 by different architects, have a Classicism, Art Nouveau or Neo-Renaissance design.
Pohjoisranta 4, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The North Harbor waterfront is beautiful for two reasons. First, there are exquisite residences along Pohjoisranta. The ornate homes were built in the late 19th and early 20th century. Just as beautiful are all of the old wooden sailing ships moored at the pier named Halkolaituri. Both the houses and the boats are lovingly maintained.
Halkolaituri 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
A growing global tradition is for romantic couples to place a love lock on a bridge and, while warmly embracing, throw the key into the water below. Most European cities consider the padlocks a nuisance but not Helsinki. The city legally approved this expression of everlasting devotion. The most popular spot is at the Bridge of Love. This is a nickname for Rakkauden Silta or Kärlekens Bro. The small pedestrian bridge spans the Vantaa River from center city to the islet of Katajanokka.
Kanavaranta 5, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
High on a hill in the Katajanokka neighborhood is the stunning Uspenski Cathedral. The Byzantine-Russian church was built in 1868 using bricks from the Bomarsund Fortress after it was destroyed during the Crimean War. The church’s best architectural feature is a dozen gilded onion domes representing the Apostles. They surround the larger central dome symbolizing Christ. Uspenskin Katedraali was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Uspenski Cathedral is Western Europe’s largest Orthodox church. It is also the seat of the Archdiocese of Helsinki.
Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Behind the altar of the Uspenski Cathedral stands an elaborate iconostasis. The panel of religious paintings is characteristic of Byzantine design in Eastern Christianity. Above the nave, and supported from the high dome, is an enormous chandelier. Behind the sanctuary along the vaulted ceiling are gorgeous frescos with images of the Apostles.
Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Approximately 400,000 passengers arrive in Helsinki each year on about 300 cruise ships for a day of sightseeing. But moored between the Katajanokka cruise port and the Market Square is this wonderful alternative for seeing the Baltic. This 98 foot wooden sailing ship is the m/aux Svanhild. The classic sailing ship was built in 1948 to haul timber. In 1972, the vessel was refurbished to entertain guests. She is available as a unique venue for a special event for up to 50 persons. Or as many as 20 people can charter her for a several-day adventure.
Katajanokanlaituri 2a, 00160 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Finnair SkyWheel opened along the harbor at Katajanokka in 2014. The 408 foot Ferris wheel is located where its namesake, Finnair airlines, had their operations back in the 1920s. A 15 minute ride inside one of the 30 enclosed gondolas costs about $16. If you want to enjoy the panoramic view while sipping champagne, then sign up for the VIP cabin. That 25 minute ride costs a mere $225. In the background is the Silver Whisper. The Silversea Cruises ship was launched in 2000 and refurbished in 2019.
Katajanokanlaituri 2, 00160 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions