"Helsinki – Daughter of the Baltic" Helsinki by Muya

Helsinki Travel Guide: 3,614 reviews and 7,274 photos

Helsinki Central Railway Station - Helsinki
Helsinki Central Railway Station

Walking the streets of Helsinki in late autumn, the first thing that comes to your mind is this strong impression of cold, and a certain notice of the Russian influence present all around. Well actually St Petersburg ain’t that far away after all... But, in spite of this geographical proximity, Helsinki is culturally much closer to Scandinavia. Capital of Finland since 1812, Helsinki is a very modern city softened by the numerous parks scattered all over the town. The presence of water is also very important for the city, which stretches for 5 km in the Gulf of Finland and is surrounded by the Baltic Sea on three sides. Water thus gets into town, creating little bays everywhere to the great pleasure of the inhabitants and the tourists. All this aquatic context contributed to find the evocative and well-deserved nickname of the town : daughter of the Baltic.

Visible from the sea, many of its buildings are white, which softens a bit the town’s ridgidity... this is the reason why Helsinki is also called the White City of the North.
Founded by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden (to which Finland belonged for centuries) in 1550, Helsinki was completely rebuild after being devastated by fire. Renovations were enthrusted to Ehrenström and Engel, who worked together to give the city its Empire-style center.

If you arrive by train like we did, the first glimpse you’ll get of the city is the austerity of the central station, that represents only a facette of the town actually, its architecture being a mix of neoclacissism, national romantism, functionnalism, and Finnish modern design.

But is spite of that austerity that might strike you in the first place, Helsinki is a nice town to staunter thanks to its numerous nature corners. Strolling along the water is not unusual in the Finnish capital, and really is a “soothing” thing to do to escape the rigor of downtown Helsinki.

The part I preferred is our visit to the beautiful Suomenlinna. Green scenery, proximity with nature, and of course the fortress...walking on its wall, beaten by the winds is a great memory !

  • Last visit to Helsinki: Oct 2001
  • Intro Updated Apr 8, 2005
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Reviews (15)

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Comments (5)

  • Reply
    illumina's Profile Photo
    Dec 12, 2008 at 12:20 PM

    Hey, nice Helsinki pages!

  • Reply
    Phil_sibar's Profile Photo
    Sep 15, 2005 at 1:54 AM

    Hi Muya, Thanks for adding me to your friend list... I am totally agree with You about how nice this city, especially in the summer time where the night still bright and I can feel the Joy and Happiness among those people sitting on the grass...

  • Reply
    sinoda's Profile Photo
    Jun 28, 2005 at 10:49 PM

    Hi Muriel I see you had prepared yourself well for the HKI-trip. Nice views of the city and solid facts. BTW Barry W underneath Snellman is quite original... well done. S

  • Reply
    Gerrem's Profile Photo
    Apr 27, 2005 at 5:20 AM

    Hi Mumu, great Helsinki pages, pictures and informations! Viele Grüße, Michael

  • Reply
    CALSF's Profile Photo
    Apr 8, 2005 at 12:16 PM

    I've heard alot about Helsinki. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit; your photos and tips are great!

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