Helsinki Off The Beaten Path Tips by annase Top 5 Page for this destination

Tähtitorninmäki (Observatory Hill)

In the centre of the park, on top of the cliff stands an observatory. It was designed by C.L. Engel and built in 1833. The site, which is called Tähtitorninmäki (Observatory Hill) provides a panorama of the whole city and the surrounding archipelago. You can also see the Market Square, Katajanokka island and the Suomenlinna sea fortress.

Nearby is also the memorial of A.E. Nordenskiöld who was the explorer who discovered the passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This is not just some minor trade route we are talking about, but seriously could save a lot money in the future if this route becomes navigable for commercial shipping!!!

When you climb up the hill from the direction of the Market Square, you'll come across the memorial to the Hapsburg shipwreck victims, designed by Gunnar Finne in 1939. Right next to the memorial is the German church. If you follow the path closest to the shore, you'll see the bronze Statue of the Shipwrecked, designed by Robert Stigell in 1897.

Hakaniemi market hall

Considered an absolute gem amongst the local residents when it comes to local and some international delicacies. You can find pretty much anything from reindeer meat to fresh seafood, bakery products, olives and other delicacies.

Hakaniemi market hall was built in 1914. You can find 70 shops indoors spread over 2 floors.

On ground floor you'll find delicacies, including meat, bakery products and fish. First floor houses typical Finnish souvenirs including authentic gifts from Lapland, clothes, fabrics, and wooden handicrafts

Try lunchtime soup at a tiny little stall called Soppakeittiö (or Tapaste Soppakeittiö) on the ground floor. Bouillabaisse is apparently one of the best you can find. I had it in August 2012 and it was very nice indeed.

American Airlines wrote a small review of Soppakeittiö as well: (http://helsinki.cityseekr.com/venue/347651-tapaste-oy-soppakeitti%C36)
"More properly called a soup shop than a restaurant, Tapaste is a local secret you don't want to miss. With only two small, communal tables and a counter tucked into a stand in Hakaniemi Market Hall, this operation is tiny, charming, and mouth-wateringly good. Three soups (generally one fish, one meat, and one vegetarian; EUR5-7.50) are prepared daily, and served speedily with hearty Finnish bread and EUR1 beers. For a real glimpse of Helsinki life, snag a seat at the counter and enjoy the stream of shoppers and sellers over a bowl of salmon soup."

Opening hours
Mon — Fri 08.00 — 18.00
Saturday 08.00 — 16.00

The easiest way to find the market hall is by taking the metro from the Central Railway Station to Hakaniemi metro station.

Website: http://www.hakaniemenkauppahalli.fi

German church

The German Protestant church in the Kaartinkaupunki neighbourhood ranks amongst one of the prettiest in Helsinki. It was designed in the Neo-Gothic style by Harald Bosse and C.J. von Heideken, and is oblong in shape. It was consecrated in 1864. The Germans who lived in Helsinki in the 19th century had their own parish circle with regular German services; in 1858 they were given the right to form their own congregation and this church was the result. The church is very pretty with lots of ornamental features. The tower has been heightened during the reconstruction in 1897.

Behind the church, you'll find a memorial to some 380 German soldiers who fought in Finland during the WWI.

Apparently, it is one of the most popular venues for weddings in the region, so if you head there on one Saturday in Summer you might see many happy couples ;-)
On Sundays the church often has an evening service at 11pm. In addition to that, Sunday services are held at 11am.

More information: Dieter Henkel-Niebuhr +358 (0)9 6869 8510

Address: Bernhardinkatu, Helsinki
Directions: On the southern part of Unioninkatu, near Tähtitorninmäki. Tram 3B and 3T.

Phone: +358 (0)9 636070

Sunbathing and chillin at Sinebrychoff Park

Sinebrychoff park (Koffin puisto) is a popular park in central Helsinki, which the brewing family of Sinebrychoff, originally from Russia, founded in the early 19th century close to their house and brewery. It was once the site of the Sinebrychoff (Koff) Brewery which was built in Hietalahti in the 1820s. Much of the land with the estate was turned into a park when the brewery's operations ceased there in 1993. The stable for the Koff Danish Jute draft horses is nearby. They are mostly ceremonial, but still deliver beer to a few pubs in the area. Paul and Fanny Sinebrychoff were collectors and patrons of art, and in the 1920s they presented their home, at the edge of the park, and its art treasures to the city of Helsinki. It is now an art museum.

The park has always been open to the public, and at weekends in the winter, in particular, its slopes are used by dozens of tobogganers of various ages. In summer people go to chill out and sunbath to the park. There is also a cafe/bar/pub/club in the park called "Fanny goes to Hollywood" (most probably named after Fanny Sinebrychoff) The park also has a small, fenced area for dogs where they can run and play.

Address: Bulevardi

Helsinki Districts

Helsinki is divided into a total of 54 districts. Some of these districts are often counted as one, and sometimes the city is merely divided into the centre and the suburbs.

Eira, Ullanlinna and Kaivopuisto are all respected districts full of parks, historical buildings and statues. Eira is known for its Art Nouveau houses, parks and beautiful boulevards. It centres around Engel Square, which is surrounded by many foreign embassies. Ullanlinna, with its marine panorama and densely-built historical buildings is popular among stylish young adults, interior designers and architects. Kaivopuisto's park features posh houses and embassies. This district is popular among bankers and diplomats.

Punavuori and the northern district of Kallio were traditionally working men's districts, although Punavuori has tried to improve its image in recent years. It is full of old buildings and popular among young graduates and a large international populace. Kallio is known for its waterways, Hakaniemi Market Square and the imposing Kallio church. The district is mostly populated by young, highly educated adults and low-income families.

The respectable district of Töölö is full of old apartment buildings which are pretty and highly sought after, though densely packed. Töölö also has many sights including the Hietaniemi Cemetery, Sibelius Monument, Parliament Building, Olympic Stadium and the parklands around Töölö Bay. Behind Töölö lies the district of Meilahti, known for its old villas. Meilahti is a roomy district populated by the middle-classes.

Kamppi is stretches from the central station to the Cable Factory. It features the city's most important services and excellent transport connections, but also a number of sights, such as Kiasma and the Ruoholahti villas as well as some of the oldest and historically significant wooden buildings. Right between Kamppi and Kaartinkaupunki lies Kluuvi, the busiest district in Helsinki.

Art Nouveau buildings, parks and sea views

Eira district dates back to the early 20th century. It is named after its hospital, which in turn is named after Eir, the old Scandinavian goddess of healing. It is the home to some of the most sought after Art Nouveau style property in town. Many foreign embassies and chic restaurants are situated in Eira and the neighbouring Ullanlinna.

At the centre of Eira is the Engel Square. It is named after the architect Carl Engel who had a profound influence on the cityscape with his over 30 public buildings and a number of private houses. Eira also houses the statue of Juhani Aho, a former resident of Eira, a 19th century writer whose works reflect modern literary movements, especially realism. He was also a travel journalist and published a few travel books.

Albert Edelfelt memorial is also located in Eira. It used to stand in front of the Ateneum, but was moved to its current spot in 1976. Edelfelt was a Finnish painter whose work include portrays of Louis Pasteur and the Russian Royalty. His painting Queen Bianca appeared in the Russian section at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1878.

The charming and delicate bronze sculpture of an alert roe by Matti Haupt is located in the Ensipuistikko park along Wecksellintie. It was donated to the city by director Mikko Penttinen in 1957. It is 115cm tall and stands on a granite pedestal.

Villa Ensi, a former maternity hospital, at Merikatu 23, enjoys an ideal location within a park and a superb sea view. The owner placed 2 statues in front of the building, an idea promoted by National Romantic architecture. In the early 1930s the building was converted into a residence. In 1987 it became a care home for the elderly.

Ursin’s cliff at the sea front opposite to Sirpalesaari island was named after Prof Nils af Ursin who used to frequent the spot that was popular amongst swimmers and sunbathers in the 19th century. Near the cliff is the monument commemorating Finnish seafarers. It has an everlasting flame on top. It was designed in 1968 and is made of concrete.

Cygnaeus gallery - the oldest art museum

The Cygnaeus gallery is the oldest art museum in Finland. Its collection consists mainly of Finnish 19th century paintings and sculpture. The museum is owned by the State and administered by the national Board of Antiquities. It was opened in 1882.

The museum is located in Fredrik Cygnaeus' summer villa which was designed by the German architect J. W. Mieritz. It is one of the few wooden buildings that has been preserved in the centre of Helsinki. The collection includes nearly 450 pieces, of which around 100 are paintings, sculptures and drawings and are permanently on view. Works of the Finnish artist include those by Wilhelm and Ferdinand von Wright, Werner Holmberg, Hjalmar Munsterhjelm, Albert Edelfelt, Helene Schjerfbeck, Aukusti Uotila, C. E. Sjöstrand, Walter Runeberg, Johannes Takanen and Eveliina Särkelä. In addition to the permanent display, the Cygnaeus Gallery puts on small-scale exhibitions, concerts, lectures and other public events.

Opening hours:
Wed 11am-7pm
Thu-Sun 11am-4pm
Mon-Tue closed

Admission: €4,00 €/3,00
Free for those under 18 as well as with Helsinki Card

Address: Kalliolinnantie 8, 00140 Helsinki
Tram: 3B and 3T, Kaivopuisto

Other Contact: cygnaeuksengalleria@nba.fi

Phone: +358 (0)9 4050 9628