Helsinki sights

Sightseeing in Finland's capital, Helsinki

The capital of Finland, Helsinki is a city worth visiting for a quick city-break or a full holiday. However, even on an average holiday you can’t expect to see all the sights this beautiful city has to offer.

There are very few places you can see.

Senate Square in Helsinki

Senate Square

Sightseeing in Helsinki usually starts here. On the square is a monument to Alexander II – one of the few extant monuments to Russian emperors, established before 1917. There’s also the Cederholm House, an interesting structure from the 18th century. You can’t ignore the beautiful St. Nicholas Church.

Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki

Temppeliaukio Church

This Protestant church is not a historical site as it was built in the 60s of the 20th century. However, it would be wrong to visit Helsinki, even on a short visit, and not visit this church. After all, this church is one of the most picturesque places of worship in Europe. The temple is arranged inside a rock. Its interior design is so harmonious with the natural material of the walls that it is impossible not to be fascinated and admired. 

Suomenlinna Fortress in Helsinki

Suomenlinna

This mid-18th century fortress is on the UNESCO World Heritage List of the most valuable and most protected monuments. It has only been stormed once, and successfully. In 1808 it was conquered by the Russian army during the Russian colonisation of Finland.

A monument to Finnish composer Jan Sibelius in Helsinki

Sibelius Monument

Even if you’re not a fan of classical music, be sure to visit the Sibelius Monument, as it is a massive organ pipe complex well worth the effort. The Jan Sibelius Monument is an ingenious Finnish tribute to the great son of the Finnish nation, who made his music famous.

Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki

Ateneum Museum

 It goes without saying that Helsinki, like any European capital, can’t fail to amaze travellers with its museums. And above all the famous Ateneum, which in guidebooks and travel guides is often called the “Finnish Hermitage”. This comparison is not just a figure of speech. The museum’s collection, which is open to the public alone, comprises about 20 thousand paintings and sculptures by outstanding artists of the 18th to 20th centuries.

Seurasaari is an island museum on the west side of central Helsinki.

Seurasaari Island

If a traveller wishes to soak up the atmosphere of Finnish antiquity, he or she can do so without leaving even central Helsinki. For those interested, the Seurasaari Island Open Air Museum is a must-see. There is no need to swim to the island, as it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. This national park was established in the 19th century. It is visited by tourists and residents of Helsinki. The latter are very fond of having picnics in an authentic old-fashioned atmosphere. In addition, the island-museum is the scene of many cultural events in the Finnish capital.

The National Museum of Finland in the capital, Helsinki.

National Museum of Finland

For travellers who wish to learn more about the history of Finland, this museum, housed in an early 20th-century building, is the place to be. The museum’s collection contains thousands of artifacts from different stages of Finnish history.