Helsinki is a city that hides more than it might seem at first glance. Minimalist design and proximity to nature are just the beginning – you’ll find places that tell fascinating stories and reveal the diverse facets of Finnish culture. Here are six places that will make you fall in love with the Finnish capital.
Time travel – Finnish cottages in Seurasaari
Seurasaari, which means story-telling island, is more than just a museum. The open-air museum allows you to travel back in time and see how the Finns lived in centuries past. Walking among the wooden houses and old mills, you can almost hear the echoes of the past. The island is also known for its friendly squirrels, who happily accompany walkers. And if you head here in the summer, you might hit upon a traditional Finnish festival – Juhannus, or Midsummer Night.
The temple that was made by sin – the Church of Karuna
This place invites reflection – a veritable must-see for those who want to transport themselves into the world of Finnish culture. The founder of the building was one of the nobles who… cheated on his wife. The lover turned out to be his cousin. The man, wanting to make up for his guilt, decided to build a church. This was to be his ticket to heaven after death. The result was a church that impresses with its simplicity and authenticity. This interior with its hand-carved altar simply has to be seen.
A true temple of creativity – Oodi Library
Oodi, Finnish for ‘ode,’ is a tribute to modernity and modern thinking. This library is like a multifunctional playground for the mind. You can immerse yourself in literature at ‘book heaven’ on the third floor, but also try your hand at 3D printing, recording podcasts or holding an intimate meeting in one of the rooms. The building’s exterior resembles a wave that blends seamlessly into its surroundings – the perfect place to take a break in the heart of Helsinki.
Here you will find the flavours of Helsinki – Old Market Hall
Vanha Kauppahalli is more than a market – it’s a journey through Finnish flavours and aromas. Smoked fish, caviar or Karalian dumplings are just some of the local specialities you will find here. The hall, which has been in operation since 1889, is a true paradise for foodies. Interestingly, the interior of the hall still retains many elements of the original design, making shopping a unique experience. And if you like culinary experiments, the black bread with fish paste – a Helsinki classic – is worth trying.
Spirit of the East in the North – Ouspensky Cathedral
The name of the Uspensky Cathedral comes from the word ‘uspienje,’ meaning the sleeping of the Mother of God – which already betrays its religious roots. This majestic red brick cathedral is a fine example of Eastern European architecture. Each of the 13 golden domes symbolises Jesus and the apostles, a detail rarely seen in this type of building. Walking around, it is impossible not to be impressed by the view of Katajanokka, a district full of Art Nouveau gems.
Helsinki is a city full of contrasts, where modernity intertwines with tradition and nature coexists with architecture. You will find all these unique places – and much more – in the Findia app, thanks to the creator of ‘In Your Element ‘W swoim zywiole’. With just a few clicks, you can discover the Finnish capital in a whole new way.
Watch profiles ‘W swoim zywiole’: