Helsinki - tips for your holiday -

Welcome to Helsinki! In this page You will find some tips to make Your holiday easier. Hope You enjoy our Helsinki information pages.

Helsinki, the most sustainable city in the world

Helsinki was crowned the most sustainable travel destination in 2024 by the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index. Helsinki isn’t just a clean clean—it’s living proof that sustainability initiatives in Finland can lead to happier, healthier lives. Here, fresh air and green spaces aren’t luxuries—they’re everyday essentials. And this might been one of the reasons why Finland was chosen to be the happiest country in the world for 8 time in a row.

Short history of Helsinki

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, has a rich and fascinating history that spans several centuries. Originally founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden as a trading town, Helsinki was intended to compete with the established city of Turku. However, it remained a small and relatively insignificant settlement for much of its early years.

In 1809, after Finland was ceded to the Russian Empire, Helsinki became the capital of the newly formed Grand Duchy of Finland. This marked a turning point in the city’s development, as the Russians sought to transform Helsinki into a prominent administrative and cultural center. Under the guidance of notable architects like Carl Ludvig Engel, Helsinki’s neoclassical city center began to take shape, with key landmarks such as the Helsinki Cathedral being built.

Helsinki’s growth continued throughout the 19th century, and by the early 20th century, it had become a bustling city with a growing population. Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917, and Helsinki became the political and cultural heart of the newly independent nation.

During the 20th century, Helsinki underwent significant modernization and expansion, with key milestones such as hosting the 1952 Summer Olympics and the development of its iconic modernist architecture. The city also played an important role in Finland’s post-war recovery and became a hub for international diplomacy, hosting events like the 1975 Helsinki Accords, a major Cold War-era conference.

*Picture of Olympic stadium – City of Helsinki – Beatrice Bucht*

Today, Helsinki is known for its vibrant culture, high quality of life, and innovative design, and it continues to grow as a dynamic European capital that blends its rich history with modern trends.