Finland Attractions

Once again, the friends I was with made this experience amazing, and the nightlife is incredible here.

Tampere is one of the biggest cities in Finland but still retains its old world charm. This scenic city is surrounded by 200 lakes in its vicinity. The city, located on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids, has evolved into the Nordic region's most industrialized areas. There are a number of museums and galleries displaying splendid Finnish culture and art. Scenic topography, open vistas, recreational parks and gardens as well as beautiful Nordic architecture, add to the city's charm.

The unusual Hietaniemi Cemetery is within walking distance of the city centre, right next to a beach. It is divided into four parts: a Lutheran cemetery, an Orthodox one, a Jewish and an Islamic one. The very lush, park-like area is popular for strolls amongst people, red squirrels and various kinds of waterfowl. The Lutheran cemetery is divided into two areas. The magnificent older part is the final resting place of a number of famous people, including C. L. Engel, the man who designed a large part of the city, and world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland's best-known artist Gallen-Kallela, authors Mika Waltari and Topelius and six Finnish presidents were also buried here. There are separate sections for National Theatre actors and the Finnish martyrs; the latter are commemorated by students each Independence Day. Helsinki Expert arranges two-hour tours of the Jewish cemetery.

The Parliament, now a heritage listed building, was constructed in 1926—1931 after the design Oratoribus by architects Borg, Sirén and Åberg. This is Finland's only representative og 1920s Classicism. Its monumental exterior is characterized by 14 Corinthian columns, and is built of red granite. The building is made of Finnish materials, and it represents the unity of architecture, art, workmanship and industrial design. This is apparent in the decor as well as the 900 works of art on display, the most famous of which are the bronze sculptures in the Session Hall designed by Wäinö Aaltonen. Each of the five floors is unique, connected to the others by a white marble staircase and famous open lifts. Most important for visitors are the beautiful main lobby, the stately Session Hall and the awe—inspiring Hall of State. Guided tours are arranged on Saturdays and Sundays, and on weekdays in July and August. Tuesdays and Fridays you can wat ch the Parliament in session from the public balcony.

The Old Church is not only the oldest but perhaps also the most beautiful church in Helsinki. The small, white and peacefully plain building is located in one of the prettiest parks in Helsinki. Construction began in the 1820s when Ulrika Eleonora Church on Senate Square became too small and the new cathedral had not yet been built. Famous Helsinki architect C. L. Engel designed the church in 1826. The wooden exterior is in simple Neo—Classical style, with a delightful belfry and green dome reminiscent of the Cathedral. With its attractive simplicity the interior is traditionally Finnish; its colours are whites and pastels, against which the gilded altarpiece, organ and pulpit stand out. The altarpiece, the only picture in the church, is signed by court painter Ekman; the organ and pulpit are also 19th—century originals. Services are held at in Finnish regularly and in Swedish on Sundays and Christian holidays. Eucharist is held on Wednesday mornings, and ! short organ concerts are held on Tuesdays. This is a very popular concert and wedding venue.

The Lutheran Cathedral (also Suurkirkko or St. Nicholas Church) is Helsinki's most important landmark. The majestic outline of its 71 meter central tower illustrates the true glory of the White City of the North. The cathedral was designed by C. L. Engel in 1830; when Engel died in 1840, E. B. Lohrmann took over the supervision and added several touches to the original blueprints, including details in the simple yet beautiful interior. The cathedral was finally completed in 1852, though the famous grand steps would not be there for another 20 years. Despite the western, classical style, the influences of Russia and especially that of Czar Nicholas I are also visible. The cathedral's famous statues of the Apostles were originally Nicholas's idea. The Czar also donated the altarpiece, the work of Russian artist von Neff. The cathedral has a high—ceilinged crypt, a venue for exhibitions and concerts, and a café open every summer. The cathedral, decorated with s tatues of Mikael Agricola and the religious reformers Luther and Melanchthon, hosts both ordinary and more official (Government and University) services, as well as various concerts.

The Senate Building, designed by C. L. Engel, is situated on one side of the Senate Square, left of the Cathedral. Its yellow colour and white columns make it easily recognisable. The Senate Building, one of Engel's main works, was completed in 1822, and used to house the Imperial Senate of Finland. When Finland became independent, the building became the offices of the government and the prime minister. Though everyone can admire the building's beautiful design, its columns and the old lamps, the building's most interesting sight is hidden from most. The Empire—style throne room, right above the main entrance, is one of the most stunning interiors in Finland, but ordinary citizens cannot visit it. On one end of the building is Helsinki's oldest public clock. The Senate Building is a symbol of authority and a beautiful, balanced pie! ce of architecture. With its close twin, the main building of the University of Helsinki on the opposite side of the square, it frames the Cathedral and the whole square nicely. For further details, you can contact the Tourist Information Center at +358 (0)10 605 8000.

In 1827 the Turku Academy was moved to Helsinki as the Russians came to power and the capital changed. The Academy needed a place to operate, so C. L. Engel designed a building on one side of the Senate Square; it was completed in 1832. The Academy began its operation and changed its name to the Imperial University. After Finland became independent, the name was changed again, to the University of Helsinki. The yellow main building is a close match to the Senate Building opposite, in dimensions, colour and style. The completion of this building brought the finishing touches to the uniform group of Empire—style buildings surrounding Senate Square. The University is one of Helsinki's main landmarks. The interiors of the building are very beautiful: the stairwells, stone floors and statues create a balanced but interesting whole. The stunning main festival hall is also a sight to behold. Still, the main reason for admiring this building is its outer form, the sense of balance it creates together with the Senate Building.

The gorgeous University Library, right next to the main building of the University and the Cathedral, is one of Engel's most beautiful creations, completed in 1844. Large windows soften its yellow—and—white exterior, while trees surround the back of the building, making this one of Helsinki's most endearing sights. The outer wall of the library sports a bronze bust of Czar Alexander I and a plaque commemorating the designers of the old city centre, J. A. Ehrenström and C. L. Engel. The interior of the library building is also spectacular. The old interiors are in good shape, and the current refurbishment process is expected to bring even more of the old lustre back. The main hall with its old—fashioned furnishings and marvellous ceiling frescoes is one of the most admired interiors in Finland. The soft, beautiful exterior and ! serene mood of the petite building, overshadowed by taller, more majestic structures, have a calming effect on the whole neighbourhood.

The majestic Finnish National Theater, one of Finland's most renowned Art Nouveau buildings, dominates the Rautatientori Square. Based on designs by Onni Tarjanne, it was completed in 1902 and since then has been home to the oldest and biggest Finnish-language theater company. With its corner towers and red roof, it has a beautiful and powerful presence. The spacious interiors are probably best known for the frescoes by famous artists Juho Rissanen and Yrjö Ollila. A 1939 statue of Aleksis Kivi, Finland's author laureate, stands in the square in front of the theater. Sculpted by Väinö Aaltonen, it is surrounded by flowerbeds in summer. The base of the statue fits the melancholy statue, being engraved with sections of Kivi's poem Ikävyys ("Longing"). The strong bond between the writer and the National Theater dates back to 1869, when the Finnish Theater performed the very first play in Finnish, Lea by Kivi. Th! e theater is known for its staging of classic dramas, but the repertoire also includes children's plays, musicals and work by brand-new talents. You can buy tickets at the entrance hall, as well as at Lippupiste offices in the Stockmann and Sokos department stores.

Kaisaniemi Park, behind the National Theatre, is among the most beautiful parks in Helsinki and dates from the 1880s. It was named after Kaisa Wahllund, owner of a very popular café in the park. Students, fans of the park since the opening of the café, still cherish Kaisaniemi as their own. Early in the morning of May Day, the park fills up with students who, celebrate the day with song. The central landmark of the park is the small lake, and there are also several statues in a range of styles. Right in front of the park is Esirippu, a memorial to actress and theatrical impresario Ida Aalberg designed by Raimo Utriainen. Near the main entrance stands Convolvulus, a 1931 sculpture of a young girl by Viktor Jansson. On a steep slope d! otted with trees is Nuori hirvi, a realistic statue of a young elk, which blends quite nicely into its surroundings. The park extends all the way to the lovely boulevard on the banks of Kaisaniemi Bay and to the historical Pitkäsilta bridge. The University Botanical Gardens are in the middle.

The University Botanical Gardens are a park within a park — an area of leafy trees, small footpaths and beautiful flowers and bushes. It is also the home of Finland's greatest botanical collection. The gardens came to Helsinki when the university changed locations after the great fire of Turku. The gorgeous greenhouses have been restored several times over the years, most extensively after the 1944 air raids. The gardens, designed by St. Petersburg architect Franz Falderman in the 1830s, are best known for their gorgeous C. L. Engel—designed main greenhouse, the central dome of which looms elegantly on the Kaisaniemi horizon. It is home to numerous tropical plants (cacti, orchids, royal water lily, cocoa), whereas the outdoor plants are from more temperate climates. The garden's main entrance is on Kaisaniemenranta, a boulevard that follows Kaisaniemi Bay, which is lined with old Empire—style wooden houses.

The inlet made up of the Kaisaniemenlahti and Eläintarhanlahti bays, between Pitkäsilta Bridge and the railway tracks, is a great area for walks. The streets are wide and in a good condition, and there is plenty to see. Kaisaniemenranta is the most beautiful part of the area, a wide boulevard surrounded by trees, framed on one side by the bay and on the other side by old wooden houses and stunning gardens. At Pitkänsillanranta the sights include the leafy shore and the gorgeous buildings looming above, and as you move further to Säästöpankinranta there are parks and a view to the fountain in the middle of the bay. On the opposite side of the bay lie Tokoinranta and Eläintarhantie, an area known for architectural sights and also its parks. Most Helsinkiites know Tokoinlahti for the tent that is erected there during the annual Helsinki Festival, as a venue for performances by top Finnish and international artists.

The Railway Station is an important symbol of Helsinki, as well as an internationally renowned pearl of architecture. The building dates from 1914, and represents late Finnish Art Nouveau. It is the main work of famous architect Eliel Saarinen. The façade of the Railway Station, with its main entrance framed by a row of huge statues holding lanterns designed by Emil Wikström, is a familiar sight to all Finns. The pink—granite and copper structure with its famous clock tower is beautiful inside as well; old lamps and a beige colouring are complemented by original woodwork, creating a warm atmosphere. The Railway Station brings together many forms of travel: railway, metro and buses (on the square next to the station). Trams go right past the building as well. The shops and tunnels under the station offer bargain shopping opportunities and good connections to most of the city centre. The tunnels are a convenient route to take especially during bad weather.

Meilahti Arboretum is a beautiful park a short distance from the Seurasaari open—air museum. The purpose of the arboretum is to introduce people to plants such as trees and bushes, used in landscaped areas. There are lovely flowerbeds and other vegetation, and this is the perfect place to get to know more about flora or just unwind. The arboretum is very user—friendly; there are guideposts at convenient intervals, and tags next to individual plants. The footpaths are perfect for a relaxing stroll and offer plenty of nice views. The flora in the arboretum includes both typically Finnish and more unusual plant varieties. Some date back to 1967. The arboretum also has an extensive collection of rose bushes.