Founded in 1550 by Gustav Vasa, King of Sweden, to compete with present-day Tallinn, Helsinki was then called Helsinfors. The Swedes still officially call it Helsinfors. The capital of Finland and a coastal city, Helsinki lies in the very south of the country on the Gulf of Finland. It has 655,400 inhabitants, and no fewer than 330 islands make up the Helsinki Archipelago.
Your bus and guide will be waiting for you at the dock, as you disembark from the boat.
The tour begins at Senate Square, which is home to the Lutheran Cathedral, the former University of Finland, and old residences of Helsinki’s merchant bourgeoisie.
At the center of the square stands the statue of Alexander II. It was during his reign that the Grand Duchy of Finland gained significant autonomy, which is why he holds a special place in the memory of the city's inhabitants. You will then continue towards the Market Square, a beautiful architectural ensemble with its neoclassical-style buildings, where the outdoor market takes place. You will also discover the main monuments of the city, including the Finlandia Hall designed by architect Alvar Aalto, the Helsinki railway station, and the National Theatre. You will have the option to visit the Temppeliaukio Church, carved directly into the rock.
Pure Norway's favorite :
Whether the weather is good or not, the little SpåraKOFF tram will run. Its special feature is that it will always bring you back to your starting point.
In reality, the SpåraKOFF is no longer much of an ordinary tram, as it is nothing less than a pub! Hop on board, order a drink, take a seat at a table, and rediscover the city from your little bar on rails!
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this inhabited fortress spans no less than eight islands!
Construction began in 1748 with the goal of protecting Finland from the Russian Empire, whose new capital, St. Petersburg, had just been established at the far end of the Gulf of Finland.
Today, the fortress houses a war museum, a naval academy, residences, and a 1930s submarine, the Vesikko.
You will reach the fortress by a 15-minute boat transfer from the Market Square, with the company Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy.