Story of ...Helsinki

Helsinki became the capital in 1800th century, but it has a long history even before it became the capital. 

Helsinki was founded to compete with Tallinn in 1550th century, by Swedish King Kustaa Vaasa. Helsinki passed some really poor times, including 1710th when plague, the Black Death landed to Finland. Two of third Helsinki’s people died, and few years after Helsinki was burned because people were afraid that Russia would abuse Helsinki as a city during their conquer.
When Russia finally conquered Finland, Helsinki became the capital because Helsinki was nearer St. Petersburg than Turku.

In the 1918th Finnish civil war started. Helsinki didn’t suffer so many damages, but Tampere did. Civil war is still a sensitive subject for Finns, even more sensitive than war with Russia (Soviet Union) in 1939-1940 (Winter war) and 1941-1944 (Continuation war).

After 1944 Helsinki started to develop, and in 1970 it grew to be a real city.
Olympics in 1952 were hosted by Helsinki, and it gave Finland reputation of warm and well-organized city.
In 1990’s Helsinki became fast growing European city, and is now one of the most visited European cities.  With a history of over 450 years, is Helsinki a modern city with a touch of history. In Helsinki you can see the old part of world, and still at the same time you are in innovative and modern city.

Indietro: Helsinki Home Page

Avanti: Travelling to Helsinki by plane