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Helsinki
Finland’s capital is characterised by the cultures of the forces occupying it in previous centuries. The Swedish and Russian influences are unmistakeably reflected in the city’s architecture.
Helsinki was founded as recently as 1550 by the Swedish King Wasa and since that time has burnt down no less than five times. The remnants have been stamped by a mixture of both eastern and western architectural styles that, in recent years, have been complemented by very modern architecture. Glass palaces now border on historic buildings such as the orthodox church that dates back to 1854.
The market place, in the heart of Helsinki next to the Baltic port, is a meeting place for tourists and locals alike. It is here that most tourists arrive by ferry and often start their tour of Finland with a visit to the market. Just off shore of the port lies the Swedish naval fortress of Suomenlinna, dating back to 1748, that was built to defend the city and is now a popular tourist attraction.
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