Sign in with Facebook- Join for free
- Sign In
Sign in with FacebookLatest Helsinki hotel reviews
Helpfulness
The city of Helsinki is was founded by Gustavus Vasa, the king of Sweden, more than 450 years ago.
He needed the city as a new trading post in southern Finland and a competitor to Tallinn in Estonia.
People from Rauma, Ulvila, Porvoo and Tammisaari had to move to Helsinki on the king's request. The date on which this order was issued, 12.6.1550, is regarded as the date on which the city was founded.
Today a monument marks the spot where the city's history started.
If you want to know more about the history of Helsinki, try the link.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Helpfulness
Helsinki does not have a real old city (as Helsinki is not so old, only 450 years) but we have a place called 'Old City' where the king of Sweden put the corner stone for what became later on Helsinki.
Updated Dec 25, 2007
Helpfulness
Short walk around old city was not very tiresome. The city has seemed rather small, but beautiful enough. Some fundamental buildings have drawn our attention.
Next time we shall try to make out them more attentively.
Updated Sep 26, 2006
Helpfulness
The "old city" of Helsinki is not even 200 years old. However, it has a very Central European feel, quite unlike the rest of the city. As the city centre is in fact the old city you are bound to see it when you go shopping, visit cafés or nightclubs, but it is not a sight in itself.
Written Jun 21, 2005
Helpfulness
Helsinki does have Old Town, but it is not where you would think it is... Old Town is actually 5 km north of the modern Helsinki city centre. Old Town was built in the 16th century on the river mouth of the River Vantaa. The old town is a very minuscule but pittoresque part of Helsinki, close to nowadays Helsinki University Biotechnology campus. There is also Technical museum, which is interesting to see.
Directions
Bus 68 or 71, from Rautatientori it takes 18 min to Vanhakaupunki bus stop.
Updated Feb 19, 2005
Helpfulness
Vanhankaupunginlahti (Bay of Old City) is said to be a bird paradise in middle of a metropol.
There are several towers built around the bay are for bird watching
And there is Gardenia (The Tropical Garden) in Viikki, where they may give you more advice
see
http://www.wetlands.org/RDB/Ramsar_Dir/Finland/FI008D02.htm
Written Mar 7, 2004
Phone: +358 9 3478 400
Website: http://www.finland-tourism.com/web/brochures/publish.nsf/c7d25333c6dcef4ec225694200206da5/6c66e4607e27b4bbc2256b45002f4c32/$FILE/Birdwatching_ENG.pdf
In March, while Vantaa river is flooding of smelted snow and carrying big floating ice planes, the rapids in Vanhakaupunki (Old City) are very impressive. Especially to children.
You can also do fishing in the rapid (or canoeing?)
And there is very good tecnical museum in the island between the water fall and the rapid "Kuninkaankartano" (=Kings manor) = place where the Swedish king would stay if he would come to the city which he established there in 1552 (if I remember right)
There is also a power station museum there...
Written Mar 7, 2004
Phone: (09) 7288 4428
Website: http://www.tekniikanmuseo.fi/index.html
Helpfulness
Within Helsinki city limits you have the possibility to encounter nature in many different ways.
One are the rapids in the founding area of Helsinki in the north-eastern part.
Take bus #71 from the main railway station and hop out at Vanhakaupunki.
Beside the rapids of the river Vantaa mouthing into the sea you can have a look at the oldest part of Helsinki, the Technical museum and hike in the well-known area where bird fanatics go and spot some special birds..
Written Jun 24, 2003
1 - 8 of 8
Sponsored Links
Hotel Kamp Helsinki
16 Reviews and 267 Opinions Located on Pohjoisesplanadi, in the heart of Helsinki, Hotel Kämp is one of the city's most...
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Helsinki Helsinki
10 Reviews and 182 Opinions I was there for only 3 days. The cost of the room for 3 nights was 397 Euros. Helpful and friendly...
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki Helsinki
12 Reviews and 253 Opinions It was my first visit here on business tour, I was fearing if my boss be angry for far location. But...
Hameentie 163
Vanhankaupunki (old city) tips and photos posted by real travelers and Helsinki locals.
Write a ReviewWithin Helsinki city limits you have the possibility to encounter nature in many different ways. One are the rapids in the founding area of Helsinki in the...
1,278 members live in Helsinki
Q: We are going to Kalasatama to see Metallica at monday. How late does the metro run? What other options there are to come back to...
A: metro runs till 11.25pm. after that you have night buses from kalasatama till down town, 90,92,96N. no,cellphone tickets are not valid on buses and i think not on...
Read 5 Replies
1
I have lived in Helsinki over seven years now and I am really enjoying it! Helsinki is sooo beautiful city, especially in the summer. The streets are clean and you could always find a peaceful spot......
2
I hope you will enjoy reading this page! Please leave me a comment what you think about it! :-)) All the pictures on this travelpage are taken by me or by Åke (former VT-member Akeke), unless...
3
Helsinki is "the biggest village in the world". It is a great place for tourism, history, museums, galleries, theatre, music, shopping, restaurants, clubs etc. all environment friendly, free of...
4
19/1 Just returned from Helsinki
We only had 4 hours in Helsinki. Good enough for lunch, some shopping and a long walk. Dark falls early and in that twilight, this church on Senate square becomes a fairy tale.
5
Home to both animals and humans and funny street cars have a look at a Helsinki as I know it ! Please have a look at my Travelogues in Uusimaa too - about Helsinki as well.
Build your own Helsinki page
Sponsored Links
