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HELSINKI
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and stretched over a number of islands, bays and peninsulas. Situated in the southern tip of Finland beside the Gulf, this city forms a metropolitan area with three other cities, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen. The area covering these three cities is better known as the capital area and is known to house 975,000 citizens. Helsinki is the only city in Finland to have trams or metro trains. Seurasaari, Lauttasaari, Korkeasaari, Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) and military island of Santahamina are some significant names that have shaped this beautiful city. In fact, Korkeasaari is the countries largest zoo while Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) is used for military purpose.
Actually, Helsinki was established way back in 1550 to act as a competitor to the Hanseatic city of Tallinn, which was built by King Gustav of Sweden. In its primitive stages this city suffered from diseases, poverty and wars. In fact, for a long time other prosperous commercial hubs of the Baltic region overshadowed Helsinki totally. But after Russia defeated Sweden in the Finish war of 1809 and took over Finland things started changing for the better.
The following decades saw unparalleled development and improvement for Helsinki, bolstering the pedestal required for emerging as a true modern world-class capital of the 20th century. This alteration is highly noticeable in accommodations and apartments for rent in downtown Helsinki.
Nevertheless, Helsinki is better known for its numerous Art Nouveau buildings, made in the early 1900s, under the strongly influence of Kalevala, a very popular and prevalent theme in the national romantic art of that time. These architectural delights, along with Kiasma, a modern art museum, Valon Voimat "Forces of Light” an annual winter arts festival makes Helsinki ideal for art-loving tourists across the world. However, currently many hostels, hotels and bread and breakfast have developed in Helsinki, which makes this a perfect residing place for travelers.
The Cathedral
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National Theater
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