Things to see and do Southern Finland Province

This district, built around a bay, is a great place to stroll, to breathe in the sea air and admire the unique blend of modern architecture and soothing natural surroundings. Helsinkians call it the Smurfs or Legoland district, because of its multicolored, geometric buildings from the 1980s and 1990s. The whole area is reminiscent of a vacation village, but not unpleasant. There are also a few wooden sculptures dedicated to children's cultural awakening and a playground.

Behind this classic brick building lies a treasure trove of architecture, a magical place that any local will advise you to visit. This popular and very dynamic library, in view of the many cultural events organised regularly, houses a beautiful collection of books of all kinds, in small and cosy reading rooms, decorated with late Art Nouveau frescoes. On the top floor, the castle of tales is the room reserved for little faces.

A museum that traces the history of Finnish sport through numerous exceptional objects from all eras. You'll find Olympic medals, a crystal globe, autographed soccer shirts (such as Jari Litmanen's) and video documents from the era. The visit is also suitable for younger visitors, thanks to the many play facilities available on site. The tour can be combined with a visit to the Olympic Stadium Tower.

Recently opened in a magnificent space (a former printing house), this museum, which is mainly dedicated to contemporary Finnish and Nordic art, is well worth a visit. More accessible than its cousin Kiasma, Emma gives you a diversified picture of Finnish art through 500 works representing different currents of art from the ^20th century to the present day, notably from the November Group. The permanent collection was developed by the Saastamoinen Foundation, which continues its policy of acquiring contemporary art.

After a stopover in the museum's café-restaurant, you can take advantage of your time at WeeGee to visit the other rooms: the interesting collection of the Helinä Rautavaara ethnographic museum, an adventurer who brought back ritual objects, masks, paintings and photos from her many travels around the world...

Also on the first floor are the Clock Museum and the Espoo City Museum, which traces the city's (rapid!) evolution, as well as temporary exhibitions. The yellow Futuro in the adjoining park (a 50 m² habitat designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in the late 1960s in a series of around a hundred units, and which bears a striking resemblance to a flying saucer) has recently been revived, taking visitors back in time to the futuristic architecture and design of the late 1960s. A must-see if you're an enthusiast or in the industry. One of Finland's finest museums, not to be missed!

It is the work of two men: Johan Albrecht Ehrenström and Carl Ludvig Engel. The first, whose task is to create a city worthy of a European capital, is called in 1816 at the Berlin Engel, already at work in Tallinn and St. Petersburg. In the space of a quarter of a century Engel will draw the plans of about public buildings and a large number of special houses in Helsinki and other cities in Finland. He is nevertheless obliged to submit his projects to Tsar Alexander I and his successor Nicolas I, who, in all things, retain their right of veto.

The northern place of the Senate is dominated by the very white Lutheran cathedral (Tuomiokirkko), one of the largest dome cathedrals in the world, completed in 1852 according to the plans of Engel. The monumental staircase further strengthens its imposing character. The sculptures on the roof, representing the apostles, are carried out on the model of the Isaac church of St. Petersburg. From the top of the stairs, the view on the south port (Eteläsatama) and the surrounding streets is splendid. From the Gulf of Finland, for example on a ferry, the panorama is even more striking. The façade of the cathedral, surmounted by the large green dome and surrounded by numerous terrazzo columns, then shines gently. On the right of the square, the Governor's Palace, one of the major works of Engel completed in 1822, houses the Senate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Prime Minister's office is located on the first floor at the corner of the Aleksanterinkatu. The main entrance to the main entrance hides one of the most beautiful interiors in Empire style. The place is unfortunately forbidden to the public.

Left, the place of the Senate is bordered by the main building of the former university of Finland, transferred to Helsinki by decree of the czar after the great Turku fire in 1827. The façade presents the same structure as the Governor's Palace. A large part of the university will, however, be destroyed by the bombings of 1944, including the large concert hall, works of art included (since 1971, the large concert hall in Helsinki has been elected to the Palais Palace of Alvar Aalto). Behind the cathedral, in the Unioninkatu, the small Orthodox church of the Holy Trinity, also in Engel, hosts several beautiful old icons, including the Virgin of Smolensk. Also in the Unioninkatu, the beautiful library of the university (Yliopiston Kirjasto), the ceiling decorated with frescos, is one of the most beautiful works in Engel. Its interior splendour is commensurate with its splendid yellow facade, decorated with a majestic corinthienne colonnade.

At the centre of the square is the statue of Alexander II, assassinated in 1881 by an anarchist group, made by Walter Runeberg in 1894 (son of the famous writer Johan Ludvig Runeberg). It was under Alexander II that the Duchy of Finland acquired broad autonomy, hence the special place it held in the memory of the inhabitants of the city. The place of the Senate is also bordered to the south by former residences of the Helsinki Commercial Bourgeoisie. Among these mansions in the early th century, notice the beautiful grey-grey house built for the powerful businessman Sederholm. The ground floor is now occupied by small boutiques in the old, by charming cafés or Russian restaurants. The Demetriade house, which makes the corner of the Unionkatu, gathers many of these chic shops that form the very tourist Baazar Demetriade. Helsinki also sometimes displays a small air in St. Petersburg. Moreover, the Finnish capital was used as a shooting site for certain films, the action of which was supposed to take place in the city built by Pierre-le-Grand in 1703.

This imposing granite construction of the architect Eliel Saarinen (1910-1914) marks a turning point in Finnish architecture. With a national romantic style, the lines are little more refined. The building of the station mixes Art nouveau and functionalism. Its strong facade, the jewel of Art Nouveau, is mitigated by the subtlety of coronations and the integration of the. Four busts of massive and solemn men, lamp carriers, frame the main entrance. The 48 m tower with a green-green roof has a clock 3 m in diameter. Inside the Station, the Pullman fresco on the second floor is signed by Eero Järnfelt, one of the great Finnish artists. To fool the boredom of expectations, the café on the ground floor has a small casino! The station provides access to the largest metro station and an underground shopping outlet.

The oldest part dates back to the 11th century, but the cathedral was destroyed several times by the Great Wars and was renovated in the 18th century. Under the ground of the cathedral and in its courtyard many inhabitants were buried until 1789. The church of Porvoo became a cathedral in 1723. If from the outside it doesn't look like much, the interior is sober and really beautiful. Note the presence of a tall ship suspended towards the nave, on the right. It is said to have been offered by the fishermen, to pray for them.

She is a sculptor, Eila Hiltunen, who pays tribute to the famous composer Sibelius by a fairly original contemporary work. Indeed it sticks hundreds of tubes to each other. Located in the Sibelius park, north of the city centre, the work (Passio Speculum) has been established as one of Helsinki's masterpieces. " The steel forest, "as the Helsinkiens called it, caused much controversy. Made up of 580 tubes of steel, of uneven length, in the image of some imaginary, conifères organ reminiscent of the importance of nature in the composer's work. The monument does not usually leave anyone indifferent. The head of Sibelius, close to a rock, seems almost unusual in this context… Eila Hiltunen delivered a similar work at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

This monument is dedicated to the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1967). This work, created by the Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen and entitled Passio Musicae, quickly established itself as one of Helsinki's masterpieces. "The Steel Forest", caused much controversy when it was inaugurated in 1967. Made of more than 600 stainless steel tubes of unequal length, like an imaginary organ. Next to it is a portrait of Sibelius. You can walk under the work to hear the echoes of the wind or you can have fun generating them yourself

Completed in 1931, against a backdrop of national romanticism, the Eduskuntatalo perfectly embodies the Finnish Parliament, with its Greek temple appearance. The guided tour (on reservation only, sometimes in English or French - enquire by email or phone) provides a better understanding of the country's legislative system. Possibility to attend all plenary sessions in the gallery of the session room (doors are open 15 minutes before the session).

Since 2014, we have been enjoying a breathtaking view of the city and its archipelago from this 40-metre-high attraction with its 30 cabins, in order to compete with the famous Viennese Prater Ferris wheel... And if you've read our special report on the sauna, you know that one of these cabins closes one! The must: the VIP cabin which can accommodate 4 people with a glass floor and leather seats. Reduced price for Helsinki Card holders.

The museum strives to push back the traditional boundaries of art museums by continuously following the development of the visual arts: originality and novelty are the watchwords of its exhibitions. The museum presents post-1960 contemporary collections in a superb building completed in 1998 to designs by Steven Holl: paintings, media works, spatial works and photographs. On several floors, white predominates, with an exceptional emphasis on natural light and remarkable work on volumes. Every year, the museum acquires around a hundred new works by Finnish and foreign artists. Room X showcases the most recent works, while the Printti section gives pride of place to the graphic arts. The first floor features a pleasant café-restaurant with wi-fi. Kiasma also has an auditorium where events are regularly presented in connection with all contemporary forms of performing arts (dance, theater, music), often in collaboration with festivals. The exhibition schedule is available on their website, as are theater and performance programs. Don't miss the official website to find out what's on, which is always surprising, exciting and attractive. Finland's most visited museum! Free with Helsinki Card and every first Friday of the month.

Built of granite in the early ^20th century (1909-1919), this superb station is the work of architect Eliel Saarinen and marks a turning point in Finnish architecture. The national Romantic style was gradually replaced by cleaner lines. The station building blends Art Nouveau and functionalism. Its austere facade, the flagship of Art Nouveau, is softened by the subtlety of the copings and the integration of figurative elements. Four massive, solemn busts of men, carrying luminous globes, frame the main entrance - signed by Finnish sculptor Emil Wikström. The pair even have a name: Lyhdynkantajat, which roughly translates as "the lantern bearers" (Emil Wikström also created the bear sculpture in front of the National Museum). The 48 m tower with its verdigris roof features a 3 m-diameter clock. It is considered the most important work of national Romanticism. Inside the station, the Pullman fresco on the second floor is by Eero Järnefelt, one of Finland's great artists. The station provides access to the largest metro station and an underground shopping passage. The station is often cited as one of the most beautiful in Europe and the world. The station has often been featured in advertisements for Finland's railways. In 2013, the statues were restored and the globe lights replaced with LEDs.

Located in Porvoo's old town hall, which dates back to 1764, you can see the works of Albert Edelfelt and the sculptures of Ville Vallgren, who also sculpted Havis Amanda on Helsinki's Market Square. There is also an exhibition on the Diet of Porvoo in 1809, which marked the beginning of Finnish autonomy and on the nobility of the city. There are also more than 220,000 archaeological and art objects on display, as well as archives including maps...

Europe's largest aquatic park. In the winter, only the indoor swimming pool is open. The small hill outdoors allows you to enjoy the joys of alpine skiing. Cross-country skiing is also available. In summer, indoor and outdoor swimming pools are open.

Located in Järvenpää north of Helsinki, Ainola is the home of Jean Sibelius, the famous Finnish composer who settled there with his family at the beginning of the century and remained there until his death in 1957. He has composed over 150 works. Become a pilgrimage place for many music lovers. Very special atmosphere.

The Finnish science centre Heureka, located in Vantaa, was inaugurated in 1988. Heureka with its planetarium, multivisions and hemispheric films (from the style of the Géode to La Villette) is divided into four sections devoted to the universe, life, human society and production, respectively. Very playful.

35 min boat trip to Svartholma sea fortress. This fortress was built in 1748 by the Swedes to protect themselves against the Russian invasion. Suomenlinna's big sister, so to speak. Destroyed by the British during the Crimean War, it has since been rebuilt. On the small island, you will find a small museum (free entrance) to understand the history of this fort which was built between Russian and Swedish laws. Also on the spot, there is a small bistro to have a drink or a bite to eat.

This ethnological museum gives back the period of time with numerous farms from different parts of Finland and lifts here with their greniers and fenils. The peasant interiors have preserved their appearance in the past.

The office is not open to the public, but the website is extremely comprehensive and is essential for any preparation of a trip to Finland. It contains information, photographs, files about Finland and its many facets. It is also rich in information on events in the capital and on excursions to the Helsikian agglomeration or, further afield, to Lapland. It is available in French.

Previously located in the main railway station, a new tourist office opened in October 2022. It provides information on the city's activities, events, restaurants and bars. Free maps of Helsinki are also available. The friendly staff will be happy to guide you if you need help or have any questions. Another tourist office, near the Old Market Hall, is open from late May to mid-September; the one at the airport is closed for good...

The archipelago offers pleasant walks, you can practice some activities such as paddle or windsurfing. You can also opt for a day by boat to discover the islands of the Espoo archipelago. Departure from Otaranta to Otaniemi, from Kivenlahti or Suomenoja, for a trip from island to island around Espoo including Iso Vasikkasaari, Stora Herrö, Rövaren and Gåsgrundet. The choice is yours: classic boat, catamaran or speed boat for thrill-seekers. Summer and winter activities are available. A very pleasant nature excursion.

The medieval cathedral (a rare sight in Finland that deserves to be highlighted!) of Saint-Matthieu dates from the end of the 15th century. Note the admirably preserved ancient mural paintings, representing the history of mankind but also scenes from everyday life. Next door, a pleasant walk in the park-cemetery. As a matter of fact, the church was granted the status of a cathedral in 2004, when the diocese of Espoo was separated from the diocese of Helsinki.

Sandy beaches, a seaside restaurant that serves smoked fish, family and relaxed atmosphere. Petit Deauville swimming huts with its colourful changed. Ideal for swimming in summer, opposite the large ferries to the neighbouring countries. You can also walk along the cliff and collect bays or mushrooms in the forests of the island.

In Helsinki's former working-class district, at the top of the hill (or rock, hence the name kallio), the church designed by Lars Sonck between 1908 and 1912 gives a good insight into the romantic national school and the influence of Art Nouveau in the city's architecture. Lars Sonck (1870-1956) is an architect who designed among others the Ainola residence of Jean Sibelius, the cathedral of Tampere, the Mikael Agricole church (not far from the district in Punavuori)...

With its twin 74-metre-high spires, this neo-Gothic Lutheran church, built between 1888 and 1893, is the largest in the city. Renowned for its acoustics, it hosts a number of concerts. The Divine Revelation was painted by Eero Järnefelt, brother-in-law of Jean Sibelius. The church takes its name in part from the hill on which it was built, a place that has traditionally been the site of Midsummer fires for centuries.

This fun-filled family museum tells the story of the passionate relationship between Helsinki and its tramway, from its origins to the present day. An original way to learn about the city's development and its unique character. Relatively small, it's well suited to younger visitors, with its many interactive panels. You can play streetcar driver and imagine yourself traveling on these big machines every day. Free of charge, it's the perfect way to spend a little time.

A breathtaking (and free) view of the city from this magnificent fourteen-storey tower, built in 1928 to designs by the architectural brothers Bertel and Valter Jung (Jung & Jung - who also designed Helsinki's Kulosaari church). Don't hesitate to explore the hotel's interior, and if you're feeling a little thirsty, take a seat on the terrace of the Ateljee Bar to enjoy the view through the bay windows for a while longer. And don't forget to visit the ladies' toilets for the best view of the capital!

Beard to Daddy and good-natured atmosphere in this old-fashioned amusement park. Each year, the park is enriched with an additional attraction. Don't miss one of the first roller coaster of all time (all made of wood) and the free ride in the observatory tower. A dozen small rides and attractions, designed for the youngest, are free of charge. Ideal for families and for children, their eyes shining in front of this small magical world. Good to know: the park belongs to a children's foundation! In 1950, the park was founded by six associations which joined forces seven years later to create the Children's Day Foundation. All profits from the park are now donated to the foundation. Among the six associations are the following:

Barnavårdsföreningen i Finland: aims to protect disadvantaged children and their families.

The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters: which aims, among other things, to prevent domestic violence.

The Central Union for Child Welfare : whose most important tasks are to promote the interests of children and to pool expertise in child protection.

The Mannerheim League for Child Wel fare: to protect children, young people and young families

Parasta Lapsille : a national organization that organizes camps, activities, clubs...

Save the Children: which helps children with family difficulties

Mining began in 1897 in Lohja. To visit this authentic limestone mine still in operation, you descend 80 m underground by funicular - guided tour only. You will learn all about the living conditions of the miners and their working methods. Sound and light show in an underground quarry. Don't forget to cover up because the visit lasts 1h30 and the temperature in the mine is 8 degrees. Instructive and entertaining: we recommend it!

As Helsinki continues to expand, the city is taking over former harbors and waterfront industrial districts. Kalasatama is one of these up-and-coming business and residential districts. On the disused site of a large and beautiful factory built at the beginning of the ^20th century, you'll find a skatepark, a graffiti gallery, bars and pop-up restaurants in summer. It's a district in full transition, with work scheduled to continue for several more (long, long) years, until 2030. All the more reason to come back!

This superb 1960s house, the work of architect Viljo Revell, houses a beautiful little private museum of modern and pre-Columbian art, hidden away on an island off Töölö Bay. It's easily reached by bike or bus, as the island is linked to the mainland by a bridge. Marie-Louise and Gunnar Didrichsen accumulated such an artistic heritage that they had to extend their private home and convert part of it into a museum. Today, exhibitions of contemporary art are held here. Permanent exhibitions of pre-Columbian art are housed in the basement. The park surrounding the house is home to a number of modern sculptures, including the largest collection of Henry Moore's work outside the UK. The museum's architecture is truly remarkable. The Didrichsens had originally approached Alvar Aalto to build their home, but he turned them down for lack of time, recommending Viljo Revell as the only architect capable of building their dream home. The museum's interior has kept some of the house's rooms intact. The living room, with its art library, enchants the mind with its large bay window overlooking the pine trees and pebble beach below. The bathroom, dining room and bedrooms are surprising in their modest size and simplicity. During the Didrichsen couple's lifetime, this rationalist architectural jewel was already giving pride of place to works of art.

This is one of the places we recommend in our Finnish design itinerary. It was created by an American artist Robert Wilson. He is known to be above all a scenographer, and therefore a specialist in staging. The park is divided into nine rooms, each symbolising different domestic spaces. It was designed in memory of Tapio Wirkkala, a designer. It was his daughter who suggested the name Robert Wilson, who at the time used a photo of a sculpture by Wirkkala for one of these settings.

With this agency, you'll discover the waters of the Repovesi National Park, as well as its forests and islands. Riitta, whom French visitors have nicknamed "Mamie du Bois" for her knowledge of the forests, welcomes you with all her heart, and takes care of the smallest details to make you experience something unique in the middle of nature. It's a doubly enriching experience: on the one hand, the exceptional nature of the Repovesi with its magical calm, and on the other, the kindness of the people who will share their joie de vivre with you.

Built in 1834, the observatory was reopened to the public after modernization work in 2012. You will be able to observe the stars and visit an exhibition on astronomy in the planetarium. Nice coffee on the spot. From this 38 m high hill, a privileged place for picnics in summer and sledging in winter, you will have a breathtaking view of the whole capital and the sea on the horizon! Guided tours are made by passionate people who are happy to pass on their knowledge! Don't miss the Shipwrecked Statue just around the corner.

Would you like to discover Helsinki through the eyes of the birds, for three hours and with a photographer as your guide? That's what Samuel Bloch, a French traveler and expatriate in the Finnish capital, is offering you. With him, you'll discover the species that inhabit the city's natural spaces, in Vanhakaupunki, Laajalahti and Suomenoja, in all seasons. A passionate and enthusiastic guide, Samuel will adapt to your every need. Recommended!

On the ^8th floor of the Arabia factory and stores, you'll find this museum. It provides information on the history of the Arabia and Iittala brands, and showcases the work of influential designers such as Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva, Rut Bryk and Tapio Wirkkala. Occasional thematic exhibitions are also organized. On the same site, one floor down, you can visit "The Design Lab Gallery", a space open to artists who can work, experiment..

A small family museum well worth a visit. The display cases showcase toys from the late ^19th century to the 1960s: a fine collection of dolls, teddy bears, toy soldiers, wooden horses and baby carriages - not forgetting, of course, the Moumines house! On your way out of the museum, stop off at Café Samovarbar to try their tasty cakes and hot chocolates, to prolong your return to childhood in this dolls' house atmosphere!

Sipoonkorpi, which has recently become a national park, is an ode to nature, with 80 protected species living there. To the north of the park, a trail runs through the green forests of the Byabäcken River Valley. Many lakes dot the park and the area is beautiful every season. The many outdoor activities on offer still attract a large number of enthusiasts and you can also admire the traditional rural landscapes of southern Finland.

For architecture and interior design enthusiasts. Both home and office, the Villa Aalto already shows the beginnings of the "new" Aalto, the genius of Romantic Functionalist architecture. The museum is also home to the Alvar Aalto Foundation, founded in 1999 to organize conferences bringing together architects, researchers and enthusiasts. Just 500 m away is the studio of Finland's most famous architect, typical of his style. A must-see if you're passionate about the man!

Between 1944 and 1956 the Porkkala Peninsula is annexed by Russia. It has become the paradise of ornithologists and nature lovers, with its extraordinary landscapes and soothing silence.

Near Nuuksio National Park, this other green space, a stone's throw from the capital, is less well known to tourists but is very popular with locals. It is an ideal place for hiking, with marked trails for all levels and some beaches by the lake for sunny days. The old mansion is now a café, a pleasant place to rest after the walk, and where it is also possible to book the sauna. For amateurs, recreational fishing is allowed on the estate.

In a 100% ecological and all-wooden building inspired by the Kalevala, the new Haltia centre, a stone's throw from the Nuuksio National Park and with a view of the lake below, aims to awaken visitors to the surrounding nature through the presentation of landscapes, sounds and sensations felt in the heart of nature. Permanent and temporary exhibitions evoke Finnish fauna and flora, using all modern media to better sing this ode to the environment.

Housed in one of the beautiful red brick buildings of the former cable factory, this museum is dedicated to Finnish (and international) photography, with temporary exhibitions of consistently high quality. A second site, in the Kämp shopping center, presents temporary exhibitions that are renewed three times a year. Two visits that complement each other and offer a sharp look at the photographic work of Scandinavian artists.

Just a stone's throw from Suomenlinna, Lonna is a pretty little island just reopened to the public, a former Russian mine-reserve area, then a mine-clearing area. There is already a small café and a summer restaurant there, but the idea is to create a new urban space where events and other initiatives can take place. A nice getaway on the way to the fortress island. It is easy to get around on foot, the island is very small. It is also a nice place for a picnic break on a sunny summer day with friends or family.

At the top of a long street stands the Erottaja fire station, in operation since 1891. Designed by Theodor Höijer, it looks like a red-brick castle, with its main tower - a watchtower to keep an eye out for any sign of fire. One of the wings now houses the firefighters' museum, displaying trucks and equipment, as well as the history of the biggest fires to hit the city. An original museum to make children's eyes shine!

Less well known than Puu-Vallila, Puu-Käpylä is another fine example of a garden city, designed by Martti Välikangas and built in the 1920s-1925s to meet the housing needs of the working classes. Today, the complex has a charming old-fashioned character, with colorful wooden houses surrounded by small gardens. The Käpylä district was originally built as an Olympic village for the 1952 Olympic Games. Martti Välikangas was born in 1893 and died in 1973. In Helsinki, he also designed the building at 46 Albertinkatu Street.