Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland beginning with the letter H - it is located on the southern coast of the country on the Gulf of Finland. Here are some facts about the city:
- History: Helsinki was founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden as a competitor to the city of Tallinn in Estonia. Over the course of several centuries, Helsinki developed into an important commercial and industrial center.
- Architecture: Helsinki is known for its distinctive architecture that combines traditional and modern elements. In the very center of the city there are numerous monuments, such as the Lutheran cathedral and the Catholic cathedral, built in the neoclassical style. One of the most important buildings in the city is also the Presidential Palace, which was built in 1820 and is the seat of the President of Finland.
- Nature: Helsinki is a city that is surrounded by beautiful forests and the sea. In the very center of the city there are numerous parks, including the largest of them - Kaisaniemi Park. There are also numerous recreational spots along the coast, such as Hietaniemi Beach and Linnanmaki Amusement Park.
- Culture: Helsinki is a city that is full of cultural and artistic life. The city has many museums, theaters and art galleries, including the National Museum of Finland, the Kiasma Museum of Modern Art and the Sinebrychoff Museum. Helsinki is also home to many festivals and cultural events, such as the Helsinki Festival and Helsinki Fashion Week.
- Transportation: Helsinki is well connected to the rest of the country and Europe thanks to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which is one of the largest in Scandinavia. The city also has a developed public transport network that includes buses, trams and the metro.