Helsinki

History

How the city came to be

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa at the mouth of the Vantaa River, and in 1640 the city centre moved to its present peninsula. Work on the sea fortress began in 1748, a sign of how deeply Baltic defence shaped the city. In 1809 Finland passed to the Russian Empire, and in 1812 Helsinki became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland; neoclassical public buildings and Senate Square created the core image you see today. The present cathedral was completed in 1852, and after Finland's independence in 1917 Helsinki remained the national capital. Twentieth-century expansion, the 1952 Olympic Games and the building of public transport added a modern layer. As you explore, you can place Market Square, the sea fortress and contemporary public spaces such as Oodi on a single timeline to understand how Helsinki grew from a harbour settlement into an open Baltic capital.

1. 1550The Swedish crown founds Helsinki.
2. 1640The city centre moves to its present site.
3. 1748Construction of the Suomenlinna sea fortress begins.
4. 1809Finland passes to the Russian Empire.
5. 1812Helsinki becomes capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland.
6. 1852The cathedral is completed.
7. 1917Finland becomes independent.
8. 1952Helsinki hosts the Summer Olympic Games.

Stories

Stories of the city