photo by am-van

The southern coast of Finland is the most populated, industrialized and richest part of the country, with the densest concentration, not surprisingly, around the capital, HELSINKI. A city of half a million people, Helsinki is quite different from the other Scandinavian capitals, closer both in mood and looks to the major cities of eastern Europe. For years an outpost of the Russian Empire, its very shape and form is derived from its powerful neighbour. Yet through the twentieth century the city has become a showcase of independent Finland, much of its impressive architecture drawing inspiration from the dawning of Finnish nationalism and the rise of the republic. The streets have a youthful buzz, the short summer acknowledged by crowds strolling the boulevards and socializing in the outdoor cafés and restaurants. At night the pace picks up, with a great selection of pubs and clubs, free rock concerts in the numerous parks, and an impressive quota of fringe events.