Photo by Harald Raebiger Harald by Photo ThisThis isis HelsinkiHelsinki WELCOMEWELCOME

This is WELCOME ContactContact us!us! CityCity ofof HelsinkiHelsinki InformationInformation OfficeOffice P.O.P.O. BoxBox 11 0009900099 CityCity ofof HelsinkiHelsinki FinlandFinland Tel.Tel. +358-9-1691+358-9-1691 Fax:Fax: +358-9-655+358-9-655 354354 Photos by Matti Tirri

This is Helsinki ...... 44 Basic-school Basic-school educationeducation ...... 1919 Good transport connections ...... 4 Academic Academic secondarysecondary educationeducation ...... 2020 Expertise and economic life ...... 4 Vocational training ...... 20 People fare well ...... 4 Apprenticeship Apprenticeship trainingtraining ...... 2020 Standards of living ...... 7 PolytechnicsPolytechnics ...... 2020 University-levelUniversity-level institutionsinstitutions ...... 2121 A Functional City ...... 99 An ideal city for visitors ...... 21 Housing opportunities ...... 9 GrowingGrowing tourismtourism fi guresgures ...... 2121 TrafTraffifi cc movesmoves smoothlysmoothly ...... 99 Hotels Hotels inin thethe heartheart ofof thethe citycity ...... 2121 A A toptop airportairport ...... 99 A A popularpopular citycity forfor congressescongresses ...... 2222 Making Making goodgood transporttransport Much Much toto offeroffer toto visitorsvisitors ...... 2222 networks networks eveneven betterbetter ...... 1010

By By privateprivate carcar oror publicpublic transporttransport ...... 1111 WhatWhat’s’s Best in Helsinki ...... 2525 Pure water ...... 11 The environment ...... 25 A city of light and warmth ...... 12 MagniMagnifi cent,cent, cleanclean naturenature ...... 2525 Heat Heat andand energyenergy withwith highhigh Four Four distinctdistinct seasonsseasons ...... 2525 environmental environmental standardsstandards ...... 1212 Over 450 years of A leading-edge high-tech city ...... 13 colourful history ...... 25 Digital? Digital? OfOf course!course! ...... 1414 Helsinki Helsinki becomesbecomes capitalcapital ...... 2626 BiotechnologyBiotechnology ...... 1414 FromFrom independenceindependence BiotechnologyBiotechnology centrescentres to to thethe trialstrials ofof warwar ...... 2626 in in thethe HelsinkiHelsinki regionregion ...... 1414 BigBig achievementsachievements Care for the environment ...... 15 in in aa smallsmall countrycountry ...... 2828 Clean Clean airair ...... 1515 Culture and leisure time ...... 28 Safe Safe foodfood ...... 1616 Plenty Plenty ofof offeringsofferings for for anan activeactive populacepopulace ...... 2929 EfEffifi cientcient wastewaste managementmanagement ...... 1616 Cultural Cultural andand sportssports facilitiesfacilities ...... 3131 Green Green areasareas andand thethe seasea ...... 1616 AA fl ourishingourishing restaurantrestaurant A safe city ...... 16 andand cafcafé cultureculture ...... 3232 ConConfifi rmedrmed securitysecurity ...... 1616 Shopping alternatives ...... 32 RescueRescue DepartmentDepartment andand Wide Wide selectionsselections ...... 3333 civil civil defencedefence ...... 1717 Architecture of the North ...... 34 The welfare state at your service ...... 18 A A day-careday-care placeplace forfor allall childrenchildren ...... 1818 Life in Helsinki ...... 3636 Your Your ownown physicianphysician at at youryour ownown healthhealth centrecentre ...... 1818 The Finnish character and customs ...... 36 From pre-school to university ...... 19 Social institutions ...... 36 Pre-school Pre-school education education ...... 19 19 Politics and defence in ...... 36 Photo by Harald Raebiger ThisThis isis HelsinkiHelsinki

elsinki, the capital of Finland, is a Nordic, west- Public transport functions well and dominates traffi c H ern-European city with a highly developed infra- in Helsinki and its region. The bus, tram, train structure and some of the world’s leading high- and metro timetables are well-synchronized, the tech capabilities. The population is well-educated, network is dense and the equipment is good. and they enjoy an excellent quality of living. The taxis are likewise excellent in terms of both Helsinki is surrounded by sea on three sides, and the equipment and service. maritime environment gives the city life a special There are rarely any breakdowns even under severe character. There are four distinct seasons, with weather conditions including snowfall. exquisite summers, and with northern winters which are mild compared to other northern regions of the world. Expertise and economic life The population of the Helsinki region is 1.1 million. Besides Helsinki, this region includes the cities he economic structure of Helsinki is diversifi ed of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen. The Helsinki T but the service sector is dominant in the manner region is today the EU’s second-fastest growing of a typical European metropolis. More than 85 % urban area, right after Dublin. of all jobs are either in private or public services. Finnish is the dominant language, while 7 % speak The industrial sector accounts for 10 % of all jobs. Swedish, the second offi cial language of Finland, However, Helsinki is Finland’s biggest industrial as their fi rst language. Most people speak good city, with strong electronics and shipbuilding English, while other European languages including industries. German and French are also spoken. In recent years Helsinki’s growth has been based on the A large majority of the population are Lutheran. Approxi- expansion of the information sector, especially mately one percent are Orthodox. There are two telecommunications, information technology Catholic congregations as well as a Jewish and an and new media. Of Finland’s entire information Islamic congregation. sector, a third is located in Helsinki, and more The Helsinki population is young: people in their 30s than half in the Helsinki region. The region is constitute the largest group. the home of Nokia, the world’s largest and most Helsinki is Finland’s most important university city. rapidly expanding mobile phone manufacturer. Every fi fth Helsinki resident has a university-level Helsinki offers the best information-technology services education. in the world, and the city is probably the world’s most digitalized capital. Mobile phone usage is the highest in the world, and the city leads in Good transport connections Internet banking; monetary transactions can even be handled by mobile phone. elsinki is easy to reach by all means of transport. H The international airport, which is ranked fi rst in the world for comfort and service, is located People fare well 20 km from the centre of Helsinki. The national rail network radiates from the heart of the city. elsinki’s good quality of life is based on the There are dozens of daily departures by ship at all H closeness to nature, the clean environment, the times of the year. excellent technical infrastructure and the respect Traffi c in the Helsinki region is smooth and traffi c jams given to traditional cultural values. are rare. The trip from the fringes of Helsinki to the Commercial services are of the same high quality that city centre takes less than a half-hour; by public one fi nds in the other Nordic countries, but price transport one can make it even more quickly. levels are somewhat lower.

4 4 Jugend architecture on Mannerheimintie 5 The cultural activities are abundant. In 2000, when Helsinki turned 450, the city was one of the William M. Mercer European Cities of Culture and considerably Quality of Living Survey January 2000 added to its cultural offerings. Worldwide ranking Opportunities for recreational sports are good both 1. Vancouver...... 106.0 The survey covered 218 summer and winter. Gourmets can take their pick Zürich...... 106.0 cities and evaluated 39 from hundreds of restaurants. Vienna ...... 106.0 quality of living factors The health care is excellent. The City operates 32 health Bern...... 106.0 including political, centres and 12 hospitals. With resources that 5. Sydney ...... 105.5 economic, and environ- are among the world’s best, Helsinki University Geneva ...... 105.5 mental factors, personal Central Hospital provides specialized medical Auckland ...... 105.5 safety and health, care. Private medical services are also readily Copenhagen.....105.5 education, transport available. 9. Helsinki ...... 104.5 and other public The network of municipal services protects Helsinki Amsterdam ...... 104.5 services. residents throughout their lives and encompasses day nurseries, pre-schools, schools, health-care services, libraries, leisure-time centres, youth clubs, assisted-living homes and homes for the aged. One hot meal a day is a traditional right from pre- school through secondary school. Education is almost free from pre-school through university- level institutions. Term fees hardly exist. Substantial 3 Life on Esplanade

public assistance is provided even for university 4 A view from Kiasma, the Museum of Contemporary Art students’ housing and living expenses. For the average person, Helsinki is a safe city. Even small Oslo or Paris, but higher than in Brussels, Berlin, children go to school unescorted. Amsterdam or Luxembourg. The William M. Mercer Research Institute described the Helsinki is increasingly a city of singles. One-person quality of living in Helsinki in 2000 by ranking the households represent 47.3 % of the total, while city the world’s 9th best in terms of quality of life. 30 % of all households have two members. The survey consisted of 218 cities throughout the From the standpoint of the job-seeker, the employment world. situation is good. Unemployment is about 5.4 % and continues to decline. Employers, by contrast, should be prepared to compete for capable Standards of living workers. High demand exists for experts in information technology. A large percentage of n 1999 Helsinki had 327 private cars per 1,000 the women work outside the home, but the I inhabitants – well below the national average. housewife (or house-husband) has a fi rm place This demonstrates that a car is by no means in society. essential in Helsinki. Salaries and wages are of central European levels, but the The purchasing power of Helsinki residents is the same as cost of labour is lower than in the other Nordic those of Stockholm. Slightly less money is spent, countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, on average, than in other Nordic capitals, but or Portugal, when measured by relative unit more is spent than in Brussels. Food is inexpensive. labour cost. Rented housing is less costly in Helsinki than in the Prices for offi ce space in Helsinki are very competitive metropolises of central Europe. by European standards, and the space is well Prices at Helsinki’s hotels and restaurants are reasonable. outfi tted. Taxes and social contributions are at an Prices for services are lower than in Stockholm, economical European level. Photos by Matti Tirri by Photos

6 7 Photo by Matti Tirri by Photo AA FunctionalFunctional CityCity

Housing opportunities

n Helsinki the block of fl ats is the most common I form of housing, although both terraced and single-family houses are becoming increasingly common. In 2000, 12.5 % of all Helsinki residents lived in single-family homes. Except in the core city, Helsinki’s housing stock is young. In contrast to other European cities, owned housing is more common than rented housing. The typical home is a three-room (61.5 m2) fl at. The basic residential amenities include district heating, running hot and cold water, and a bathroom, which in newer fl ats is often accompanied with a sauna – a component of the Finnish lifestyle. A new home always includes a fully equipped kitchen. The average residential space is 1.5 (32.4 m2) rooms per occupant. In the July–September 2000 period, the average cost of housing in Helsinki was over FIM 13,000 per m2. The most expensive residences are found in the city centre and along the sea. Rents for non- subsidized housing run about FIM 70 per m2.

Traffi c moves smoothly

A top airport

Finland is close to major world centres. For example, one can reach Helsinki by plane from New York in under eight hours; from Tokyo in nine and a half hours. Berlin is two hours away; the fl ight from Paris, London and Brussels is less than three hours. Both SAS and Finnair fl y regularly to Helsinki from the major cities of Europe, among other points. Seven other international airlines also offer regular service to Helsinki. Helsinki’s international airport, Helsinki-Vantaa, has been ranked one of the world’s best in terms of service for three years in a row by the International Air Transport Association. Ten million passengers

1 Mannerheimintie – Helsinki’s main street

8 9 both corridors, the top speed will be raised from Pure water 140 km to 160 km per hour by 2004. Big ships dock right in the centre of Helsinki. Passenger ure, good-tasting water and effectively treated traffi c leaves from four terminals to Sweden, P wastewater constitute the foundation of health and . There are about 80 depar- and well-being. tures weekly in winter and more in summer. All The drinking water that Helsinki residents use comes vessels that sail in winter can accommodate cars from the unspoilt waters of Finland’s second- along with passengers. largest lake, Päijänne. The water travels via the world’s longest continuous underground tunnel By private car or public transport (120 km). The city’s drinking water is almost the quality of good groundwater and clearly The Helsinki region’s road network consists of routes meets both Finnish and European Union quality radiating from the centre of the city, as well as standards. The water is also soft: one doesn’t transverse ring roads. The network of streets and need to use special water softeners in washing main roads is extensive and of high quality. machines, and there is little need for detergents. Driving in Helsinki is easy. Rush hour traffi c is light, and Helsinki’s drinking water is inexpensive when compared both travel time from the city centre to the city line is a nationally and internationally: a litre of pure water half-hour at most, even during rush hour. delivered to the consumer costs only somewhat over The public transport system encompasses buses, trams, a Finnish penny (less than EUR 0.002). The price a metro-rail system, electric trains and taxis. In includes waste-water management costs. its quality-of-life survey, the Corporate Resources Helsinki’s water management solutions are ecologically Group awarded the Helsinki metropolitan area’s sustainable. Helsinki has invested heavily in waste- public transport a full score of ten. Almost 70 % water purifi cation and the city’s environmental of daily trips in the city centre takes place on expertise is considered fi rst-rate internationally. public transport. One of Finland’s most important environmental Helsinki’s public transport system is being improved by facilities is the Viikinmäki waste-water treatment building new routes, by improving the information plant in Helsinki. Built for the most part in the systems, and by expediting the fl ow of bus traffi c bedrock, the facility processes household waste-

Photo by Leevi Korkkula Leevi by Photo by means of traffi c-signal priority mechanisms water for about 800,000 persons, as well as and dedicated lanes. More parking places are industrial waste-water. The plant is one of the 4 The city seen from the sea – big passenger ships dock pass through the airport each year. An aeroplane being created at park-and-ride facilities. world’s most effi cient and, owing to this effi ciency, right in the centre of Helsinki. takes off or lands at the airport approximately the condition of Helsinki’s maritime areas has every 90 seconds. There are 29 fl ights weekly from 3 The tram is a quick way to move about the city. improved markedly in the last few years. 3 Helsinki’s international airport, Helsinki-Vantaa Helsinki to Brussels, for example. The airport is 19 km from the centre of Helsinki. Travel time by car or airport coach is about 30 minutes; by regular bus 35 – 45 minutes.

Making good transport networks even better

Finland’s main road network is functional, in good condi- tion and technically advanced. Road network de- velopment projects include the routes Stockholm– Turku–Helsinki–St. Petersburg, Helsinki–Tampere– Vaasa and Helsinki–Lahti–Oulu. Helsinki’s coach terminal and railway station serve the needs of the Helsinki region and the entire country as fi nal destinations and points of departure. The most important rail links are Helsinki–Tampere

Photo by Matti Tirri by Photo and Turku–Helsinki–Lahti–St. Petersburg. Along

10 Matti Tirri by Photo 11 Photo by Helsinki Energy

A city of light and warmth A leading-edge high-tech city

n the late autumn and early winter – the darkest he Helsinki region has been one of Europe’s fastest- I time of year in the North – Helsinki lights up. T growing urban regions for some years. The rapid The streets, parks and city-centre façades are economic growth has been based on the dynamism illuminated with many and coloured lights that of information-intensive sectors in particular. The brighten up the city and bring warmth. In 2000, springboard for the growth has been Helsinki’s Helsinki’s Cultural Year, 50 new points including many research institutes, universities and the city’s bridges and monuments were illuminated anew. information sector companies. As the holidays approach, the Christmas lights are Many concentrations of expertise have emerged in the turned on, and hotels and many other businesses Helsinki region as high-tech business operations decorate courtyard trees with lights. At home, in such fi elds as information technology (IT), bio- Helsinki residents place clusters of lights on their technology, economic sciences and the applied arts balconies and in their windows. have sprung up around educational institutions. The City of Helsinki has also taken note of IT’s Heat and energy with potential in the planning of the residential neigh- high environmental standards bourhoods that surround these areas. For example, in the Arabianranta district, which is focused on All buildings in Helsinki are effi ciently heated. Indoor the applied arts, every home in the residential temperatures remain at constant comfortable neighbourhood adjoining the campus will be levels regardless of outdoor conditions. linked to a fi bre-optic network constructed by the More than 90 % of Helsinki’s building stock is heated City. An ecological residential area is meanwhile by dependable and environmentally friendly being built adjacent to the Helsinki Science Park. district heat, which is produced centrally, in a The IT cluster has created an abundance of new jobs combined process that also generates electricity. and business activity in Helsinki. In the 1990s, This conserves fuel. Half of the electricity and heat the information sector accounted for two-thirds used in Helsinki is generated with natural gas; of personnel growth in Helsinki’s entire business coal, nuclear, hydroelectric and wind power are sector, and one-third of the increase in total also part of the production structure. sales. Thanks to the IT cluster, it is anticipated that employment and the economic output will 2 The sea extends to the city centre. continue to grow faster in the Helsinki region than in most other European regions. Of Finland’s 3 The smokestack of the Hanasaari power plant symbolizes total sales in the information sector’s service and clean air. District heating is an effi cient method to content-production subsectors, 70 % originates provide heat without air pollution. in the Helsinki region. Photo by Unto S Price of electricity in Europe Thanks to district heating, Helsinki’s air is good to utility company, received the UN’s Environment ä il

ä breathe – buildings do not have smokestacks, and Award in 1990. the exhaust gases from the tall smokestacks of In Finland, electricity is another dependable and popular the power plants go through exacting purifi cation source of heat. In Helsinki, it’s the natural alternative processes. Thanks to the combined production in areas where the transfer distances for district heat of electricity and heat, and the district heating are great. system, the utilization coeffi cient for energy use – Helsinki’s electric lines, as well as the district heat mains, are 90 % – is excellent by international standards. for the most part placed underground. Overhead The combined production and district heating have served lines do not criss-cross the streets. As a result, even as a model for many other major cities. Helsinki severe weather conditions cause no breakdowns in has carried out energy-production consulting energy supply. Source: www.energia.fi projects aimed at environmental conservation in Along with their bills, Helsinki Energy customers get 4 In Finland, the price of electricity is very low by European the Baltic countries and elsewhere in Finland’s a report once a year on how their residences’ standards because of the effi cient production processes. neighbouring regions. Helsinki Energy, Helsinki’s electricity consumption has developed.

12 13 Photo by Matti Tirri

Digital? Of course!

The vigorous IT sector makes its presence felt in Helsinki’s streets. More than 70 % of all Finns carry a mobile phone – the largest percentage in the world. More than two-thirds of all Helsinki school children have one – close to 40 % of all ten-year-olds. Text messaging is extremely popular. The mobile phone culture has given rise to completely new content production, exemplifi ed by companies that design infotainment services for mobile phones. Finland is also at the forefront globally in the number of Internet connections. In 2000, 95 % of all businesses employing more than 20 persons utilized e-mail; 93 % of them used the Internet. Of personnel in Helsinki businesses, more than two-thirds used computers daily in their work. The greatest number of users were in the service sector. In traditional ksy industry, 60 % needed computers in their work. ä In contrast to many North American and central European cities, Helsinki has few Internet cafés. Photo by Aija L by Photo The reason is clear: the Internet is at home, at the workplace, at the library and, with the new Biotechnology centres in the Helsinki region 4 The Lasipalatsi media centre: one can pop in to use a 4 Helsinki’s sky – bright and pure mobile phone services, in one’s pocket. computer. Finland is becoming a leading-edge information and The Helsinki Science Park, located in the Viikki district of expertise society. This society does not function northern Helsinki, furnishes a creative environment science park is home for over 1,000 research Sulphur dioxide concentrations have decreased in 40 years solely on the terms of the market economy, for emerging biotechnology companies and for scientists and technicians. Together with partners to a tenth of their former levels. The atmospheric however; the City wants to ensure that no group research groups in cellular biology, biochemistry and associates, the Helsinki Science Park helps lead concentration has decreased over 20 years to of citizens is left behind as the information society and molecular biology. companies enter into fruitful cooperation with other less than 1 % of its former level. Concentrations evolves. Via a broad information network created The science park embraces the University of Helsinki’s researchers in the park and with the industry. of all other air pollutants originating in Finland by the City, all schools are connected to the Institute of Biotechnology, two university faculties Located on the University of Helsinki’s Meilahti campus, (nitrogen oxides, particulates, and hydrocarbons) Internet. So are all libraries, where citizens enjoy – Sciences as well as Agriculture and Forestry Biomedicum is a newly established centre for are also decreasing. free Internet access. – and individual companies. It is a centre of medical research and training. The National Public The impacts of air pollution on public health have excellence in biotechnology, medical and pharma- Health Institute, also located in Helsinki, produces been studied in greater detail than in any other Biotechnology ceutical technology, molecular biology, food tech- human vaccines. The Technical Research Centre of city in the world. Helsinki has also assumed nology, plant breeding, environmental technolo- Finland and the Helsinki University of Technology responsibility in the reduction of greenhouse-gas Biotechnology is a growing and one of the most promising gies, agriculture, and forestry. At the moment the work closely with the biotechnology industry. emissions. sectors of Finnish society and the economy. A solid foundation for the growth of the country’s biotechnology industry is provided by high-quality Care for the environment research and expertise in the life sciences, advanced infrastructure, improving venture-capital fi nancing Clean air and a positive public attitude. Dozens of hi-tech ventures have been launched in Helsinki’s air is cleaner than that of any other European Finland in the last three years, and new ones are city of the same size. This is largely thanks to a being launched at a pace of one a month. The prohibition of rubbish burning, use of natural country’s biotechnology industry now ranks sixth gas, and fl ue gas scrubbers at the energy plants. in Europe: of Europe’s biotechnology companies, The city’s advantageous seaside location also 10 % are Finnish. The areas of greatest strength keeps the air clean. are pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, diagnostics, 1 Photo by Eeva Sumiloff Eeva by Photo and industrial enzymes. Helsinki is a city of science. Matti Tirri by Photo

14 15 1 The market square in summer – health and abundance 1 Helsinki is a safe city. Mounted police as part of a parade.

The status of maritime waters close to Helsinki’s shore break-ins. In a year, burglaries were committed has improved in the last few years. Helsinki’s or attempted at only slightly more than 1 % of all swimming beaches have been found pure. Helsinki residences in Finland. In four years break-ins have purifi es its own wastewater and that of nearby decreased by half. Elsewhere in Europe one is six municipalities effectively. The treated wastewater times more likely, on average, to be a burglary is conducted through a tunnel in the bedrock out victim. According to the same survey, the overall to the open sea. risk of becoming a victim of various crimes was clearly lower (under 20 %) in three countries – Finland, Austria and Northern Ireland – than A safe city elsewhere. More than four-fi fths of Finns feel no sort of insecurity in walking alone after dark in he police are the public institution most respected their home neighbourhoods. Safe food T by Finns, who place fi rm trust in the police’s incorruptibility and fairness. Rescue Department and civil defence Food in Helsinki is safe and of high quality. Municipal food It is the objective of the Helsinki police to make personal control functions effectively. The control emphasizes movement in public places safe and undisturbed. The task of the City of Helsinki Rescue Department is highly perishable foods. Microbiological tests are The police have succeeded fairly well in fulfi lling to prevent accidents and provide assistance when carried out by the City of Helsinki Environmental this objective, and serious breaches of order have fi res, accidents and medical emergencies occur. Laboratory, which is outfi tted with the best possible not occurred in the last few years. The operating principle is the recognition and equipment. The bulk of the police’s fi eld work consists of preventive elimination of risk factors at an early phase. According to the EU’s Hygiene Directive, food hygiene measures and visible surveillance. Major public Aid for everyday accidents and medical emergencies is the responsibility of the concerned businesses. events such as the May Day and New Year’s Eve arrives quickly. Rescue personnel maintain a Photo by Matti Tirri by Photo In October 2000, this in-house control was observances draw tens of thousands of people 60-second departure readiness and, on average, implemented in 91 % of production facilities, 85 % to the city centre. Considering the number of reach those in need of aid within six minutes after of institutional kitchens and 74 % of sales outlets people, disturbances have been few, and the the emergency call comes in. Help is available by in Helsinki. police have not had to use any substantial force. ringing the emergency number 112. Helsinki has improved food control through regular Security arrangements for major international By virtue of its expertise, readiness and swiftness, collaboration with major cities of the Nordic events, summit meetings and sports programmes the Rescue Department has achieved results countries. Experiences have also been exchanged have been handled discreetly and professionally. which, compared internationally, place Helsinki with Holland and the United Kingdom. Helsinki It’s safe to move about on Helsinki’s streets. Yet, one at the forefront of the fi eld. Surveys have likewise serves as the lead city on the Eurocities organiza- should be aware of one’s immediate surroundings indicated that those served are very satisfi ed with tion’s Food Control Subcommittee. and not leave valuable items visible in the car. the Rescue Department’s services. nen

Helsinki’s crime rate has remained almost constant from ä The City of Helsinki works in close cooperation with s Effi cient waste management year to year, with a slight increase in robberies. ä State and volunteer organizations to be prepared The increase in crime is mostly related to drugs. for possible disasters and states of emergency. A Helsinki residents have positive environmental attitudes. In cooperation with the Customs, the Frontier rescue service organization of 2,500 persons is Collection systems for glass, metal and toxic Guards, and the other police departments in Virppi by R Photo available for disasters; one of 6,600 for states of wastes are in use. Organic wastes are separated the metropolitan area, the Helsinki police have emergency. Civil defence shelters accommodating and composted throughout Helsinki. About 40 % worked intensively and productively to control a total of 775,000 persons have been built, and the of the city’s wastes are presently recycled. drug-related crime. shelters are to be expanded and modernized.

Green areas and the sea Confi rmed security

About a quarter of Helsinki is covered by green areas. The latest research indicates that people feel safe in Attempts have been made to avoid building Helsinki. L The City of Helsinki Rescue Department ready to help in such areas and, as the population growth According to the International Crime Victimisation continues, residential builders have begun to Survey of 1996, Finland is the safest country in the 1 A swimming pool in eastern Helsinki. A civil defence

develop former industrial and harbour areas. world with respect to break-ins and attempted Merja Huovinen by Photo shelter turned into a spa.

16 17 Children in municipal day care...... 22,364 City health centres ...... 32 ● Finnish-speaking...... 89 % Health centre physicians ...... 264 ● Swedish-speaking ...... 6 % ● Physicians per 1,000 inhabitants ...... 0.5 ● Other languages ...... 5 % Health centre visits ...... 2,550,000 In municipal day nurseries ● Visits per 1,000 inhabitants ...... 4,666 ● Children under school age ...... 19,159 Beds in health centre hospitals ...... 2,408 ● Per 100 children aged 1 to 6 ...... 55 ● Beds per 1,000 inhabitants ...... 4.4 In municipal family day care Beds for specialized medical care ...... 1,117 ● Children under school age ...... 2,305 ● Beds per 1,000 inhabitants ...... 2.0 ● Per 100 children aged 1 to 6 ...... 7 Care-days for Aid for home care of children specialized medical care ...... 341,500 ● Families receiving aid ...... 6,911 ● Care-days per 1,000 inhabitants ...... 625 31 December 1999 1999

The welfare state at your service services. The telephonic service provides up-to- date information on health-care services, as well A day-care place for all children as advice on health promotion and care for illness. The service number also offers patient

Helsinki provides good day-care services. The social guidance and help in obtaining health care. valko ä services system is able to offer all Helsinki children In addition to municipal services, the city has an abun- a day-nursery placement or, according to the dance of private health-care providers. family’s preference, aid for either home care or Photo by Kari Autero by Photo Photo by Matti Ik by Photo family day care. There are no children waiting in queues for day care. At the end of 1999 there were 4 Helsinki provides excellent modern health care. From pre-school to university 4 It is only a short, safe journey to the local school. only 199 children queuing for an improvement in their day-care arrangements. Pre-school education The City owns most of Helsinki’s schools. In these public According to client surveys performed by the City of schools, instruction, meals, school books, school Helsinki Social Services Department, Helsinki At age six – in the year before entering basic school supplies and health care are free to the pupil. Most parents are satisfi ed with the City’s day care. – every child has the right to the pre-school private schools function on the same principles. Parents expressed appreciation especially about 3 Helsinki is also a garrison city. The Helsinki Guards education provided free of charge by the City. The The German School, the English School and the their children’s enjoyment of the care, and the Band marching past the Presidential Palace. schooling is given for four hours a day, normally International School of Helsinki charge term fees. personnel’s skills and desire to serve. in day nurseries, in which the child’s other care There is no need to place a child in a private school arrangements can also be attended to. Other care in Helsinki. All the schools offer high-standard Your own physician at your own health centre is subject to charges. instruction. They may also have special classes Pre-school education in English, French and Russian is also in such subjects as music, mathematics, foreign Helsinki residents are served by 32 health centres. For available in private day nurseries and schools. languages, and dance or physical education. The every resident, the primary place of care is his language of instruction is Finnish or Swedish. Some or her own designated health centre. They also Basic-school education English-language instruction is offered at three City have their own designated physician and nurse. schools and Helsingin suomalainen yhteiskoulu Every Helsinki resident has the right to see his or All children living in Finland must receive education. They (Helsinki Finnish Coeducational School). her physician, or at least to be put in touch with, attend a nine-year basic school. A child has the Helsinki also has foreign-language schools. At the English or receive care instructions from, that physician right to attend school in his or her own area of School and the International School of Helsinki, within one to three days of contacting the health residence. A place may, however, be obtained in instruction takes place in English. At the German centre. The health centres make use of a diversity another school space permitting. School pupils study in Finnish and German; at of examination and testing possibilities, and the The distance to the local school is generally short in case the French–Finnish School, in Finnish and French; patient can as needed be referred elsewhere for the child can attend a Finnish-language school. at the Finnish–Russian School, in Finnish and further tests and care. If the school is more than two kilometres from Russian. Helsinki also has a Finnish-language A telephonic service is available for the entire population home, the City arranges for free transportation Christian school, a Finnish-language Jewish school

of Helsinki with round-the-clock advice on health Matti Tirri by Photo on the public transport system. and three Steiner schools.

18 19 Academic secondary education Apprenticeship training Business studies may be pursued at the Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration and the The 9-year basic school is followed by voluntary “lukio” – Apprenticeship training provides the students with Swedish-language Swedish School of Economics academic secondary education – which is normally practical skills needed in working life. For the and Business Administration. The Helsinki University a 3-year period of education. In addition to regular most part, the training takes place on the job and of Technology is the country’s most important academic secondaries, Helsinki has specialized ones is based on an apprenticeship agreement between university-level institution for technical instruction. that emphasize mathematics and natural sciences, employer and employee. The Academy of Fine Arts, the Sibelius Academy, music, the visual arts, expressive skills, sports, lan- The training is organized by the Apprenticeship Centre, the University of Art and Design Helsinki and the guages, literature, economics, or media studies. which has been developing international training Theatre Academy of Finland provide the highest At most academic secondaries, instruction, meals and modules that conform to the Europass certifi cate, instruction in the arts. health care are free to the pupil. Pupils pay for in use in all EU member countries. Completing a lower university-level degree programme their own books and supplies. The German School, takes about three years; a higher degree requires the English School and the International School of Polytechnics about fi ve. Students can also complete postgradu- Helsinki charge term fees. ate studies for licentiate’s and doctor’s degrees. Normally instruction is in either Finnish or Swedish. One The objective of polytechnic education is to provide Student places are available for almost a third of the can study in English at the Kulosaari Secondary vocational skills and a degree to students who often graduates of secondary education in Finland. In School, the Helsingin suomalainen yhteiskoulu, work full time. Polytechnics provide students with the last ten years, the number of university students the English School and the International School vocational skills and a degree, and cooperation has increased by about 40 %. However, entry into of Helsinki. The German School offers academic with the working community is close even while the universities is very competitive, and universities secondary instruction in German. studies are in progress. organize various types of entrance examinations. Academic secondary study ends with a baccalaureate, There are 31 polytechnics in Finland, eight of them in whose successful completion is a requisite for Helsinki including Helsinki Polytechnic. Helsinki further studies at institutions of higher education.

Photo by the University of Helsinki the University by Photo An ideal city for visitors Universities may also have entry examinations. An ä international baccalaureate may be taken at the 4 New doctoral degree awardees. Helsinki is Finland’s Growing tourism fi gures Helsingin suomalainen yhteiskoulu. At the English main university locale. School, the student may take the SAT and TOEFL Helsinki attracts a growing number of tourists each Photo by Mediakylpyl by Photo exams required by U.S. universities and participate 1 There are diverse alternatives for vocational training. year. In 1999 overnight stays in Helsinki lodging in the U.S. Advanced Placement programme. At establishments increased 5.8 %. Almost 1.4 the French–Finnish High School, the student may Polytechnic’s fi elds of training are technology and million of the 2.4 million overnight guests were take the French Delf and Dalf exams. At the transport, social and health services, tourism, international visitors. For the fi rst time, the United German School, students can take the German nutrition, domestic science, and culture. There are Kingdom rose to the number-one spot among Reifeprüfung examination and the exam for the 27 training programmes and dozens of degrees. countries of departure, with 160,000 overnight Cambridge fi rst certifi cate in English. In addition to degree programmes, Helsinki Polytechnic stays. The next biggest countries of departure offers vocational specialization studies and were Russia, Sweden, the United States and Vocational training supplementary and updating training to persons Germany. Overnight stays by travellers from , already in the labour market. France and Spain also increased. The occupancy The City of Helsinki operates three vocational colleges: rate of Helsinki hotel rooms was 68.5 %. the Helsinki City College of Technology; the University-level institutions Some 4.5 million travellers arrive by sea in Helsinki every Helsinki City College of Culinary Arts, Fashion year. Cruises to and from Sweden and Tallinn and Beauty; and the Helsinki City College of Social Finland has a total of 20 universities. The most important enjoy favour. About 200 international holiday and Health Care. All told, the vocational colleges locale for university-level training is Helsinki, and cruise ships call at Helsinki in summer, introducing offer 47 training programmes in technology and the University of Helsinki is the country’s leading more than 100,000 tourists to the city. Another transport, social and health services, culture, institute of higher education (founded in Turku 4.5 million travellers arrive by air every year. tourism, nutrition and domestic science. in 1640 and moved to Helsinki in 1828). It The basic degree programmes last three years and has 36,000 students, 63 % of them women and Hotels in the heart of the city qualify one for further studies at university-level more than 1,500 international. There are nine institutions. For international students, the voca- faculties – theology, law, medicine, humanities, Helsinki has 44 year-round hotels that are of standard tional colleges offer Finnish-language instruction, mathematics and natural sciences, education, quality or higher. These have a total of 14,000 remedial instruction in the student’s own lan- political science, agriculture and forestry, and beds. The hotels include numerous fi rst-class es- guage, and academic guidance services. veterinary science. tablishments offering high-quality service. Room

20 21 Much to offer to visitors

Helsinki has more than 700 restaurants that cater to diverse tastes. These include gourmet establishments and speciality restaurants full of atmosphere. The types of cuisine range from East to West. Helsinki is a maritime city, and the fi sh delicacies are of

Photo by Matti Tirri by Photo the highest order. Fresh vegetables, berries and new potatoes are traditional summer favourites. 4 The terrace of the Kappeli restaurant, a summer oasis In summer, many restaurants open their terraces for diners; dinner can even be enjoyed amidst the prices, which are reasonable by international pleasant ambience of a sea cruise. A large number standards, include a generous breakfast. Almost of kerbside cafés meanwhile offer a chance to all of Helsinki’s hotels are located within 1.5 km of relax while watching the bustle of the city. the city centre. Best Western, Holiday Inn, Inter- Besides dining, Helsinki offers many alternatives to 4 Winter gives many opportunities for outdoor activities. 3 The European Council summit meeting during Finland’s continental, Sheraton Luxury Collection, Radisson spend an evening. Cultural offerings range from One could even hike across the sea to the Suomenlinna EU presidency took place at the Helsinki Fair Center in

SAS, Ramada and Scandic are the international an evening at the Finnish National Opera to a Matti Tirri by Photo fortress island. December 1999. hotel chains represented in Helsinki. visit to Kiasma, the Museum of Contemporary The city centre has recently seen the opening of many Art. There are jazz clubs and night clubs, dancing, new hotels, including the reborn, nostalgia-rich gambling at the Casino Ray, and much else. International congresses in 1999 fi ve-star Kämp. Other fi rst-class hotels have their Helsinki’s recreational alternatives are varied. Here you Congresses by continent (%) own unique features, such as the Lord Hotel’s can have a genuinely active holiday or enjoy the 1. Europe...... 56.9 special castle-tower saunas or the beautiful views seaside city in peace and quiet. Cultural experiences 2. North America...... 16.2 of the sea at the Kalastajatorppa. including more than 70 museums and architecture 3. Asia ...... 13.4 For longer stays in the city, high-quality furnished rooms from different eras, as well as excellent shopping 4. South America...... 5.0 are available. opportunities await you. Just a short ferry-ride from 5. Africa...... 4.7 the historic centre of Helsinki, the fortress island 6. Oceania...... 3.8 A popular city for congresses of Suomenlinna is one of Helsinki’s most popular tourism attractions, where one can witness over Leading congress host countries / host cities Finland is a popular country for international meetings 250 years of Finnish history. 1. USA 1. Paris and congresses, and its capital is the country’s There are many fascinating places to visit in Helsinki’s im- 2. France 2. Brussels favourite host city for these. In 2000 about 110 mediate vicinity such as atelier homes, manor hous- 3. Germany 3. Vienna international congresses with almost 31,000 par- es and wooden house milieus; also a downhill ski 4. United Kingdom 4. London ticipants were held in Helsinki – a safe, depend- area and Europe’s biggest water park. Helsinki is 5. Italy 5. Berlin able venue with excellent air connections from also an excellent base for short trips to Lapland and 6. Holland 6. Copenhagen Europe and elsewhere. Finland’s Lake District. The neighbouring countries 7. Belgium 7. Amsterdam A number of fi rst-rate meeting facilities are available for are easy to get to – there are good air and ship con- 8. Spain 8. Sydney large groups including the Helsinki Fair Centre, nections to Stockholm, Tallinn and St. Petersburg. 9. Austria 9. Washington, Finlandia Hall and the Marina Congress Center. 10. Australia Strasbourg The big hotels have excellent facilities for meetings 3 Fun in snow 11. Switzerland 11. Helsinki with up to a couple of hundred participants. 12. Canada 12. Budapest Many city centre hotels provide pleasant, intimate 13. Finland 13. Geneva meeting facilities for smaller groups. 14. 14. Singapore, Meeting equipment that conforms to the latest technical 15. Denmark Prague standards guarantees the success of the gathering. 16. Sweden 16. New York Finns are famous for their good organisational 17. China 17. Rome skills. As a city for congresses, Helsinki placed 18. South Africa 18. Stockholm 11th in the Union of International Associations’ 19. 19. Barcelona world rankings for 1999. In a similar comparison 20. Norway, Hungary 20. Maastricht by the International Congress and Convention Union of International Associations (UIA)

Association, Helsinki took fi fth place. Matti Tirri by Photo Suomen Messut, Heikki Tuuli by Photo

22 23 What’sWhat’s BestBest inin HelsinkiHelsinki

The environment The geologic and climatic conditions are stable. The ground does not shake, since Helsinki stands Magnifi cent, clean nature solidly atop ancient bedrock in the middle of a continental plate. Major fl oods, circular storms Of all Europe’s capitals, Helsinki is probably the closest and other natural catastrophes do not occur. to nature. The city boasts well-preserved islands, Snow accumulations don’t cause problems in beautiful bays and broad green areas that reach Helsinki, either. The accumulation is greatest at right into the city centre. The enjoyment of nature the end of March, when it averages 32 cm. is generally free. The right of public access allows The strong seasonal changes give their own spice to everyone to enter all natural areas outside of the climate. The face of the landscape changes population centres. from season to season. In summer there’s plenty Helsinki has more than 300 islands, and boating is of light: in the middle of the night the sky gets popular. There are public boating lanes to many only slightly dark. The longest days last almost islands used for recreation. Helsinki’s land area 19 hours. In autumn the climate continues to of 686 km2 includes 38 km2 of forests and 18 km2 be pleasant, and the autumn splendour of the of parks. The parks range from formal classical foliage enhances the city’s beauty. In the heart of parks to the elongated, 10 km2 Central Park, winter, there are about six hours of daylight from which winds north from the heart of the city. sunrise to sunset. Helsinki’s territory embraces 38 nature reserves. Nuuksio National Park and extensive hiking areas lie a half- Get more information on the Internet – hour’s drive from the city centre. One occasionally ● On Finland’s climate: http://virtual.fi nland.fi / even sees bears here, but Helsinki is safe in terms of info/english/ilmaeng.html animals: there are no dangerous wild animals, and ● Weather information for Helsinki at Helsinki does not even have annoying mosquitoes 10-minute intervals: in summer. Considering the northern conditions, www.hel.fi /port/passenger/marineweather Helsinki has astoundingly diverse fl ora and fauna. ● Finnish weather forecasts in brief: Fishing is a popular pastime, and the Helsinki area’s www.weather.fi fi sheries are bountiful. The city’s sea areas produce many local species. Fish from the inner bays is of a good hygienic quality. Also the fruit, vegetables and Over 450 years berries that grow in the area contain no elevated of colourful history levels of toxic substances and are thus safe to eat. elsinki came into being by royal decree in 1550, as a Four distinct seasons H trading town. Finland was then part of the Kingdom of Sweden, and King Gustav I Vasa wanted a Helsinki lies within the Northern Hemisphere’s temperate competitor for Tallinn, the wealthy Hanseatic city climatic zone. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, the across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki. climate is warmer than at comparable latitudes in Great-power politics and wars have shaped the destiny of North America, for example. In summer Helsinki’s Finland and Helsinki down through the centuries. average temperature is 16 – 17 oC, but on hot days In the early 1700s Russia succeeded in expanding the mercury can reach 30 oC and even higher. to the west, acquiring some of Sweden’s eastern The average temperature in the winter months is territories. The eastern frontier of Sweden – of between - 3 and - 5 oC, and the weather varies from Finland, in effect – moved to within a mere hundred

rksten a few degrees above zero to biting frost. kilometres of Helsinki. ö

4 Photo by Fred Bj Fred by Photo 24 In the heart of the city! 25 Photo by Fred Bj ö rksten

In 1748, construction of Suomenlinna, one of the world’s From independence to the trials of war largest maritime fortresses, began off Helsinki. The project received fi nancial support from France. In December 1917, as the Russian Revolution raged, Fin- Situated directly off Helsinki, the fortress has had land declared itself independent. Helsinki’s growth great meaning to the city through the centuries as the capital continued in the 1920s and 30s. – fi rst economically but later politically and Finland’s self-esteem rose with the young country’s culturally. Today Suomenlinna is on UNESCO’s success in sports – on the Olympic stage in World Heritage List. particular where Paavo Nurmi “ran Finland onto the world map”. Helsinki becomes capital In the late 1930s an impressive new stadium was built in Helsinki. Helsinki was chosen to host the 1940 In 1809, as a result of a war between Sweden and Summer Olympics Russia, the Russian Empire annexed Finland as The war destroyed Finland’s Olympic dreams. The Soviet an autonomous grand duchy. Finland retained Union attacked the country. In the so-called its Nordic social system and Lutheran religious Winter War of 1939 – 40, Finland fought for its tradition. existence. Helsinki was a frequent bombing target. Helsinki became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland In the summer of 1941, following a brief interlude in 1812. Construction work began in Helsinki of peace, Finland was in war again. In the winter to create an entirely new city. Helsinki’s historic of 1944, Helsinki’s fate hung in the balance as Empire-style centre was designed by the Berlin the directed vast bombing raids at architect Carl Ludvig Engel. St. Petersburg served as the city. Thanks to effective air defence, Helsinki the model. Rising alongside Senate Square, Helsinki survived without major damage. On the fronts, Cathedral became the symbol of Helsinki. the Finnish army likewise succeeded in fending off By the turn of the 20th century, Helsinki had evolved into the massive attacks of summer 1944, and Finland a contemporary city with modern urban amenities. avoided Soviet occupation. Finland’s cultural life fl owered in the visual arts, music and architecture. The national spirit was strong, bolstered by the music of Jean Sibelius, 3 Helsinki was founded by King Gustav I Vasa of Sweden in the paintings of Albert Edelfelt and Akseli Gallen- 1550, and Tsar Alexander I made Helsinki the capital of Kallela, and the architecture of Eliel Saarinen. the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1812.

4 Suomenlinna – the “Gibraltar of the North” – was built 26 in the late 1700s to defend Helsinki. 27 Culture and leisure time part in Finnish, but there are also Swedish-language performances. International theatre groups visit ompared internationally, Helsinki scores high as a Helsinki frequently. C city of culture. Together with a large university-stu- For a city of its size, Helsinki offers an extraordinary dent population, the highly educated people of the wealth of classical music. The Helsinki region region demand and appreciate high-quality cultural boasts four symphony orchestras. In addition, and leisure-time offerings. The area residents are Helsinki is home to the Finnish National Opera indeed active consumers of cultural services. and to the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra, which Helsinki celebrated 2000, the year of its 450th anniversary, specializes in new music. A variety of festivals and as a European City of Culture. The gala year’s ap- competitions add to the offerings. proximately 500 events rounded out the city’s al- As in other artistic fi elds, Helsinki is the country’s most ready lively range of events and cultural attractions important centre for education in the visual arts, in splendid fashion. Helsinki’s theme – Knowledge, a fact refl ected in the lively offerings in those arts. Technology and the Future – illustrated the city’s There are numerous art museums maintained position as a young and dynamic high-tech com- with State, City and private funds. The best-known are the Museum of Finnish Art and the Museum 1 The tower of the Olympic Stadium, a functionalist symbol of Contemporary Art. The city also boasts a large of the city number of galleries. Helsinki is a good city for children. Cultural and leisure- 3 Paavo Nurmi bringing the Olympic fl ame to the stadium time offerings for children are abundant, and there in 1952 are programmes in all the city’s neighbourhoods. Photo by Matti Tirri by Photo HKO by Photo

Marshal Gustaf Mannerheim, wartime chief of staff 4 Helsinki Philharmonic honouring its audience. The city and later president, rose to become an icon of has three symphony orchestras. Photo by Matti Tirri by Photo the Finns’ struggle and heavy sacrifi ces to retain independence. To symbolise his signifi cance, 2 The Sofi ankatu “street museum” marshal Mannerheim’s statue occupies a central section of Helsinki today. munity whose cultural life is characterized by ex- perimental and new-media artistic offerings, as Big achievements in a small country well as by the classical arts. In terms of cultural-infrastructure investment, such as Finland – and Helsinki – fi nally got their chance to host municipal spending for culture, and the number the Olympics in 1952. The success of the Games of museums, symphony orchestras, libraries and bolstered faith in the future. theatres, Helsinki ranks high. There is also much The 1950s were a time of brisk creativity. The concept private-sector activity in art galleries, cinemas, of Finnish design was born and names like Tapio clubs, and performance venues. Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva became known internationally. Architect Alvar Aalto meanwhile Plenty of offerings for an active populace designed buildings in Finland and around the world. One of the most famous of them is Finlandia Helsinki has 62 cinemas. These have a total of 10,385 Hall – Helsinki’s concert and congress hall. seats. The average Helsinki resident attends a Today, Helsinki is an important city for music. Recent cinema almost fi ve times a year. years have seen the completion of a new opera Dance is a popular pastime – and profession, too. Seven house and a new arena, where international stars professional dance theatres are active in the city. have performed before large audiences. World- There are also a signifi cant number of freelance famous Finnish conductors and opera singers dancers who put together temporary groups. such as Esa-Pekka Salonen and Karita Mattila Helsinki is a lively theatre city. There are 14 professional appear alongside top international names on theatres and as many amateur groups. There are 57

Helsinki’s stages. Suomen Urheilumuseo by Photo theatre halls. Presentations take place for the most

28 29 Photo by Roy Koto

The Annantalo Arts Centre, which concentrates on children’s culture and is located in the city centre, is a major facility. The most popular leisure-time spot for children is Linnanmäki Amusement Park, which welcomes almost a million visitors each n é year. With their diversifi ed and comprehensive offerings, libraries are central to the life of Helsinki residents.

Photo by Jutta Huld by Photo In terms of library usage, the city may well rank as the top capital in the world, with 16.5 library 4 Libraries are some of the favourite places of Helsinki loans per capita per year. residents. Finns are the most eager readers in the world. For its good work in promoting the use of IT and the Internet, the Helsinki City Library received the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s fi rst Access to Learning Award in the summer of 2000. 2 Helsinki City Gardens According to the foundation, the library is a globally inspiring and instructive example. Festivals in various fi elds are held frequently in Helsinki. The largest of these, the Helsinki Festival, attracts 3 The pictoresque Yrjönkatu public swimming pool is the well over 300,000 guests to its events in the late country’s oldest. summer. Many programmes are free. The most

Photo by Jussi Tiainen

important individual event is the Night of the Helsinki attracts an increasing number of world- Arts, which takes place on the last Thursday in class performing artists. August. Many events are unique to Helsinki. For Helsinki has succeeded in getting to host an amazing example, during the popular Art Goes Kapakka number and variety of international sporting (literally, Art Goes Pub) happenings, restaurants competitions. The most famous of these has of become venues for music and art performances. course been the 1952 Summer Olympics, but Helsinki Day is celebrated on the 12th of June to honour since then the city has, for example, hosted the the city’s anniversary. Other important city events fi rst world championships in track and fi eld and linked to the course of the year include Mayday two European championships in track and fi eld. and New Year’s Eve. In ice hockey, the city has hosted many world championships. The most recent major interna- Cultural and sports facilities tional sports event was the 2000 European cham- pionships in swimming. Helsinki has cultural facilities all around the city. The The city has numerous top-level clubs in different sports. most important of them are the Kaapelitehdas The most popular sport is ice hockey, in which (the Cable Factory) cultural centre and studios, Helsinki has two teams in the top national league. the Lasipalatsi media centre, the Tennispalatsi In recent years the popularity of football has cinema complex and cultural centre, local cultural increased substantially, a trend that resulted in centres, and Finlandia Hall, all maintained by the opening of the ultramodern Finnair Stadium the City. The private sector offers numerous in 2000. Three Helsinki teams compete in the exhibition, meeting and performance facilities. sport’s top national league. Helsinki is frequently the host of large-scale events The annual Helsinki City Marathon attracts over 5,000 thanks to new and upgraded facilities. The runners. Olympic Stadium often holds major concerts. Helsinki also offers splendid conditions for winter sports. The Hartwall Arena provides a year-round venue The city has many ice arenas and outdoor ice for large indoor concerts, as well as for sports tracks. The city’s parks and forests are naturally events. In the wake of these improvements, open all year round for sports activities.

30 31 From the basement of Stockmann’s one gains access to underground parking areas. These areas surround the city’s commercial centre and thus facilitate access to the centre’s services by car. The city has many pedestrian street segments and widened pavements, and in summer shops expand out into the street with their sales tables.

Wide selections

The Helsinki city centre has blossomed as a place for speciality shops – a place where all the most important international brands and products are available. Helsinki is also the best place to buy famous Finnish design – top Finnish designers’ series of tableware, glass and cutlery of the Arabia, Iittala and Hackman brands, Marimekko’s clothing and textiles, and Alvar Aalto’s classic furniture. On the more traditional side, two national specialities stand out: sauna supplies and the “puukko” knives. Sauna remains a quintessential Finnish Photo by Matti Tirri by Photo 4 A city of cafés Photo by Suomen Ilmakuva Oy Suomen Ilmakuva by Photo

A fl ourishing restaurant and café culture Shopping alternatives tradition. The puukko embodies the unbroken traditions of Finnish artisans and smiths. Helsinki today has a lively restaurant, café and night life n the centre of Helsinki, commercial services are The Helsinki region is growing rapidly, general prosperity scene. The city has recently seen the opening of a I situated within a compact area, and are thus is increasing, and private consumption is growing. great number of new restaurants and cafés based easily reached on foot. For the city centre’s shops, this means increasing on new concepts. The café culture in particular The market square in the historical centre is an important purchasing power. At the same time, compact has seen a great fl owering in recent years. Café tourist attraction, particularly in summer. Esplanadi shopping centres that tie together large clusters terraces are popular, and Helsinki café-goers have and Aleksanterinkatu form the main axis of the city of residential areas have sprung up, and more developed their own distinctive ways of enjoying centre, uniting the historical centre with the present are on the way. These shopping centres are coffee outside even during the cold part of the centre. Business and mercantile life continue to situated so as to facilitate access by both car and

year. be concentrated along these two streets. The Photo by JGM-Studio, Kaj Lindqvist public transport. The most prominent of these is Helsinki’s more than 700 restaurants cover a broad Stockmann’s department store is the central point Itäkeskus east of the city centre. range of tastes. Prices are moderate. Alcoholic for all shoppers. The selections are the country’s A signifi cant portion of the speciality trade is focused beverages are likewise priced reasonably. In this most impressive. Three Smiths’ Square, directly in along the ring roads, especially in the automotive, respect Helsinki is very European, while it still front of Stockmann’s, is the busiest outdoor focus building supply, furniture and interior design retains its own distinctive features. The city has of the city’s life. sectors.

seen a reawakening of Finnish cuisine, and pure Photo by Matti Tirri Finnish foods such as fi sh, game birds and berries 4 Suburban shopping for all needs and tastes have won new devotees. Restaurants and night clubs can remain open until four in the morning, but many close at two. Helsinki J The market square and Esplanadi remains a safe place after evening falls. The city’s residents use public transport right up to the last 1 One of the newest places to go on a shopping spree in departures in the wee hours. Helsinki is the Kämp Gallery. A great number of shops are open until nine in the evening, a factor which contributes to the 2 Linnanmäki Amusement Park is right in the city.

liveliness of the street life. Matti Tirri by Photo Fun for all.

32 33 Architecture of the North

n international terms, Helsinki’s architecture is I young. The straight streets of the city centre, the spacious parks and the shorefront land parcels are the legacy of the ideals of the Empire and neo- classical eras. Carl Ludvig Engel, the Berlin architect who created Hel- sinki’s city center in the mid-1800s, had spent two years in St. Petersburg and thus knew the splendour of the Russian imperial capital. Helsinki Photo by ScanFoto by Photo Photo by Matti Tirri by Photo

became a hybrid of Berlin and St. Petersburg. Matti Tirri by Photo The buildings, carefully designed down to small ä n é il details, are all light in colour. Helsinki’s distinctive ä colour scale has been yellow, white and grey since the early 1800s. Photo by Unto S Unto by Photo At the edge of the city centre, the straight-lined gran- L deur gives way to a varied, picturesque tableau of The Helsinki University Library, one of streets, a tableau whose models came from Vienna, the most charming creations of architect shaped by the ideas of architect Camillo Sitte. C. L. Engel Helsinki has northern Europe’s greatest number 4 A test ground of modern architecture – of unbroken art-nouveau blocks. Architecture Pikku Huopalahti here has been shaped by the ideals of national J Jugend, Helsinki’s characteristic architec- romanticism. Granite, copper, wood and hand- tural style, is featured at its purest in the crafted ornamentation on forest themes are prestigious city section of Eira. characteristic.

1 rksten Jutta Huld by Photo Architecture in the Nordic countries moved on to an A Jugend façade ö elegant classicism in the 1910s. Its best examples 2 The Korona building at the Helsinki include Helsinki’s Käpylä “garden city” of wooden Science Park houses designed for the working class. In Käpylä, Bj Fred by Photo I A magnifi cent Jugend street in Eira wood, a minimalist stylistic language, earth colours and the verdant environment make up an 3 An example of ingenious architecture: undivided whole. the Temppelinaukio church – a church Perhaps it was precisely Käpylä’s example that gave built in a rock inspiration to the creation of the garden city of 2 Columns of Helsinki Cathedral Tapiola in the 1950s and 60s. The self-assured architects of the time had free hands to build this western suburb of Helsinki. Tapiola became a social and architectural success story. In contrast with Great Britain’s new towns, Tapiola’s white buildings merge almost completely with the natural environment. Alvar Aalto worked as an architect in Helsinki for more than 40 years. Almost all of the more than ten Photo by Markku Juntunen by Photo

buildings he designed in Helsinki have façades of Oy Suomen Ilmakuva by Photo marble, red brick or copper. Wood, by contrast, serves as the interior material in many of the buildings. Helsinki today cherishes its young building traditions carefully – to the point where the City is sometimes accused of conservatism.

34 35 LifeLife inin HelsinkiHelsinki

The Finnish character The Finnish social security system is comprehensive. and customs Finns are automatically covered by the Social Insurance Institution’s health insurance scheme, urveys indicate that Finns value health, family, so that everyone is protected against the possibility S friends, home, mental balance, a secure livelihood of sickness. Pensioners automatically receive a and an unpolluted natural environment. Finns national pension and, in addition, get employment are proud of their nationality. Surveys have found pensions in accordance with their pay and number that four out of fi ve Finns consider it a privilege of years at work. Every child under the age of three to be Finnish. Other nationalities often mention has the right to a place in a municipal day nursery. Finns as generally honest, dependable, helpful Every family with a child receives a child’s benefi t, Kari Autero by Photo and friendly people. and families are also supported with home-care 4 Helsinki provides good day-care services. Every child under the age of three has a place in a Helsinki day nursery. Finnish manners are general European, so that the grants. After a child is born, either the mother or visitor need not fear offending Finnish hosts if the father receives so-called parents’ money for ten he or she follows the normal European etiquette. months. All Finnish fathers are entitled to a two- The age structure in Helsinki and Finland, The age structure and the educational However, Finnish culture does have a few special week fatherhood leave. 31 December 1999. level of the population in Helsinki, 31 features. Foremost among these is the sauna, Every Finn is entitled to municipal health care. Its users December 1999. Tertiary education (over 12 years) to which hosts happily conduct their guests. pay a small amount for the services yearly and Second, the conversational culture may at fi rst then make use of them free of charge. The City confuse the guest. Finns often listen more than of Helsinki devoted almost EUR 670 million they speak. They may also leave long pauses in to maintaining the health of its residents in the conversation; these do not hold any negative 1999. High-quality health care services are also meaning. provided by educational institutions, workplaces One favourite Finnish pastime is reading. Only the Japa- and other private parties in Finland. nese read newspapers more than the Finns do. On average, Finnish women live to age 79; Finnish men The general enthusiasm for reading owes much to to age 69. The life expectancy of a girl baby born the comprehensive system of free libraries, which today is estimated at 80.8 years; of a boy baby, is one of the world’s best. 73.5 years.

Social institutions Politics and defence in Finland 4 The Helsinki region has more than one million 4 The illustration depicts Helsinki’s age pyramid, inns invest in skills. The level of education is n Finland, supreme political power is vested in a inhabitants – a fi fth of the entire country’s population. which indicates the number of men, women, F high. Of the entire population, 58 % hold degrees. I president and parliament. The president exercises For the employer, the region’s age structure is more and holders of university-level degrees. Helsinki’s strength over the rest of the country is the highest executive power while the parliament advantageous than elsewhere in Finland. its populace’s educational level, which is clearly exercises legislative power. The president is chosen higher than that of the rest of the country. Almost by direct popular election for a six-year term. The half of all Helsinki residents have intermediate- parliament is unicameral. Its members are elected normally vote. This relatively low fi gure does not Finland’s Defence Forces have about a million trained level degrees, while 22 % have university-level every four years. however mean that people are politically alienated, reservists. Compulsory military duty lasts 180, degrees. The educated proportion of the city’s Finland has a multiparty system. Of the country’s more inasmuch as direct infl uence has increased. 270 or 362 days. In view of religious or ethical populace is increasing constantly. Men are on than ten parties, the largest are the Finnish Social Finland has a well-functioning and respected system conviction, a man subject to conscription may average more educated, but the proportion of Democratic Party, the National Coalition Party, of justice. Since the 1960s, the country has apply for unarmed military service (330 days) well-educated women is growing. In the younger the Finnish Centre Party, the Left Wing Alliance, been active in Nordic legislative cooperation. or alternative non-military service (395 days). age groups, the women’s level of education is at the Green League of Finland, and the Swedish The independent Supreme Court and Supreme On average, the compulsory military service is least as high as the men’s. Helsinki residents fare People’s Party. Half of all Finns say they follow Administrative Court exercise the highest judicial performed at age 20. Since 1995 women have well in international comparisons of education. politics actively. About 60 % of all eligible voters power in Finland. been able to serve in the army as volunteers.

36 37 | SeeSee YouYou ININ HELSINKIHELSINKI Helsinki 2001

/ Finland

| Frenckellin Kirjapaino Oy Frenckellin

/ Printed at

| Graphic Design Rhinoceros Ltd

/ Layout Layout

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| The City of Helsinki Information Office

/ 4 The Töölönlahti bay makes water part of the cityscape. On the left is the famous Finlandia Hall by Alvar Aalto Publisher

| 38 Matti Tirri by Photos and on the right is Villa Kivi. 39