Capital Region - Urban Life and Nature

The historic city of Helsinki lives on in the elegant neoclassical centre and in the robust island fortifications of Suomenlinna, which is one of the largest fortresses in the world. This 17th century naval fort is on UNESCO's World Heritage list, and in 1998, it celebrated its 250th anniversary.

The cultural life of Helsinki finds expression in the many museums, the Opera House, Finlandia Hall, and Tennispalatsi and Lasipalatsi buildings. Modern architecture is represented by the "Rock Church" and Kiasma, the Museum of Contemporary Art. Helsinki presents a fascinating kaleidoscope of cultural, sporting and outdoor events. In addition, Helsinki was one of the European Cultural Capitals in 2000, the same year as the city celebrated its 450th anniversary. Finland's oldest amusement park Linnanmäki attracts visitors of all ages every year, both summer and winter.

City of Espoo is best known for the Garden City of Tapiola. Espoo Museum of Modern Art is also worth visiting. From there it is no distance to Tarvaspää, the studio home of Finland's best-loved painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela. In Vantaa, the Saint Lawrence Church and Sotunki village are places of historical and cultural interest. On the other hand, City of Vantaa is the proud host of Heureka, ranked among the best science centres in the world.

As an antidote to busy town life, there is the serenity of Finland's southernmost wilderness area in the City of Espoo. Just 30 minutes from the centre of the capital, Nuuksio National Park offers nature lovers and hikers unspoiled forests, beautiful lakes and rocky escarpments to explore. You can also visit Serena Leisure Centre and Waterpark, a wonderful leisure experience for the whole family; this tropically-warm water park is the largest of its kind in Europe.