Central Railway Station
You definitely won't miss Helsinki's Central Railway Station, which is undoubtedly an important representative masterpiece of the National Romantic style. Built in 1919, this central railway station was designed by the master Eliel Saarinen, an important figure in the National Romanticism movement. The exterior of the station is mainly paved with Finnish granite, and its most notable features are the clock tower and the two pairs of statues holding spherical lamps. Every night, the spherical lamps on both sides of the main entrance are lit. The station welcomes about 200,000 passengers daily, making it the most visited building in Finland.
Not far from the Central Railway Station and the Finnish National Theatre is the National Museum of Finland. The museum was designed by Armas Lindgren, Herman Gesellius, and Eliel Saarinen. The stone bear placed at the entrance is a unique landmark.
Katajanokka, Kruunuhaka, and Eira are representative neighborhoods of Art Nouveau architecture. If you enjoy this architectural style, take a stroll there to appreciate it. The local chimney sweep, Isto Rantanen, is an expert in Helsinki's Art Nouveau architecture. Although he has been up and down the rooftops of Helsinki's buildings for over 30 years, he is still often deeply moved by these old buildings.
Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall
Built in 1928, it is the oldest swimming hall in Helsinki and the entire Nordic region. Located behind the Forum shopping center in the city center, it is very easy to find. Here you can enjoy the feeling of a Roman bath, and it is also considered one of the most beautiful swimming halls in the world. The most special feature of this swimming hall is nude swimming. The nude swimming times for men and women are scheduled in advance, so be sure to check the website or call ahead before trying nude swimming! Of course, you can also swim in a swimsuit, but be sure to do so at the designated times!
