Sisu: Empire to Equality - History & Politics

See something different, hear something new!

To see the real story of Finland you need to get away from the busiest most touristy spots. Everyone goes to see the architecture of the Russian Empire in the senate square but to see the most beautiful spots in a truly Finnish Helsinki you need to look just outside the busiest tourist destinations to discover something different.

Finland has been sandwiched between two of the great powers of Europe for hundreds of years. Traded and occupied, through oppression and rebellion the unique culture and language of Finland survives and thrives. From the birth of the Grand Duchy of Finland the independent Republic of Finland emerges through the fires of civil war and the savagery of the Eastern Front. Come hear the story of Russian Military Officers and Swedish Royalty, from the assasination of a Finnish Statesman to the ghost of the richest woman in Helsinki. Through revolution against an Empire, the invasion of the Soviet Union and a flirt with dictatorship, modern Finland emerges as a unique social democracy in the modern world. The tour will have a focus on Finnish national identity and how the modern political landscape and values were shaped by a history of war, revolution and social responsibility.

This tour will take you to some beautiful parts of Helsinki you would otherwise miss. Starting close to the Finnish parliament, we will walk towards Töölö to see some unique Helsinki architecture as it changes from Art Nouveau to functionalism. We will also see where the city centre meets nature and walk by one of Helsinki’s most beautiful bays and witness how modern Helsinki was built around that, and what role the Cold War played in this. 

The tour will end at the Oodi library, a modern landmark of Finnish social democracy and a living room for the people of Helsinki. After the tour, you can visit this amazing building, which also has public bathrooms and cafés! We will also give you the best recommendations for food and drinks and things to do in Helsinki during your stay, from hearty Finnish food to fresh sushi, cocktails to specialty coffee and the best saunas to visit.

Why was the minister of the interior assassinated?

How did the widow of a Russian Military Officer shape Helsinki forever?

Which Finnish tradition played a key role in keeping Finland safe during the Cold War?

And... is Finland really the happiest country in the world?

Book your tour today!