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 assaination of Finnish Statesman to the ghosts of the sanatorium. 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 around Oodi library we will walk towards Töölö to see some unique Helsinki architecture as it changes from Art Nouveau to functionalism where we will also walk past one of Europe’s most prominent music schools.

As we move further from the busiest parts of Helsinki and into some greener spaces we will see where the city centre meets nature and walk round one of Helsinki’s most beautiful bays.

The tour will end directly at a metro and tram stop only a few minutes journey or a short walk back to Kamppi in the city centre. As well as this the tour will end 500m from some highly recommended bars and restaurants for any hungry customers who require immediate sustenance after a good walk. This includes my personal favourites for local Finnish food, the balkan corner for lunch and fine wines, some more exotic cocktails or just a game of pool.

Why was there a car bombing in Kamppi?

Why was the minister of the interior assassinated?

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

Why was the national author in the sanatorium?
And... is Finland really the happiest country in the world?

 Book your tour today!