Helsinki: The Land of Cold Laughter

Helsinki, pronounced as [ˈhelsɪnkɪ] or as the locals say ‘Hell-sink-y’ is the capital city of Finland. It is often regarded as the quintessential Nordic city with its endless winter nights, impeccably designed buildings, and the absolute incomprehensibility of the Finnish language.

A Brief History of Helsinki

The city was founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden, who wanted a rival to Tallinn, Estonia. Back then, Helsinki was not much different from other fishing villages along the Finnish coastline. It was only in 1812, when Finland was declared the Grand Duchy of Finland and Helsinki was chosen as its capital, that things started to change. The city became a cultural hub, attracting artists, intellectuals, and anyone who wanted to escape the dull provincialism of the rest of the country.

What to See in Helsinki?

There are many things to see in Helsinki, despite its small size. For instance, the “Helsinki Cathedral” is an iconic landmark, right in the city centre. It is the city’s most photographed building and has appeared in numerous postcards, Instagram posts, and memes. Another popular attraction is the “Sibelius Monument”, dedicated to the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It is an abstract steel sculpture featuring over 600 hollow steel pipes, which make eerie whistling sounds when the wind blows through them. If you’re looking for a more unconventional attraction, you could visit the “Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art”, which showcases some of the weirdest and wildest forms of contemporary art from all over the world.

What to Eat in Helsinki?

As a visitor to Helsinki, you must try “Karjalanpiirakka”. It is a traditional Finnish pastry, consisting of a thin rye crust and a filling made from rice or potatoes. You could find it in any Finnish bakery, café or restaurant. Another must-eat is “Lihapullat”, delicious meatballs often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. If you happen to be in Helsinki during the summer months, you could also try “Vihreä kuula”, a cherished Finnish candy, filled with mint-flavoured chocolate.

Helsinki’s Sense of Humour

You won’t find much of it. Finns are known for their silent stoicism, and dry sense of humour. They rarely burst into laughter, and when they do, it is usually because they found something incredibly funny (or because they had a few shots of “Koskenkorva”, a Finnish vodka-like spirit). However, don’t be mistaken, Helsinki is known to have a thriving stand-up comedy scene. Some of the funniest comedians in Finland perform in small basement clubs, hidden from the eyes of tourists.

Conclusion

These are just some of the reasons why Helsinki should be on your travel list. It is a city with a unique, quiet charm, and a sense of humour that is not immediately obvious. Whether you want to take in its rich cultural heritage, snap pictures of its stunning architecture, or simply enjoy the street food, Helsinki has something for everyone. So, pack your winter coats, put on your best blank face, and get ready to navigate the land of cold laughter!