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Photo: Jens Strauß, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
An atmospheric of minimalistic church, this church was literally dug out of solid rock. From above, it resembles a crashed UFO. The roof is made of 22 km of copper strips. Completed in 1969, this has become one of Helsinki's most popular attractions. Concerts are often held here thanks to the excellent acoustics.
Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Church of the Rock or Rock Church, is an Evangelical Lutheran church in the Töölö district of Helsinki, Finland. Designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the church was completed in 1969 and is built directly into the natural granite bedrock of Temppeliaukio. The church has approximately 750 seats and functions both as an active parish church and as a concert venue and tourist attraction.
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Heikki Ritavuoren murhapaikka
Finnish Interior Minister Heikki Ritavuori was assassinated by Swedish-speaking activist Ernst Tandefelt. At the front door of Ritavuori's former home stands the Finnish text: "Minister of the Interior Heikki Ritavuori was killed in front of his front door on 14 February 1922 by a bullet from an Assassin."
Luonnontieteen museo
The museum of natural history is operated by Helsinki University and shows Finnish wildlife, dinosaur skeletons and everything in-between.
Kansallismuseo
A beautiful classical building houses this old museum, which has been renovated. The exhibit includes displays of artefacts and items relating to Finland's history. Closed until spring 2027.
Eduskunta
The House of the 200-seat Parliament of Finland was designed by J.S. Sirén in the classic style of the 1920s and inaugurated in 1931. The interior is classical with a touch of functionalism and art deco. Tours in English Sa at 11:00 and 12:00, Su at 12:00 and 13:00. During Jul and Aug English tours are M-F at 13:00. Free.
Designed by Finland's best known architect Alvar Aalto. It is across the street from the National Museum. The marble Finlandia Hall is a popular congress and concert venue in Helsinki. The building itself is worth a visit particularly for architecture buffs, with guided tours available (€6/4, check website for schedule). Be sure to view the building also from across the Töölönlahti bay in the evening when it is floodlit.
Hietaniemen hautausmaa
Helsinki's equivalent to Arlington in Washington D.C., Hietaniemi is the final resting place for many Finns of importance during the last 200 years: politicians including almost all heads of state, artists and other cultural personalities, war heroes and so on. Some grave monuments are quite impressive.