TAITO: The Helsinki Design, Industry & Architecture Walking Tour

2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Join on an exciting tour that takes you through the city, exploring Finnish design and architecture while learning about the industries that have built the country. Learn about the connections between Finnish and Japanese design and culture, discover the unique architecture and architects that make Helsinki what it is, as well as Finnish designers, illustrators, children's authors, and more. Learn about Russian, Swedish, and German influence on the city and how both local and foreign culture shaped its design and planning, not just physically but socially.

Finnish design and industry are among the most notable and internationally significant exports from Finland to the world. It touches everything, from architecture to Star Wars, from shipbuilding to Supercell. The Helsinki Design District houses some of the most unique Finnish businesses and buildings, and the Helsinki harbour is part of a long history of shipbuilding Finnish ingenuity, modern gentrification and more.

What's Included

Unique Helsinki Design and Architecture tour
Insight into Finnish industry and culture
Experienced local tour guide and natural storyteller
We will not attend inside attractions

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The corner of Keskuskatu and Aleksanterinkatu, between Stockmann and Marimekko. You will recognise me by the Orkney flag I'm holding (red with a yellow-blue cross).

End point

The tour will end 5 minutes from the start point in Espanladi outside the Swedish Theatre.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa)

    Who was the father of Finnish Architecture and Design and what was his philosophy?

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    What was the Finnish National Romantic movement and how did it shape Finnish architecture and design?

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Havis Amanda

    How did French culture shape Helsinki and why is Amanda so important now?

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    How did a military installation define a neighbourhood and what are the two most important architectural styles surrounding it?

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    What was the design museum built for, how was it a part of the life of a very famous Finnish artist and why was it important?

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    How does German architecture play a role in the fight for independence and why was the church a stand against an empire?

    Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Which member of the church defined Finnish written language and how does the church itself protect against Russian invasion?

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Discover the industry that built the city and learn how Finnish ingenuity overcame a difficult winter obstacle.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Why did Russian industrialists build and English garden and what impact did they have on Helsinki industry and art?

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    How did demilitarisation affect the national opera house and why did a friend of the Tsar make it his life's work?

    5 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Helwalk

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Tags

Architecture Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Seasonal
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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