Helsinki

The functionalist building, designed by architects Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti, formed the showcase... for the 1952 Olympic Games. Although the stadium was originally built in 1938, the Second World War prevented the Games planned for 1940 from being held. The white, 72.71 m (238.55 ft) high tower, whose height corresponds exactly to the length of the javelin throw achieved by the Finnish gold medallist, Matti Järvinen, in the 1932 Olympic games, is a landmark. On a clear day one has an excellent view of the Finnish capital city from the tower. The sporting venue has changed little since its completion, and the long, brown wooden benches still run all the way around the stadium. Having served as the venue for the inaugural World Athletics Championships in 1983, the Olympic Stadium was used again for the 2005 World Championships. When visiting the stadium, a detour to the Sports Museum is not to be missed. The exhibits include the gilded running shoes of the legendary runner, Paavo Nurmi, and the medals won by ski jumper Matti Nykänen. (Sports Museum: http://www.urheilumuseo.org) more

The signing of the final act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) in 1975... heralded a process of upheaval of great historical importance for the Continent. Tough negotiations had been going on for years between East and West, but ultimately they contributed to the reunion of Europe and the reunification of Germany. The Finlandia Hall designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto and built between 1967 and 1971 will always be associated with this. Today things have quietened down in the many-faceted concert and congress centre by Töölo Bay, but it is still worth taking a half-hour tour through this centre because in a special way it gives an insight into the architecture of Alvar Aalto. Next to Finlandia House is a monument which was erected in the autumn 2000 to commemorate the former President of many years, Urho K. Kekkonen: a tear-shaped pool above which four gilded hands raised as if to give a blessing are attached to high poles. more

From the outside, it looks like a sail in strong wind. Inside it is full of curves. The Museum of Contemporary... Art was built in 1998 and breaks the rules of a conventional art museum. Its name, which is derived from the Greek word "Khiasma", represents a place which 'crosses the nerves'. The makers of modern Helsinki sing its praises as visionary and experimental, just like their city. The building, by American architect Steven Holl, was erected immediately behind the statue of the national hero, Marschal C.G. Mannerheim.The result was a new harmonious combination of the horseback figure and the sculptural backdrop of the Kiasma. The museum's collections focus on Scandinavian and Baltic Art since the 1960s. The art experience of the permanent exhibitions is rounded off with special exhibitions, installations, room art and photography. more