Things to Do in Helsinki

Suomenlinna Toy Museum has a great collection of old toys and dolls, teddy bears, toy cars and games, some of which date back to the 1800s. A little museum showcasing the long history of toys, visiting is a unique way to get acquainted with Finnish culture and tradition. No furbies or tamagotchis here, even Suomenlinna's newest toys are over 50 years old.

Housed in a wooden villa on Iso Mustasaari Island, the cozy museum's private collection is large and well displayed, and has over 100 antique teddy bears on show. Suomenlinna Toy Museum is interesting for both kids and adults, and there are guidebooks available so you can read about the toys' stories and their previous lives. The house itself was originally built in 1911 by a captain who manned the headquarters of Viapori fortress. Aptly, one of the museum's specialities is wartime toys and games.

The museum cafe and its outdoor terrace is almost as popular as the toys The cafe sells home-made pastries, coffees and teas. There's also a toy store where you can buy authentic Steiff teddy bears.

What is a German type-II U-boat doing as a museum on the shores of Helsinki's Suomenlinna Sea Fortress? Here's the story. Built by the Dutch in 1931, Vesikko was a secret submarine built for experimental purposes for the German Navy. It was built in secret in Finland because, after World War I, the Treaty of Versailles officially banned Germany from making armaments.

In 1935, however, the Finnish Defence Forces bought Vesikko submarine, and its navy successfully used the sub to protect Finland against encroaching Russia during World War II. After the second world war, under the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947, Finland was banned from keeping submarines and was ordered to sell its little fleet of five to Belgium for scraps in 1953. The only submarine left in the country was Vesikko. But what does "Vesikko" mean? It's the Finnish name for the European mink. After all, both submarine and animal are small predators.

One of the most advanced submarine designs of its time, a visit inside is quite a shock to the modern visitor. By today's standards, the submarine is tiny, and it's fascinating to be able to go inside to see and touch everything, imagining just how a 20-man crew would have fit in its claustrophobic walls at the time. One of Suomenlinna's main attractions, Vesikko submarine receives nearly 30,000 visitors a year. 

Found in the Meilahti district of Helsinki, Tamminiemi is a villa that served as the official residences for former Fininsh president Urho Kekkonen between 1940 and 1981. The house was originally designed by Sigurd Frosterus and Gustaf Strengell for a Danish man by the name of Jorgen Nissen. The building was completed in 1903 and housed a number of residents before finally becoming the home of Urho Kekkonen. Today, the villa is open to the eyes of the public as a museum. It's located next to Seurasaari Museum Island within a beautiful park.

Kekkonen held the office of president in Finland from 1956 to 1981, and Tamminiemi was the official residence, the center of political affairs, and was often used to entertain foreign guests and dignitaries. It is said that Kekkonen would often treat his important guest to a visit to his personal Turkish baths found within the complex. After Kekkonen left office in 1981, it remained his personal home until his death in 1986. Much of the residence has been left as it was during the years it was occupied by the Finnish President. Visitors can step back in time and wander through the house via guided tours. Guests also have the chance to see the living quarters, various art works, and the kitchen area. There is also a cafe and shop on site.

Set amid the idyllic greenery of Kuusisaari Island, the magnificent Villa Gyllenberg is one of Helsinki's most beautifully situated museums. The historic 20th-century villa is the home of art collectors Signe and Ane Gyllenberg, and their impressive private art collection opens it doors to the public two days a week.

Inside, the gallery boasts around 400 pieces, mostly from Finnish artists and including everything from 16th century works by the old masters to modern art dating back to the 1970s.  Highlights include Isak Wacklin's Portrait of a Man, a selection of surrealist paintings by Juhani Linnovara, and a collection of around 30 Helen Schjerfbeck works. The Villa also hosts temporary exhibitions and classic music concerts.