Important Years for Helsinki:

1550
Swedish king Gustav Vasa establishes Helsinki at the mouth of the Vantaa River (Vantaanjoki) by the Old Town Bay (Vanhankaupunginlahti).

1640
The center of Helsinki moves to its current location on the Vironniemi peninsula in what is now the Kruununhaka district.

1748
Construction begins on the massive sea fortress known today as Suomenlinna.

1812
Helsinki is made the capital of Finland.

1852
St. Nicholas’ Church (Helsinki Cathedral) is consecrated.

1917
Finland proclaims independence on 6 December, and Helsinki becomes the capital of the young republic.

1952
Helsinki hosts the Summer Olympics.

2000
Helsinki is a European Capital of Culture.

2012
Helsinki is World Design Capital.

2017
Finland celebrates 100 years of independence.