The longest bridge in Finland, the Crown Bridge, leads from the city to Laajasalo. Its length is 1.2 kilometers. The island has a rich rural history spanning centuries. Initially, it was mainly inhabited by farmers and fishermen, with its economy centered on agriculture and maritime activities. During Swedish rule in the 16th and 17th centuries, several manors were established on the island, including Degerö, Stansvik, and Turholm. Notably, there was an iron mine on the lands of Stansvik Manor from 1776 to 1839, where valuable minerals such as amethysts were discovered. Originally, Laajasalo was separated from the mainland by a strait, which was later filled. It became a peninsula in the 18th century. However, when the Laajasalo Canal was built further south in the 19th century, Laajasalo became an island again. As Helsinki expanded into a significant urban center, Laajasalo's connection to the mainland was strengthened through transportation networks, such as bridges and ferries.In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wealthy Helsinki residents owned summer villas in Laajasalo. Additionally, during the prohibition era, the island served as a route for alcohol smuggling from Estonia to Finland.