PhotosByRoy.co.uk

Helsinki (originally Helsingfors) is the largest city in Finland and is the country’s capital. Being situated on the south coast of Finland, it has a more temperate climate than other parts of the country and is an ideal tourist destination; Tallinn (Estonia) and St Petersburg (Russia) are both within easy reach.

Originally founded by King Gustav I of Sweden, the city has often found itself in Russian hands and this is evident in the architecture. Indeed, the Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral (above) was originally built as a tribute to the Grand Duke, Nicholas I, the Tsar of Russia (1796-1855).