jugend Helsinki

 Often referred to as the pearl of the Baltic, Helsinki is one of the finest centers of Jugend architecture in Europe. The city is home to around 600 Art Nouveau buildings, the largest concentration of the architectural style in the region. Art Nouveau, or Jugend, as it also became known in Scandinavia and Germany originated at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries as an approach to design where art permeates everyday life. Characterised by highly stylised, flowing, curvilinear forms and organic, plant-based motifs, Art Nouveau influenced the decorative arts in everything from architecture to fashion, furniture, graphic and product design.Jugend architecture flourished in Helsinki, where it was strongly influenced by the Finnish national epic, Kalevala, a major theme in the national romantic movement of that era. With an exterior that displays the national romantic style and an interior that is primarily Jugend, the Kansallismuseo or National Museum is a fine example of the two styles combined.To take in some of Helsinki’s best examples of Jugend architecture a walking tour can be taken through the city center. Within a short distance of each other are the Central Railway Station, the Finnish National Theater and Pohjola House. Visitors can also admire the remarkable interiors of many buildings. A few steps from the Esplanade Park, Jugendsali or Jugendhall was originally built as a private residence. The magnificent hall on the ground floor has also been used as a banking hall. Today it is open to the public as a café, and is conveniently located next door to Helsinki City Tourist Information Office…Jugend gems can be spotted throughout the city, with some districts built almost entirely in the Jugend style. Adjacent to the downtown area, the neighbouring districts of Kruununhaka and Katajanokka make for easy exploration on foot. The Ullanlinna district is only a short tram ride away.   Olofsborg on Kauppiaankatu 7 in Katajanokka is among the most loved Jugend-style buildings in Helsinki. Built in 1903 its towers are inspired by those of the medieval Olavinlinna Castle in Savo. Behind Olofsborg’s design was the famous trio of architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren & Eliel Saarinen who also designed the National Museum.  For solo travellers

To help visitors find the best examples of Helsinki’s Jugend buildings, Helsinki City Museum has published a new brochure with walking and tram routes marked on the map. The tour maps can be found at online at

www.hel2.fi/kaumuseo/jugend/jugend_kavely_en_ve.pdf (Walking tour)

www.hel2.fi/kaumuseo/jugend/jugend_ratikka_en_ve.pdf (Tram tour)

 For groups

Guided tours for groups with a specific interest in architecture can be arranged by Archtours Ltd., a travel agency that offers both tailored programs and ready-made tour packages open to all. Find out more at their website www.archtours.fi

For more information on tourism in Finland see Visit Finland at www.visitfinland.com