A Journey to Töölö – The Heart of Helsinki’s National Treasures

It’s funny how sometimes you don’t notice things until you write about them. For instance, until I actually wrote this article about the district of Töölö and its architecture, I never before noticed how many beautiful doorways there were and I couldn’t help but admire them all. But let’s go back to the start of my adventure.

I took bus 30 from Punavuori to Töölö. Töölö is a haven of national treasures and located 10-15 minutes away from the center by bus or tram. I decided to start my journey at Töölö library and conveniently that’s one of the stops for bus 30. 

Töölö was built from 1920-1930 when Helsinki suffered rapid growth and in 1959 Töölö was split into two neighborhoods: Taka-Töölö and Etu-Töölö. Comodo offers temporary accommodation in stunning apartments in both Etu (inner in Finnish) and Taka (outer in Finnish) Töölö. What’s special about Töölö is its uniqué blend of architecture, a glimpse of art-deco that can be seen in stairways, neoclassical through ornamentation and column motifs, and functionalism visible through lighter colors and bay windows. And it’s this unique blend of architecture I noticed as I walked around Töölö.

Töölö is rich in culture, it’s where you’ll find; Topelius Park, Töölö library, Töölö church, Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Finnish National Opera Building, Sibelius Park & Monument, Cafe Regatta, The National Museum of Finland and the list goes on. So if you choose temporary accommodation in one of Töölö’s neighborhoods you’ll have the pick of the litter for sightseeing and a first hand trip through history. 

Topelius Park, was named after Zacharias Topelius, famed journalist and author of fairytales. It is a 19 hectare park boosting two styles, one more natural and the other geometric and at opposite ends of the park you'll find Töölö library and Töölö Church. If you like animals, you might even spot some of the park's local residents which include eagle owls and wild rabbits.

Töölö library, which opened in 1970 was designed by Aarne Eerni. In front of the library is a statue called “The Reading Room” designed by Kari Juva, which depicts two strangers meeting by chance who share a common interest for reading– and who knows, maybe you’ll end up sharing the same experience. Of course I had to go see this statue for myself, of which you can find a photo of below.

At Topeliuksenkatu 4, you’ll find Töölö Church, designed by another famous architect, Hilding Ekelund in 1927. Töölö church is pink and influenced by renaissance architecture and Italian rustic churches. A fun fact and something to see is the painting called “Eternal Life” located on the altar wall of the church. Ironically, the painting named eternal life, remained unfinished due to Hilding’s untimely death.

The Olympic Stadium, originally built for the Olympics of 1940, hosted the 1952 summer Olympics. The venue was also the final destination for one of the episodes of the TV series, The Amazing Race. The stadium is also home to an owl called Bubi who once held up a football game because he was sitting on a goal post. So if you visit the Olympic Stadium, look out or rather up, for Bubi.

On the coast of Töölönlahti bay, where once stood an old sugar factory, you’ll now find The Finnish National Opera building. This long awaited gem, featuring two auditoriums, ample seating and dressing rooms opened its doors in 1993. This national treasure hosts 20 different operas and roughly 140 performances a year. No matter how long you’re staying in Töölö, there’s sure to be a show for you.

Another national treasure located in Töölö, is the Sibelius Monument, located in Sibelius Park– named after one of the most influential men in Finnish culture, Finland’s  greatest composer, Jean Sibelius. The Sibelius Monument, designed by Eila Hiltunen is a representation of how Sibelius’'s music depicts nature, with the diversity of the monument allowing visitors to enter it. Also on Töölönlahti bay you’ll find Finlandia Hall, designed by another Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto. Completed in 1971, it hosts congress and various events.

When you’re done seeing the sights of Töölö, and craving sweet Finnish delicacies, close to Sibelius Monument is Cafe Regatta, a red cottage cafe, where Finnish countryside meets city life. Here you can enjoy the cafe's famous cinnamon buns or a piece of blueberry pie. 

But I chose to end my tour of Töölö at Fat Lizard. I missed the opportunity to eat here before because I was sick so it had been on my bucket list and I decided to cross it off and it was so good! I had the prawns for starter and then salmon and mushroom sauce for a main course. Both courses were absolutely delicious and combined with a glass of Prosecco made my total 50 euros. 

Whilst, you’ll find your fair share of restaurants and all the amenities you need in this area, what’s special about the neighborhoods of Töölö, and why it might be exactly the location you’re looking for in temporary accommodation—  is its combination of city and country life and the undeniably clear visibility of Finland’s rich and vibrant history everywhere you look. There really is no other neighborhood quite like it– one so densely populated with Finland's national treasures. 

Töölö is a unique blend of history, culture, and city life, surrounded by Finland’s national treasures. If you're looking for temporary accommodation, Comodo Apartments offers fully furnished, move-in-ready apartments in both Etu-Töölö and Taka-Töölö.

Want to stay in Töölö? Request a quote today!

Or email us info@comodo.fi.

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