In the city of Vanhakaupunki ("Old Town") neighborhood in Helsinki, Finland

 “The very essence of architecture consists of a variety and development reminiscent of natural organic life. This is the only true style in architecture.”

-- Alvar Aalto (the Finnish architect and designer)
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(on the edge of the Baltic Sea in the region of Uusimaa, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland) The modern, cosmopolitan capital city of Helsinki is the capital of Finland, which is famed for its streamlined, functional, stylish design. In the 20th century, pioneers such as Alvar and Aino Aalto cemented its reputation, and the capital remains the country's creative hub. Helsinki's design scene is one of the most electrifying in the world today, and a major influence across the planet. Boutiques, workshops and galleries filled with glassware, lighting, textiles and innovative homewares proliferate in the Design District just south of the center in Punavuori, which is home to Helsinki's superb Design Museum, and throughout the city, from its thoroughfares to repurposed industrial spaces. Entwined with the Baltic's bays, inlets and islands, Helsinki's boulevards and backstreets overflow with magnificent architecture, intriguing drinking and dining venues -- and much evidence of groundbreaking architecture. Taking its cues from the design scene, architecture in Helsinki is flourishing. Contemporary highlights include the Kiasma museum of contemporary art and concert hall Musiikkitalo. Modernism is exemplified by Alvar Aalto's Akateeminen Kirjakauppa, and Finlandia Talo concert hall, along with Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen's astonishing rock-carved church, the Temppeliaukio. Finland's art-nouveau movement, National Romanticism, has left a glorious legacy of buildings from the era such as Helsinki's beautiful train station. Functionalism, wooden architecture (including 1920s classicism and 2012's Kamppi chapel) and Byzantine-Russian, neo-Renaissance and neoclassical styles are all woven into the city's fabric.

+ While it's a culture-packed urban centre, Helsinki is surrounded by sublime natural environment that's easily reached from every part of the city. Opportunities to get active abound here, from boating to its archipelago's islands, strolling along its beaches and through its extensive parks and gardens, and hiking in its surrounding forests. When snow blankets the city in winter and the seas freeze over, snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing on the many bays are all invigorating ways to keep warm while staying in touch with nature.

+ Shown here, is the Vanhakaupunki ("Old Town") neighborhood in Helsinki. (The city actually started from this small place). In 1550, Gustav Vasa decided to establish a new city here, near the Vantaa River. These days, people come to Vanhakaupunki for many reasons; they can find outdoor enthusiasts, fishing-folk, or museum seekers -- while just exploring the Old Town.