Helsinki

Originally founded in the 16th century, Helsinki, Finland's capital city, has a history shaped by several peoples, including Sweden and Russia. Suomenlinna is a man-made fortress comprised of seven islands intended to keep the Russians away. The Russians themselves designed Helsinki later on in the fashion of St. Petersburg, with its broad streets. The main street in the city is the Mannerheimintie, and there you can find the Parliament House and the National Museum. Other highlights include the Helsinki and Uspenski Cathedrals, as well as the completely unique Temppeliaukio Church.