The Headless Horseman in Helsinki – The Headless Horseman in Helsinki

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Kauppatori obelisk statue

Until the beginning of the 1800’s, this area was a muddy beach with fishing jetties. When the city centre was rebuilt in 1812, the Kauppatori market square was established.

Ichabod's home

This building was constructed in the early 1800’s, and was damaged during the Civil War of 1918. The building to the right of it is the second oldest building in central Helsinki.

Ichabod's school

This green stone building has previously been a girl’s high school. The school was founded by teacher Lisa Hagman and the building was designed by architect Elsa Arokallio.

The Hotel Maria

This building used to house the officers of the sniper battalion of the Finnish Army, and the site was previously used as a cholera hospital.

The Haunted building

In the early 1800s this was the site of a building said to belong to a nobleman and advisor to Alexander I of Russia. This house is supposedly haunted by a Grey lady playing the piano.

Siltavuorenpenger

These steps lead up to Siltavuorenpenger, which was intended to be a fortification facility in the 1700’s. The area is now home to many of the University faculties instead.

The Virola House

This building, called the ”Virola House”, was designed by architect Sebastian Gripenberg in the 1800’s and later amended by Heikki Kaartisen in 1911.

Topelia

This is Topelia, named after Zacharias Topelius, one of the most important writers in Finnish history. The buildings have housed the military, a hospital and currently the university.

Site of Ulrika Eleonoran

This used to be the site of the 18th century Ulrika Eleonoran Church. It was torn down in the late 1820’s and replaced with the grand cathedral you see today in the mid-1800’s.

Sofiankatu

This street, Sofiankatu, is named after the mother of Alexander I. Before she became Maria Feodorovna, empress of Russia, she was Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg.

The Esplanadi park

The Esplanadi park, situated between the Erottaja square and the Market Square, was opened in the early 1800’s and is the green heart of Helsinki.

Locations you'll visit on this tour:

The Kauppatori market square by the waterfront
The Kruununhaka neighborhood of central Helsinki
The university area of Topelia
The Helsinki Cathedral
The Senaatintori square, with its neoclassical buildings
The Esplanadi park

Explore Helsinki with a walking tour game based on a classic ghost story