Old Map of Helsinki, 1935

Helsinki in 1935

Published by the Finland Travel Bureau in 1935, this old map of Helsinki was designed to help visitors understand a capital shaped as much by the sea as by its streets. The city occupies a peninsula surrounded by harbours, rocky islands and narrow shipping channels, while the railway enters directly from the north and terminates close to the commercial centre.

Map Details

• Original title: Map of Helsinki–Helsingfors
• Publisher: Finland Travel Bureau
• Place of publication: Helsinki
• Publication date: 1935
• Area shown: Central Helsinki, its harbours and neighbouring islands
• Orientation: North towards the top
• Languages: Finnish, Swedish and English
• Format: Colour-printed tourist street map

A Bilingual Plan of the Finnish Capital

The title gives both the Finnish name Helsinki and the Swedish Helsingfors. Many features are similarly labelled in two languages, reflecting Finland’s bilingual culture and helping visitors recognise the names used locally.

The practice is particularly noticeable around the waterfront. The North Harbour appears as Pohjoissatama–Norra Hamnen, the South Harbour as Eteläsatama–Södra Hamnen and the West Harbour as Hietalahti–Sandviken. These paired names are an important part of the map rather than later additions.

Harbours, Islands and Sea Routes

Much of the right-hand side is occupied by the coastal waters east of the city. Katajanokka projects into the South Harbour, while passenger and shipping routes pass through the surrounding islands towards Kruunuvuorenselkä.

The map names islands including Korkeasaari, Mustikkamaa, Tervasaari and Kulosaari. Broken lines across the water indicate established routes between the mainland, islands and outer harbour approaches.

Small silhouettes of ships reinforce Helsinki’s identity as a Baltic port. The harbour basins, quays and railway sidings also show how closely maritime trade was connected to the city’s transport network.

Streets, Parks and Railway Approaches

Helsinki Central Railway Station lies near the heart of the plan, with several tracks spreading northwards beside Töölönlahti. The railway divides parts of the city before reaching the centre, making it one of the most prominent features on the map.

West of Töölönlahti are the expanding streets of Töölö, while the wooded parkland around the bay remains clearly visible. Farther south, the regular street plan reaches the shores around Kaivopuisto and Eira.

Public buildings are picked out in black, while parks appear in green and built-up areas in yellow. This restrained colour scheme allows the roads, railway lines, open spaces and waterfront to remain particularly clear.

Helsinki Between the World Wars

Finland had become independent in 1917, fewer than twenty years before this map appeared. By 1935 Helsinki was developing as the capital of an independent European nation while retaining the Finnish and Swedish names that formed part of its history.

The map presents a modern working city rather than a decorative historical view. Its transport routes, harbour infrastructure and spreading residential districts record Helsinki during a period of growth, while its carefully drawn coastline preserves the close relationship between the capital and the Baltic Sea.