Day 30-31 (8-9 April): Helsinki & Tallinn
- Skye McKenzie
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
In 33 days, we will have been exploring the best of Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia!
The Finland-Russia relationship is fascinating. Finland has been significantly influenced by Russia throughout history, particularly in the last few centuries.
For much of its history, Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden (from the 12th century until 1809). During this period, Swedish culture, language, and governance dominated Finland. However, Russia was a growing power in the region and frequently clashed with Sweden over control of Finland.
After the Finnish War (1808–1809), Sweden lost Finland to the Russian Empire. Tsar Alexander I made Finland an autonomous Grand Duchy (a country or territory ruled by a grand duke or grand duchess) under Russian rule. This period had mixed influences:
Autonomy & Development: Finland was granted more independence than it had under Sweden. It had its own government, currency, and even its own army for some time.
Cultural Influence: While Swedish remained the dominant elite language, Russian influence grew, particularly in administration and architecture (e.g., Helsinki was rebuilt in a neoclassical style similar to St. Petersburg).
Russification Policies (Late 19th Century): In the late 1800s, Russia attempted to integrate Finland more closely, restricting Finnish autonomy and promoting the Russian language. This led to growing Finnish nationalism.
After the Russian Revolution in 1917, Finland declared independence from Russia. The chaotic situation in Russia (with the Bolsheviks taking power) allowed Finland to break away successfully. However, during World War II, the Soviet Union invaded Finland in 1939 (Winter War). Though Finland fought fiercely, it had to cede territory (including Karelia) in 1940. In 1941, Finland allied with Nazi Germany to regain lost land (Continuation War), but in the end, Finland had to make peace with the Soviet Union and remained independent.
During the Cold War, Finland had to navigate its relationship carefully with the Soviet Union. It adopted a policy of "Finlandisation", meaning it remained formally neutral but avoided actions that might provoke the USSR. The Soviets had influence over Finnish foreign policy, but Finland retained a democratic system.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Finland has aligned more with the West. It joined the European Union in 1995 and NATO in 2023 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Finland shares a long border with Russia, modern Finnish policy is focused on maintaining security and Western alliances.
Tallinn, Estonia
The area of present-day Tallinn has been inhabited since at least 3000 BCE. By the early medieval period, a wooden fortress stood on Toompea Hill, serving as a trade hub for Baltic and Scandinavian merchants. In 1219, Danish forces led by King Valdemar II conquered the settlement, building a stone fortress.
In 1285, Tallinn became a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful network of North European trade cities. German merchants and nobility gained control of Tallinn, shaping its architecture and governance. The city thrived as a key port, with trade routes connecting it to Lübeck, Novgorod, and other major cities. The iconic medieval Old Town, including the Town Hall, St. Olaf’s Church, and defensive walls, dates from this period.
After the Livonian War (1558–1583), Estonia, including Tallinn, came under Swedish rule. The Swedes modernised the city’s fortifications and promoted education. In 1710, during the Great Northern War, Tallinn fell to Peter the Great of Russia, marking the beginning of Russian rule (formally recognised in 1721).
Under Russian rule, Tallinn remained a key port but lost some of its autonomy. The 19th century saw industrialisation and nationalist movements, leading to the emergence of an Estonian identity. In 1918, Estonia declared independence from Russia following World War I. Tallinn became the capital of the newly independent Republic of Estonia.
In 1940, Estonia was forcibly annexed by the Soviet Union, and Nazi Germany occupied Tallinn from 1941 to 1944 during World War II. In 1944, the Soviets reoccupied Tallinn, leading to nearly 50 years of Soviet rule. Soviet policies led to large-scale Russification and industrialisation, though Estonia maintained a strong sense of national identity.
In 1991, Estonia regained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Tallinn modernised rapidly, becoming a major tech hub (home to Skype) and an EU member in 2004. Today, it is a vibrant capital known for its preserved medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and digital innovation.
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