1550 Helsinki was founded by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. Originally situated on the mouth of the Vantaa River, the city center was moved to its current location on the southern peninsula in the mid-1600s to take advantage of the deeper waters.

1748 Sweden built the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress to counter the growing threat from Russia.

1812 Helsinki became capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland.

1827 Åbo Akademi, then the only university in Finland, was moved from Turku to Helsinki.

1862 A railroad was laid between Helsinki and Hämeenlinna.

1870 A railroad was laid between Helsinki and St. Petersburg.

1917 Helsinki became the capital of the Republic of Finland.

1952 Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympic Games.

1975 Helsinki hosted the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

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