cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral
A striking neoclassical Lutheran cathedral overlooking Senate Square in the heart of Helsinki.
1 km · about 5 min drive
EuropeFinlandUusimaa
Katajanokka
Uusimaa, Finland · Europe
About Katajanokka
Katajanokka works well as a base: 31km from Nuuksio National Park.
Katajanokka is in Uusimaa, Finland, with about 5,000 people. You drive on the right here.
Katajanokka (Finnish: [ˈkɑtɑjɑˌnokːɑ]; Swedish: Skatudden) is a neighbourhood of Helsinki, Finland, with around 5,000 inhabitants in 2023. The district is located adjacent to the immediate downtown area, though in the first major town plan for Helsinki from the mid-18th century, the area fell outside theRead more
fortifications planned to encircle the city.
Originally, Katajanokka was a headland of the Helsinki peninsula but is now technically an island, as a small canal was dug across the base of the headland in the 19th century. There are four bridges across the canal connecting Katajanokka with the Helsinki Market Square and Aleksanterinkatu area in mainland Helsinki.
Buildings in Katajanokka include the former Katajanokka prison (now a Tribute Portfolio hotel by Marriott), the Uspenski Cathedral, the Katajanokka Casino, Wanha Satama, the Stora Enso head office designed by Alvar Aalto, the building of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Katajanokka Terminal used by Viking Line. Katajanokka forms a central part of the South Harbour. In the 19th and 20th centuries Katajanokka was known as an important hub for goods transport and even became the largest import harbour in Finland, but since then its role as a residential area has increased. Katajanokka is served by the Helsinki tram lines 4 and 5.
Katajanokka is one of the most distinguished neighbourhoods in Helsinki. Katajanokka's residents have included former Finnish President (from 1982 to 1994) Mauno Koivisto, composer Einojuhani Rautavaara and author-artist Tove Jansson.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Katajanokka?
Within an hour or so of Katajanokka: Helsinki Cathedral (1 km), Suomenlinna (2 km), Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) (3 km), Linnanmäki (3 km).
Are there any good drives near Katajanokka?
The nearest famous roads are Hanko.
Where is Katajanokka?
Katajanokka is in Uusimaa, Finland.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 4,994
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Finland
- Region
- Uusimaa
- Timezone
- Europe/Helsinki
- Coordinates
- 60.1659, 24.9713
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Finland
Winter tyres mandatory December–February.
Full driving guide for FinlandTags
Worth the detour from Katajanokka
7 notable places within an hour's drive.
castle
Suomenlinna
A sea fortress built on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, one of the largest maritime fortresses in the world.
2 km · about 5 min drive
cathedral
Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
A remarkable Lutheran church in Helsinki excavated directly into solid rock, topped with a copper dome that floods the interior with natural light.
3 km · about 5 min drive
landmark
Linnanmäki
Helsinki's beloved amusement park operating since 1950 with all profits going to Finnish child welfare organizations.
3 km · about 5 min drive
cafe
Café Regatta
Tiny red 1887 fisherman's hut on the Töölö shoreline, now Helsinki's best-loved café: cinnamon buns and coffee by the water, sausages grilled over an open fire, kayaks and SUPs for rent off the jetty.
4 km · about 5 min drive
national park
Nuuksio National Park
A pristine forest and lake wilderness just 30 minutes from Helsinki, offering easy access to quintessential Finnish nature.
31 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
Porvoo Old Town
A riverside town of cobbled lanes and ochre-red shore warehouses, a favourite day-drive east of Helsinki.
46 km · about 55 min drive
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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