Cities of Scan­di­navia facts

In Helsinki. These powerful icebreakers are docked for the summer season at the port of Helsinki. Almost all of Finland trade comes through the brackish Gulf of Finland, which freezes easily during winter.

Oslo. In 1624, during the reign of King Christian IV the city was destroyed by a fire. It was rebuilt and renamed Christiania in the king's honor. Following a spelling reform, it was known as Kristiania from 1877 to 1925, when its original name was restored.

All Scandinavian capitals are seaports. All Scandinavian capitals - including Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Reykjavik developed as sea trade hubs.

Stockholm. In the 12th century, the Malaren Bay, a major trade route into central Sweden, was cut off the Baltic Sea as a result of post-glacial rebound of Scandinavia. The trade ships had to unload the cargo in the bay mouth that became too shallow to sail, which led to foundation of Stockholm at this place. Today, Malaren Lake is 0.7 m above sea level.

Helsinki. The southwestern coast of Finland has a great many skerries; so many, in fact, that they form an archipelago. This characteristic shore makes Helsinki easily recognizable.