Independent since 1917 and now a member of the European Union, Finland was part of the Swedish realm for some 600 years up to 1809 and then attached to the Russian empire for just over a century.

Topical Independence Anniversary Year Finland at 90, what a story it's been! » Read more

Top Story

Medieval castles Few in number but all remarkably well preserved » Read more

Historical timelines

Main outlines of Finnish history The major milestones on the road from Swedish province to Russian duchy to affluent EU member » Read more

Chronology of Finnish history Prehistory Independence Anniversary Year Many Karelias Finland's Leap into Democracy

World War II

Defensive victory led the way to peace Finland, Stalin and Germany in the 1930s Lessons of the Winter War The Kämp Hotel press room Related sites: C. G. Mannerheim - Marshal of Finland Battles of the Winter War Finnish fighter tactics and training before and during WW II

Finland and Russia

Finland's relations with the Soviet Union 1944-1991 The Impossible Happened Thrice Finnish Neutrality Policy during the Cold War

Historical sites

Suomenlinna - Finland's treasured island fortress Like a journey through the past » Read more

Medieval castles Petäjävesi old church Wreck of the Vrouw Maria Related sites: King's Road King's Road by Finnish Tourism Board Verla - unique mill museum National Board of Antiquities

History of special fields

Mannerheim's Way 1906 & 2006 Related sites: History of maritime administration History of roads History of railways Genealogical research in Finland

Urban history

Helsinki's Senate Square Related sites: Brief history of Helsinki, the Capital Power of the rapids - History of the city of Tampere Brief history of Turku

Maps and documents

		500 years on the map of Europe A real treasure trove to show you the way through Finnish history » Read more
Related sites: Selection of documents and events Helsinki university library historical map collection