To the north of the Finlandia Hall, at the top of the Töölönlahti lake is the old Trade Fair Hall, and beyond this, the Olympic Stadium (Helsingin Olympiastadion). Built-in 1938, it features a 72-meter-high tower from which there is a magnificent view of the city (it’s served by an elevator).
Finland was awarded the Olympics prior to the advent of World War II and the Soviet invasion of the country. Canceled during the fighting, the Olympics were finally held in Helsinki in 1952. Inside the stadium is the Finnish Sports Museum, and in front of the entrance is a statue of the great Finnish Olympic runner, Paavo Nurmi (1897-1973).
To the east is the Swimming Stadium, and to the north, is the Ice Stadium. Beyond the lawn, in front of the Swimming Stadium lies the Municipal Park, a sea of blossoms in the summer and a perfect place for a picnic. The Swimming Stadium is open to visitors in the summer with excellent facilities.
