Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki

The Helsinki Olympic Stadium is a significant landmark in the Töölö district, located about 2.3 kilometers away from central Helsinki. Not only is it the largest stadium in Finland, but it's also a popular venue for various events, including sports competitions and big concerts. The stadium gained fame during the 1952 Summer Olympics, where it hosted events like athletics, equestrian show jumping, and football finals. Its historical importance is evident from hosting events like the inaugural Bandy World Championship in 1957, the World Athletics Championships in 1983 and 2005, and the European Athletics Championships in 1971, 1994, and 2012. It's also the home stadium for the Finland national football team.

After undergoing a four-year renovation, the stadium reopened in August 2020, demonstrating its commitment to its legacy. The stadium's design, by Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti, is well-regarded for its functionalist style. Lindegren's design even earned him posthumous recognition with a gold medal for architecture at the 1948 Olympics in London. Originally built between 1934 and 1938 for the planned 1940 Summer Olympics (which were canceled due to World War II), the stadium eventually became the focal point for the 1952 Summer Olympics and was also intended for the canceled 1943 Workers' Summer Olympiad.

During its peak in the 1952 Olympics, the stadium could hold over 70,000 spectators. Today, it can accommodate 36,251 people for sports events and up to 45,000 to 50,000 for concerts, depending on the setup. The stadium's tower, standing at 72.71 meters, is a recognizable landmark, symbolizing Matti Järvinen's gold-medal javelin throw at the 1932 Summer Olympics. The Helsinki Olympic Stadium, with its rich history and impressive architecture, remains a source of pride for Finland and a symbol of sportsmanship.