Herttoniemi is like a small, atmospheric and active village, that just happens to be along a metro line reaching the downtown area in 12 minutes.
Herttoniemi is one of the best known districts in eastern Helsinki. The area includes Länsi-Herttoniemi, Roihuvuori, the Herttoniemi industrial park, and Herttoniemenranta by the sea. The district is split by major roads: the eastern highway Itäväylä and Linnanrakentajantie leading to Laajasalo. Future plans include the boulevardisation of these roads.
Länsi-Herttoniemi (West Herttoniemi) is one of the oldest suburbs in the country. City planning ideas from the 50s are very visible here: it's green, spacious, and homely. Herttoniemi has at times been referred to an "architects' suburb" because many of the architects behind its design ended up moving here themselves.
The building types of Herttoniemi vary from row houses to high-rising office buildings and older individual houses. Herttoniemi Church was built in 1958. It was designed by Osmo Lappo, and its textiles are designs of Dora Jung. The area's central point is the Eräkävijäntori shopping mall. Herttoniemi has two metro stops: Herttoniemi and Siilitie. The latter represents the custom in the area of using names of animals – Siilitie meaning Hedgehog Road.
South of Herttoniemi, the suburb of Roihuvuori is well known for its water tower. Nearby sights also include the historical Herttoniemi Manor, where visitors can now shop for fresh produce farmed on the premises. Friends of design can head to the Herttoniemi industrial park where the legendary design house Marimekko has its printing factory and an outlet store.
Herttoniemi keeps growing and developing. The shoreline area of Herttoniemenranta was developed from the late 90s to the early 00s. Recently, many popular restaurants have appeared by the Herttoniemi metro stop. In addition to urban culture, Herttoniemi attracts visitors and new residents with its nature. The allotment gardens include 182 little cottages and gardening lots.
The delta of Vanhankaupunginlahti is partly protected and a fine spot for birdwatching. The old ski hill at the end of Majavatie has one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the city.