Helsinki - the new city of the free

A girl walks towards the camera though a small, fenced urban garden full of ankle high, green plants outside Annantalo.
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Historically a ‘free city’ refers to a self-governed territory, whereby rules are created by the community instead of the state. In Helsinki, we consider this traditional concept outdated.

Freedom comes in all shapes and sizes. Some people talk about experiencing freedom in big cities, as they lose themselves in busy crowds, find art that speaks to their souls, and party until the crack of dawn. Others find freedom in wealth, in earning money and being able to afford everything they’ve ever wanted. And for some, freedom means living a life without rules and regulations.

In Helsinki, we see freedom somewhat differently. We’re passionate about supporting the systems and structures that enable you and your loved ones to be free. We believe in affordable education that allows everyone to reach their full potential. We believe in free healthcare that protects our citizens. We believe in establishing trust in our systems which allow everyone to walk the streets without fear. We believe in employee benefits, like parental leave, that allow citizens to both work and care for their families. We believe in safe, well-maintained public parks, forests, and beaches that make spending time in nature free for everyone. We believe in ensuring that our air is always clean.

Everyone benefits from structures that are put in place to promote equality regardless of background, past experience, or gender. In Helsinki we believe that every child has the right to grow up and become the best version of themselves, regardless of their parents’ financial or social status. We believe that every adult has the right to both a career and a family; the right to walk the streets without fear; and the right to public healthcare. We believe that freedom comes from a modern, well-functioning society.

In Helsinki, freedom means being able to build a life that feels right for you, without compromise. It means balancing your career ambitions with a rich life outside of work. It means enjoying time outdoors while making the most of the urban lifestyle that the city has to offer. It means being safe, having access to free education, being able to love whomever you want, and being able to make mistakes. In Helsinki, we believe you can have it all.

Helsinki Freedom mini documentary series

We have created a series of mini documentaries to celebrate the freedoms we experience every day. And we have done it the Helsinki way, offering a group of hand-picked creators the freedom (pun very much intended) to demonstrate what being free means to them.   

Each mini documentary sheds light on some of the many freedoms Helsinki has to offer, from the opportunity to live a secure and balanced life, to the right to love freely, and the chance to make the most of our world-class education system. Not to mention the best freedom of all: freedom to breathe. 

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Teaser text
Historically a ‘free city’ refers to a self-governed territory, whereby rules are created by the community instead of the state. In Helsinki, we consider this traditional concept outdated.