Animal-Themed Streets in Helsinki

Where Do Camels, Giraffes, and Unicorns Come From in Finland?

When you walk through the center of Helsinki, at one point you might notice strange signs at the street intersections: sometimes camels, sometimes donkeys, sometimes gophers.

After half an hour of leisurely walking and exploring, you logically come to the conclusion that these are used to designate several blocks, as the same animal is repeated on all four corners.

We decided to find out where this idea originated and why these particular animals, which are not typical of the Finnish landscape, were chosen.

It turned out that for a long time, all the neighborhoods in Helsinki were “numbered” in this way. Later, the Finns switched to a standard numbering system for streets and houses, but in some places, they hung signs in memory of this interesting tradition.

Since there are many neighborhoods, it seems the founders had to go beyond the local fauna. You can find neighborhoods of hamsters, marmots, hares, roe deer, camels, giraffes, etc.

It is very interesting to look for new animals while strolling around the city.
And for the residents of these neighborhoods, it must be easy to explain to guests how to find the right house!

In the Giraffe neighborhood, they even had some fun like this:

One of the neighborhoods is even marked with a non-existent animal (at least for now, and as far as we know) — a unicorn!

In general, Helsinki is a very beautiful city, even without the signs)

You can find that very sign again here — a test of attention!

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Read more:

Interesting facts about the Tallin-Helsinki ferries

Cosmic churches in Helsinki

How much does a trip to Tallin and Helsinki cost

Tallin — the city of wooden houses


The article about animal neighborhoods in Helsinki was originally published in Official Russian - Travel on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

About Blogger Man 96 Articles
Nomadic Notepad : Nomadic Notepad is a passionate traveler and storyteller who finds joy in exploring the world’s hidden treasures and sharing them with fellow wanderlust enthusiasts. From uncovering the best-kept local secrets to reviewing futuristic accommodations, their blog offers a unique blend of travel guides, culinary adventures, and cultural insights. As a tech-savvy creator, Nomadic Notepad also dives into innovative travel trends, ensuring readers stay ahead of the curve while planning their next adventure. Every post is a window into a new journey, inspiring others to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.Whether it’s strolling through animal-themed streets in Helsinki or unraveling the mysteries of Balinese traditions, Nomadic Notepad combines personal experiences with practical advice to craft immersive narratives. Join them to embrace a world of wanderlust, and let every story spark your own path to adventure!

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