Katajanokka, or more familiarly Skatta, is a district on the eastern shore of the Helsinki city centre. The atmospheric residential area of ​​around 4,500 inhabitants is ideal for Helsinki residents who love peace, sea views and elegant art nouveau style buildings.

History

The Swedish name for Katajanokka, Skattuden, dates back to the late 17th century, when the area was called Estnäs Skatanik, or the tip of Vironniemi. On the map of 1775 it appeared as Skat Udden, and finally in the map appendix of 1886 it was given the Finnish name Katajanokka. It did not become the name of the district until 1959.

The actual construction in Katajanokka began after the mid-19th century. Before that, the areas housing consisted mainly of wooden shacks and warehouses. The well-preserved art nouveau blocks built at the end of the century and the beginning of the 20th century have remained magnificent to this day and are part of Katajanokka’s charm. Katajanokka, along with the Kruunuhaka and Kluuvi districts, is part of the Vironniemi basic district.

As a neighbourhood

Katajanokka is separated from the mainland by the Katajanokka Canal, which is crossed by four bridges. Its housing consists mostly of apartment buildings, some older and some newer. Katajanokka is a suitable residential area for those who value a quiet life, yet is only a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the city center and the Market Square.

The average resident of Katajanokka is 44 years old and lives in an apartment of approximately 77 square meters. The average household size is 1.9 and 18% of the residents are families with children. The average price per square meter in the area was approximately €7,200 in 2020. 55% of Katajanokka residents are owner-occupiers and 45% rent.

Katajanokka offers a good range of basic services, such as two grocery stores, daycare centers, a primary school and a sports hall. There are also parks, restaurants and hotels in the area. Public transport Katajanokka can be reached by trams 4 and 5. The Katajanokka passenger terminal, completed in 1977, has busy transport connections to Tallinn and Stockholm.

Things to see and do

In addition to the beautiful surroundings, Katajanokka residents can enjoy several Helsinki attractions. The golden-domed Uspenski Cathedral, standing majestically on a cliff, is one of Helsinki’s most famous buildings, and the largest Orthodox church in Northern and Western Europe. In the summer, six icebreakers can be admired at Merikasarmi Pier, the oldest of which, Voima, was launched in 1952.

Allas Sea Pool is a Helsinki sea spa and wellness oasis, where customers can relax in the seawater pool or enjoy its sunny terrace. Next to it stands the 40-meter-high SkyWheel, Finland’s largest Ferris wheel. One of the carriages features a SkySauna, which is reportedly the only sauna in a Ferris wheel in the world.

Movie lovers can visit the atmospheric Kino K13 cinema, where the Finnish Film Foundation organizes a free film matinee once a month.

The charming Kanavaranta

Located next to the bridges, the Kanavaranta area has developed into a popular meeting place in recent years, with trendy restaurants with terraces and stunning sea views spread out in front of the beautiful red brick building.

Shelter – A modern European restaurant in Helsinki that brings together lovers of good food and drink in the shelter of a warehouse building in Kanavaranta.

”We have had a great time in Katajanokka. The summers of the last two years have been particularly pleasant, because Kanavaranta has developed into a great spot, that people come visit even from further neighborhoods to enjoy the maritime atmosphere. The increase in popularity is especially visible in the summer season, but otherwise the canal shore is very atmospheric and customers have found it and our restaurant well.

I remember five years ago when we were setting up the restaurant, someone said to me, “Isn’t your place a bit out of the way?” Today, Shelter is located right in the city’s best spots. It also speaks to the change in urban culture, not all restaurants need to be on the Esplanade anymore, and that’s fine.” says Teemu Laurell, Chef restaurateur at Shelter.

Otsikkokuva: Tom Brunberg

Muut kuvat: Max Van den Oetelaar, Tania Malrechauffe, Shelter

Teksti: Mikaela Laukamo, Roof, copywriter

Sources cited:

https://www.myhelsinki.fi/fi/näe-ja-koe-naapurustot/kruununhaka-ja-katajanokka/katajanokka

https://vihreatsylit.fi/katanokan-historiaa/

https://www.etuovi.com/myytavat-asunnot/helsinki/katajanokka/asuinalue