History of Punavuori

‘‘The coastal cliffs between the present-day Sepän- and Punavuorenkatu were called Rödberget in 17th-century documents because of their reddish color. In the 1866 map appendix, the area appeared in Finnish translation as Punavuoret. However, it was not until 1959 that the name of Helsinki’s fifth district was officially confirmed as Punavuori–Rödbergen.’’ according to the Helsinki City Planning Department website.

Punavuori, which was still predominantly working-class in the 1970s, has experienced middle-classization over time and has become one of the most prestigious residential areas in Helsinki. In 2020, it was the third most expensive residential area in Finland measured by average price per square meter.

Punavuori is part of the Ullanlinna basic district, together with Kaartinkaupunki, Ullanlinna, Eira, Kaivopuisto, Hernesaari, Suomenlinna and the Länsisaari.

As a neighbourhood

Punavuori’s housing stock is apartment buildings, with the exception of some wooden houses. The streetscape of the district is a diverse combination of factory buildings converted for residential use, Art Nouveau and functionalist style buildings as well as Renaissance Revival style houses.

The area is particularly popular among young adults, although residents can be found from all walks of life in terms of age and living situation. The average Punavuori resident is around 40 years old and lives in an apartment of around 55 square meters. Families with children make up 13% and the average household size is 1.6 people. 51% of Punavuori residents are owner-occupiers and 49% are renters.

Punavuori offers a comprehensive range of services: daycare centers, schools, libraries and a health center. In addition, the area has several sports and outdoor recreation opportunities for sports enthusiasts.

Design, culture and life

The Design District is a hub for creatives in the heart of Helsinki, stretching from Punavuori towards Kaartinkaupunki, Kamppi and Ullanlinna. The design district has almost 200 members – including design shops, galleries, workshops, museums, restaurants and hotels.

Due to its central location, the area is easily accessible, and public transport operates around the clock. Punavuori is also a great area to walk around and enjoy the cityscape – it is home to one of Helsinki’s most famous pedestrian streets, the approximately 500-meter-long Iso Roobertinkatu.

Those looking for culture and sightseeing can head to one of Punavuori’s numerous art galleries, the Aleksanteri Theatre or the Mikael Agricola Church designed by Lars Sonck.

Sinebrychoff Park, or Koff Park, as many locals call it, is one of Helsinki’s most popular parks. In the summer, the green hilly area is filled with picnic groups and cheerful chatter, and in the winter, it is taken over by families with children as a sledding hill. The Sinebrychoff Art Museum is also located next to the park.

Where to head in Punavuori when you get hungry?

Punavuori’s numerous restaurants offer something for everyone.

’’Olemme viihtyneet erittäin hyvin Punavuoressa, alue sopii Hippolle ja Fredantori on uniikki paikka Helsingissä. Asiakkaat vaikuttavat myös kaikesta päätellen viihtyvän meillä hyvin sekä sisällä että ulkona, kesäisin terassi on todella suosittu. 

Asiakaskunta koostuu pääosin nuorista aikuisista, mutta meillä käy kaiken ikäisiä ihmisiä ja myös paljon turisteja. Olemme todella iloisia, että olemme juuri Punavuoressa ja Fredantorilla, se on varmasti ollut yksi merkittävä tekijä suosion takana.’’ kertoo William von der Pahlen, Green Hippo Cafén perustaja.

“Levain has been serving refreshing morning coffees, wonderful sourdough bread, and tasty lunches in Punavuori on Kankurinkatu since spring 2017. It was a pleasure to notice how warmly we were welcomed!”

Our oven is still baking from morning until afternoon, and the smell of fresh pastries entices passers-by inside. Punavuori has a wonderful community atmosphere, just like a small village! The dogs in the area already know that we always have a little treat reserved for our canine friends, so they know how to come and ask for a bite,” says Kata Bäckman, Development Director of BW-Restaurants Oy, which owns Levain.

Pjazza – An Italian restaurant located in the center of Helsinki, combining a love of Italian food and jazz music. Here you can experience an authentic Italian atmosphere and a passion for good food and pizza.

Yes Yes Yes – A trendy restaurant in pastel colors, whose menu includes original cocktails and delicious vegetarian dishes.

Punavuori Bröd – An urban bistro whose food is a mix of Scandinavian, European and Helsinki cuisine.

Otsikkokuva // Green Hippo

Sources cited:

Helsinginkaupungin suunnitteluvirasto. Punavuori. http://archive.is/aGrTM

MyHelsinki. Design District Helsinki. https://www.myhelsinki.fi/fi/näe-ja-koe/nähtävyydet/design-district-helsinki

MyHelsinki. Punavuori. https://www.myhelsinki.fi/fi/näe-ja-koe/naapurustot/punavuori-ja-kaartinkaupunki/punavuori

Asuinalueena Punavuori, Helsinki. Etuovi.com https://www.etuovi.com/myytavat-asunnot/helsinki/punavuori/asuinalue

Punavuori on trendikäs kaupunginosa. Motellet.fi. https://www.motellet.fi/punavuori-on-trendikas-kaupunginosa/

Asuinalue. Insinööritalo.fi https://insinooritalo.fi/asuinalue/

Kirjoittaja: Mikaela Laukamo, Roof, Copywriter.