Foundation of Helsinki by King Gustav I

King Gustav I of Sweden established the city of Helsinki as a response to a growing need for trade in the region. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, this move was aimed at enhancing Swedish influence and trade routes in the area. The decision to found the city also derived from the desire to fortify the eastern boundaries of the Swedish realm against potential threats, particularly from Russia. Helsinki's establishment brought together settlers and merchants, marking the beginning of a new urban center in what is now Finland.