Helsinki Olympic Stadium

Helsinki Olympic Stadium is the largest stadium in Finland and an icon of the country's sporting architecture, set in the Toeoeloe district two kilometres from the city centre. Designed by Yrjoe Lindegren and Toivo Jaentti in pure Functionalist style and completed in 1938, it was meant for the cancelled 1940 Games and finally hosted the Olympics in 1952, where Emil Zatopek won three golds. Its slim 72-metre tower matches the length of runner Paavo Nurmi's stride; his bronze statue stands beside the west entrance. After a 2016 to 2020 overhaul the whole bowl is now roofed, with training areas dug beneath the pitch. Visitors today climb the tower for sweeping views across Toeoeloe, tour the Sports Museum housed inside, and attend Finland football internationals, major athletics meetings and stadium concerts.