Old Map of Finland, 1897: Helsinki, Tampere, Gulf of Bothnia, Railways, Borders

Step into the past with the exquisite "No. 1. Suomi. = Finland," a masterpiece crafted by the esteemed Suomen Maantieteellinen Seura in 1897. This map is a vibrant window into the late 19th-century geography of Finland, capturing the intricate tapestry of political boundaries, bustling cities, and quaint villages. With its bilingual presentation in Finnish and Swedish, it reflects the rich cultural diversity of the region. The meticulous detailing of railways and highways illustrates the burgeoning infrastructure of the time, offering a glimpse into the nation’s evolving landscape.

The map is part of the renowned "Atlas öfver Finland," a collection celebrated for its comprehensive portrayal of Finland's geography and development. The atlas, published in 1899, was so well-received that it inspired a subsequent edition in 1910. This collection stands as a testament to the Geographical Society of Finland's dedication to documenting the country's topography, geology, and more. Each map in the atlas, including this one, is a valuable artifact of historical and cartographic significance.

This map beautifully delineates Finland's borders with neighboring Sweden and Russia, showcasing the nation’s strategic position in Northern Europe. The detailed depiction of coastlines, particularly along the Gulf of Bothnia, and the intricate network of rivers and lakes, such as Lake Saimaa, highlight the natural beauty and complexity of Finland's geography. These features not only served as natural boundaries but also played crucial roles in trade and transportation.

Cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku are prominently featured, reflecting their importance as centers of commerce and culture. The map also marks the presence of churches, both Lutheran and Greek Catholic, underscoring the religious landscape of the era. The extensive railway network, a symbol of industrial progress, connects these urban centers, illustrating the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in Finland's development.

Beyond its geographical detail, this map is a piece of art, capturing the spirit of an era marked by exploration and discovery. It invites you to explore the historical significance of Finland at the turn of the century, offering insights into the cultural and economic forces that shaped the nation. Whether you are a collector, historian, or enthusiast, this map is a captivating addition to any collection, embodying the elegance and precision of 19th-century cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Finland:
• Helsinki
• Tampere
• Turku
• Oulu
• Vaasa
• Kuopio
• Jyväskylä
• Lahti
• Rovaniemi
• Joensuu
• Pori
• Lappeenranta
• Hämeenlinna
• Kotka
• Mikkeli
• Kokkola
• Seinäjoki
• Kajaani
• Savonlinna
• Rauma

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of Water:
• Gulf of Bothnia
• Lake Saimaa
• Borders:
• Finland's borders with Sweden and Russia
• Coastlines and Islands:
• Detailed depiction of Finland's coastline
• Drainage:
• Rivers and smaller bodies of water are marked
• Railways and Highways:
• Extensive railway network shown
• Churches:
• Symbols for Lutheran and Greek Catholic churches

Historical and design context

• Name of the Map: No. 1. Suomi. = Finland.
• Creation Date: 1897
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Suomen Maantieteellinen Seura (Geographical Society of Finland)
• Topics and Themes:
• Political boundaries
• Cities, boroughs, and villages
• Railways and highways
• Churches (Lutheran and Greek Catholic)
• Bodies of water, drainage, coastlines, and islands
• Design/Style:
• Colored lithograph
• Bilingual text in Finnish and Swedish
• Historical Significance:
• Part of the "Atlas öfver Finland," illustrating Finland's geography and development at the end of the 19th century

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.