Helsinki, Italy
Vaasanpuistikko (Swedish: Vasaskvären, unofficial name Vaasanaukio), meaning "Vaasa park", is an area in Helsinki, Finland, surrounded by the streets of Helsinginkatu, Vaasanpolku and Pengerpolku around the western entrance to the Sörnäinen metro station, near the so-called Sörnäinen curve. Even tho
ugh Vaasanpuistikko is located in the neighbourhood of Alppiharju, it is commonly thought of as a part of Kallio. Vaasanpuistikko is connected with Vaasankatu. Around Vaasanpuistikko are located the Sörnäinen metro station, a pawn shop of Helsingin Pantti, a self-defense school, a gym, a driving school and an S-market shop. There are numerous bars, pizzerias and other restaurants located nearby. Helsinki city council member Kimmo Helistö made a proposal in 2007 to rename the square as "Arto Mellerin aukio" after the poet Arto Melleri, but the proposal was not supported. Vaasanpuistikko is sometimes humorously referred to with the nicknames "Piritori" ("Amphetamine square") and "Ikuisen vapun aukio" ("Square of the eternal Walpurgis Night"). A renovation of the area that cost 1.2 million euros was completed in 2024.
Listen to the audio guide for Vaasanpuistikko Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off