Hakaniemi (Finnish: [ˈhɑkɑˌnie̯mi]; Swedish: Hagnäs) is an unofficial district of Helsinki, the Finnish capital. It covers most of the neighbourhood of Siltasaari in the district of Kallio.[1] Hakaniemi is located at the sea shore and is separated from the city centre by the Siltavuorensalmi strait and from the district of Linjat by the street Hämeentie. Historically, Hakaniemi was often associated with the working class and workers' associations. However, the cost of living has risen considerably in recent years and is now on par with that of the rest of central Helsinki.
The main office of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), the party offices of the Social Democratic Party of Finland (SDP) and the Left Alliance, as well as the Helsinki workers' house Paasitorni are located in Hakaniemi. The May Day march of the working class in Helsinki usually starts at the Hakaniemi market square.
The best-known features of Hakaniemi include a large and lively marketplace, Oriental food stores with a good variety of Asian imported products[2] the headquarters of several trade unions, the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party of Finland and the Left Alliance Party and the Helsinki Hilton hotel. Famous buildings include the round Ympyrätalo building (architects Heikki and Kaija Sirén, 1968) and the Hakaniemi market hall (architect Karl Hård af Segerstad, 1914).[3]
The Hakaniemi market square was built on reclaimed land. It has been the site of a farmers' market since 1897.[4]
- ^ Aluejaot: Osa-alueet, map service of the city of Helsinki. Accessed on 17 August 2021.
- ^ Markets in Helsinki (..Walking up Hämeentie from Hakaniemi market, you'll find most of Helsinki's African, Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian grocery stores..) Today Tourism
- ^ Hakaniemi Market Hall also caters for Asian customers Helsingin Sanomat
- ^ Hakaniemen tori Archived 2013-04-12 at archive.today Helsinki City Museum