Hello again, how is life?
You managed to get here in time to watch the sunset with me.
Welcome to the beautiful Tullisaari park on an island in southeast of Helsinki.
I want to tell you something about this area and this beautiful villa next to us.
It is currently referred to as the ‘Villa of Aino Acktén’, who was a former Finnish soprano opera star in the 1900s.

However, the story begins before her time.
The area was formerly known as Tuurholma (swedish) in the 16th century.
Over the centuries the park has seen several owners, but the most interesting is arguably Henrik Borgström (1799 – 1883).
While working in England, Borgström had become fascinated by English landscape design.
Thus, Tullisaari park was designed accordingly with a dense network of paths, scenic lookouts and bathing huts.
Several other parks in Helsinki were also created by Henrik Borgström.
In total, 3 villas were built for the Borgströms family in the 1870s and 1880s.
2 of them are still present, the villa of Aino and Decker.
Henrik Borgström’s great granddaughter still lives in the Decker villa.

In 1901 Aino Ackté (together with her husband) bought 1 villa and surrounding lands.
It was a glamorous time for Tullisaari.
Parties were often organized here, the Ackté family also spent the summers here.
In the 1920’s, the park with buildings was in a serious state of disrepair.
Eventually, the area was sold to the city of Helsinki in 1929.
In the 1960s and 70s the area served as a campsite.
Aino Ackté’s villa was restored in 1987 by the city of Helsinki as a chamber music venue.
In the early 2000s, the park and structures were restored to the original path network and gardens.
Intended to serve as a recreation space for local visitors.

Today this wonderful nature area pays tribute to its creator, Henrik Borgström.
Visitors (like ourselves) can relax in the shade of enormous oak trees, enjoy the colorful flowerbeds and wildflowers and take in the beautiful sea views.
And that’s all i have to say about that (Quote by Forrest Gump).
I recommend sticking to the end of this video, to enjoy a beautiful cinematic sunset (musical).

Thank you for joining
Have a great day and hopefully see you next time.
Together we learn, explore and walk through the scenes.