Equestrian statue of Marshal Mannerheim — Attraction in Helsinki sub-region

Father of modern Finland, Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim was a Finnish military leader and statesman: military leader of the Whites in the Finnish Civil War of 1918, Regent of Finland (1918–1919), commander-in-chief of Finland's defence forces during World War II (1939–1945), Marshal of Finland (1942–), 6th president of Finland (1944–1946).

The only Finn to have held the rank of field marshal, an honorary rank bestowed upon especially distinguished generals.

Mannerheim's mother tongue was Swedish. He spoke fluent German, French, and Russian. He spoke some English, Polish, Portuguese, Latin, and Chinese. He didn't start learning Finnish properly until after Finland's independence.

Mannerheim met the 13th Dalai Lama of Tibet. He showed the Dalai Lama how to use a pistol.

On Mannerheim's 75th birthday, Hitler paid a surprise visit as he wished to visit the brave Finns and their leader. Also, the only known recording of Hitler speaking outside of a formal occasion was recorded that day.

Legend has it that while conversing with Hitler, Mannerheim lit a cigar. He expected Hitler to ask Finland for more help against the Soviet Union, which he was unwilling to give. When he lit up, all in attendance gasped, for Hitler's aversion to smoking was well known. Nevertheless, Hitler continued the conversation calmly, with no comment. By this test, Mannerheim could judge if Hitler was speaking from a position of strength or weakness. He refused Hitler, knowing that Hitler was in a weak position, and could not dictate to him.

Mannerheim wasn't prosecuted for crimes against peace as Stalin respected and admired him.

It was difficult for Churchill to declare war on Finland at Stalin's demand due to his previous uncomplicated co-operation with Mannerheim, which led them both to exchange polite and apologetic correspondence about the prevailing circumstance, yet with deep respect for each other.

Participants in a Finnish survey taken 53 years after his death voted Mannerheim the greatest Finn of all time.

In a nutshell...Mannerheim was ballsy.

4 stars, would give 5 if there's info/details of Mannerheim. Or maybe I...

We visited Helsinki for the day while on a cruise, and during our walk up Mannerheimintie, we came across the impressive Equestrian Statue of Marshal Mannerheim—one of the city’s most prominent and historically significant monuments.

Set on a raised granite podium, the bronze statue features Baron Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim on horseback, captured with a calm yet commanding presence. Even without a deep knowledge of Finnish history, it’s clear that this monument marks someone of great importance. A quick read of the plaque—or a quick Google search—tells you all you need to know: Mannerheim was a towering figure in Finnish history. A former Russian Imperial Army general, he later became Commander-in-Chief of the Finnish Defence Forces and President of Finland from 1944 to 1946. His leadership during Finland’s major 20th-century conflicts earned him a legendary status, and he was even named the greatest Finn of all time in a 2004 national poll.

While the statue itself is relatively minimalistic in terms of artistic flourishes, that’s also part of its strength—it’s stark, solemn, and strong, much like the man it honors. The location is fitting too, situated near the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and the Finnish Parliament, placing it at the heart of Helsinki’s civic and cultural life.

Even if you’re not familiar with Finnish history, the statue adds a meaningful layer to a walk through the city and is well worth a stop for a photo and a moment of reflection. It’s a symbol of national pride, resilience, and leadership, standing tall amidst the modern bustle of...

Equestrian monument to Marshall and Regent of Finland Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim (1867-1951). He was the man whose life was broken by the Russian Revolution, and who was the Lieutenant General of Russian Imperial Army Baron Gustav Carlovich Mannerheim preferred Gustav Carlovich instead of original one. His ancestors of German origin settled in Swedish Finland in the XVII century. In 1812, Finland got the official status of the Great Duchy of Finland and became part of the Russian Empire. Baron Mannerheim started his duty in the Russian Army in 1887. He graduated the Cadet Corps of Finland and then prestigious Nickolayevskoye Cavalry School in Saint Petersburg. He served in 15th Alexandriysky Dragoon and Life Guard Cavaliergardsky Regiments. He took part in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. In 1908, he commanded Russian expedition to Tibet and met Dalai Lama. In 1909, he was appointed the Commander of 13th Vladimisky Ulansky (Lancer) Regiment. He was promoted Major General, Commander of Life Guard Ulansky Regiment, and Member of His Majesty Entourage in 1911. During WW I he was promoted Lieutenant General and commanded by Cavalry Brigade, Division and then Corps. He was decorated with highest military decorations of Russian Empire such as the Order of Saint George and many others. Helsinki, 🇫🇮 Finland 🇫🇮....