Hietaniemi Cemetery, Helsinki

The unusual Hietaniemi Cemetery is within walking distance of the city centre, right next to a beach. It is divided into four parts: a Lutheran cemetery, an Orthodox one, a Jewish and an Islamic one. The very lush, park-like area is popular for strolls amongst people, red squirrels and various kinds of waterfowl. The Lutheran cemetery is divided into two areas. The magnificent older part is the final resting place of a number of famous people, including C. L. Engel, the man who designed a large part of the city, and world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland's best-known artist Gallen-Kallela, authors Mika Waltari and Topelius and six Finnish presidents were also buried here. There are separate sections for National Theatre actors and the Finnish martyrs; the latter are commemorated by students each Independence Day. Helsinki Expert arranges two-hour tours of the Jewish cemetery.