Visit by the Swedish Ship Götheborg kicks off week of historical events

On the evening of June 8, the large sailing ship, Swedish Ship Götheborg, a replica of an East India trading vessel from the 18^th
century, will arrive at the South Harbour of Helsinki. Her arrival will be
marked by cannon salutes fired from both onboard the vessel and the
shores as well as by an impressive procession of vessels comprising
some fifteen sailing ships and three old steamers.

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden as well as two Swedish government ministers and the Stockholm County Governor will come to Helsinki onboard the wooden vessel, which is almost 60 metres long. A reception ceremony for these high-ranking guests at the South Harbour will launch a week of events filled with unique historical and artistic experiences for both invited guests and the general public. Some of these happenings are associated with the year 1809 - an important milestone in Finnish-Swedish relations - as well as with the long common history and shared cultural heritage of our two countries; others are part of the City of Helsinki´s Helsinki Week.