Nominated as the most beautiful fire station in Finland, the Erottaja Rescue Station is the oldest operating fire station building in Helsinki. Its architect Theodor Höijer was the leading Finnish architect in the late 19th century. His work includes the Ateneum building.

Instead of simply designing a utility building that fulfills only basic functions, Höijer created a fire station that is one of the most striking architectural sights in the city. His design was inspired by German and Viennese military architecture. The tower, which was used for observation and drying hoses, is reminiscent of the belfry of Florence Cathedral, Big Ben in London and the tower of the ‘Red Town Hall’ in Berlin.