Architecture of Helsinki: seven designs that define the city

Helsinki Central Railway Station: a monument to an independent nation

The central railway station is the place to start your architecture tour of the city. All trains from the airport arrive here in just 30 minutes.

Completed in 1919 – shortly after Finland gained independence – the station is representative of the National Romantic style of architecture. Its granite façade is carved with motifs and symbolic elements from Finnish folklore. The main entrance is guarded by two iconic statues.

The station was designed by renowned Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. His son Eero Saarinen would continue the family’s architectural tradition, designing the TWA Flight Center at New York’s JFK Airport and Terminal 1 at O’Hare Airport in Chicago.

Helsinki Cathedral: the jewel in the crown of architect Carl Ludvig Engel

Towering above Senate Square, our capital city’s cathedral is a neoclassical masterpiece completed in 1852. Grand columns, high ceilings and symmetrical proportions evoke the spirit of classical Greek and Roman architecture. Its iconic white exterior is adorned by copper domes weathered to a distinctive green.

The cathedral and many of the buildings around it – including the Government Palace and the National Library of Finland – were designed by prolific German architect Carl Ludvig Engel. Working in the service of the Russian Imperial Court for more than 30 years, Engel fundamentally shaped neoclassical Helsinki.

Huvilakatu: bringing Art Nouveau to life in full colour

The neighbourhoods of Eira and Ullanlinna are a must for lovers of Art Nouveau architecture. At their intersection is one of the prettiest streets in the city: Huvilakatu. It’s lined by a row of colourful houses built in the style known locally as Jugend. Painted in blue, green, orange, pink and yellow, Huvilakatu is a cheerful showcase of Europe’s Belle Époque.

Explore the lanes around the houses and head into Eira to see some of Helsinki’s most beautiful Jugend properties.

Temppeliaukio Church: a place of worship carved into solid rock

Completed in 1969 and designed by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the “Rock Church” is a remarkable feat of architecture and engineering. It’s built directly into the granite bedrock that Helsinki lies upon.

The excavated interior of the church is surrounded by the original rugged stone. A magnificent copper dome covers the roof. Together these elements create exceptional acoustics, making Temppeliaukio a popular venue for musical performances. 

The church is one of Helsinki’s top tourist attractions. Located in the neighbourhood of Töölö, it’s within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Parliament House: a classical landmark of Finnish democracy

Designed by architect Johan Sigfrid Sirén and completed in 1931, the Finnish parliament building projects all the grandeur of Classicism. 

A wide flight of granite stairs leads up to a front façade of 14 granite Corinthian columns, symmetrically arranged seven each side of the main entrance. The parliament chamber itself is a semi-circular design, for optimal acoustics and visibility. Intricate woodwork and decorative motifs depict themes of democracy and Finnish history.

The building is open to the public and visitors can observe plenary sessions or join a free 45-minute guided tour. Conditions apply, so please check here for details.

Oodi Central Library: modern architecture, timeless function

From the steps of the parliament building, you can see the flowing timber façade of Oodi behind Helsinki’s Kansalaistori (Citizens’ Square). Designed by ALA Architects, the city’s new central library opened its doors to the public at the end of 2018.

Oodi is much more than a library – it’s also a meeting place and a cultural centre. Facilities include a theatre, recording studios, a rooftop terrace and a children’s area. Thanks to the extensive use of glass, natural light flows into Oodi’s interior spaces to create a feeling of openness throughout the three-level structure.

Alvar Aalto's functionalist architecture

One cannot talk about Finnish architecture without mentioning Alvar Aalto – one of Finland’s greatest architects who had a rich and versatile career not only as an architect but also as a city planner and furniture designer at home in Finland and abroad.

In Helsinki you can enjoy the best of Aalto’s work. One of the most interesting is the former Stora Enso Headquarters, built in 1959–62 and located next to the market square by the sea in Katajanokka near the Russian Orthodox church and Presidental castle.

The gleaming white, modern square office building has been the subject of much criticism. It stands out against the red-brick, low-rise macadam buildings of the surrounding inner city. It has even been described as 'the most hated building in Finland'.

Other Alvar Aalto’s masterpieces in Helsinki include, for example, Academic Bookstore (address: Pohjoisesplanadi 39) with an exceptional white marbled interior and Finlandia Hall located in Töölönlahti park by the sea.