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Helsingin tuomiokirkko

Helsinki Cathedral

4.4 (60 reviews)
Closed 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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A beautiful day in the square.
Michelangelo S.

Gorgeous Day In The Public Square Of Helsinki Cathedral SITREP On this afternoon, it was just a wonderful low-key "walk-a-bout", taking in the sights, catching a coffee here, some candy there in the Bazaar a few blocks out, and then....whoa! What a sight! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/helsingin-tuomiokirkko-helsinki?select=k6BfNzv7d2kIj4HL5QSYlQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w THE SETUP This is a nice public gathering spot and has been the fulcrum for many demonstrations I've seen on TV (though, sadly, not on this very touristy day). https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/helsingin-tuomiokirkko-helsinki?select=aKv4JhiSwNC7sDHGtgysEA&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w * Anti-Racism Demonstrations * Rallies protesting Trump and Putin ahead of Helsinki Summit * Demonstrations for Promoting Climate Change * Big Political Strike Against Finnish Government's Attack on Unemployed And these are just the ones I remember! What a treat to see the site where these global-political events and memories had occurred. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/helsingin-tuomiokirkko-helsinki?select=KS1ijZ4WRqbdqblTkRVp4Q&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w Besides that, it just a gorgeous spot to snap some group photos! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/helsingin-tuomiokirkko-helsinki?select=OZnqCG1lGUVoc7lXC0DioA&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w THE LOWDOWN A great way to spend a beautiful day in Helsinki.

Helen H.

The cathedral is a major landmark of Helsinki. It is located in Senate Square. The tall green dome is surrounded by four smaller domes. I didn't walk up the steps, so I didn't get a chance to look inside.

Helsinki Cathedral
Bruce K.

A perfect day to visit a cathedral, this one in Helsinki is absolutely stunning. And the perfect location, raised above the nearby Senate Square for a great view. The church was built between 1830 and 1852 and was known as St. Nicholas' Church (as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia). The structure is in a neoclassical style as a Greek cross (a square center and four equilateral arms) symmetrical in each of the four cardinal directions. There is seating capacity for 1300 inside. The cathedral does have regular services so be aware of that when you come to visit. And as it is a working church, please be respectful of the parishioners who are here praying. Yes, that means keeping your flash disabled, your discussion at whisper quiet and your children under control. Free to enter. [Review 10082 overall, 1668 of 2018.]

Cindy G.

This stop is a must when visiting Helsinki Finland. Tour buses stop here constantly and when I visit I make sure to take a quick walk here to take in the cathedral. I never get tired of it, and I've seen it many times. This beautiful cathedral is in the center of Senate square and it is revered by its citizens. It's free to visit. Once you get up the stairs what you need to do is turn around and check out the view. Given that it's in the center of Senate square the elevation gives it a great view of the area. The inside is beautiful yet simple in comparison to other cathedrals but dont let that deter you. This place is a must see in Helsinki for a reason. It is indeed beautiful even in it's simplicity. Happy yelping mis amigos.

Donna B.

I admit my research failed me on this one. I thought this was a government building part of Senate Square. But this is actually the Helsinki Cathedral, or Helsingin tuomiokirkko. It is an Evangelical Lutheran cathedral in the Kruununhaka near the center of Helsinki, Finland. The church was built from 1830-1852 as a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. The massive exterior is of neoclassical design. All white building with a large central dome surrounded by four smaller domes all topped the with green. After hiking the many steps up to the church from Senate Square, go to the left side for the main entrance. Inside was totally not what I was expecting, doesn't match the exterior style. Inside is bright and rather simple-white walls, light wood pews and a few white pillars. The alter area very large and seemingly simple. Above the entrance is the massive pipe organ. Slightly disappointed, the day I was there they were just tuning it, I was hoping to hear some practice. After days of ornate churches and cathedrals this is still a place to check out.

Montage of images from Helsingin Tuomiokirkko
Ed U.

If there is a defining landmark in Helsinki, I think this be it. There's no use in comparing this austere cathedral to St. Peter's in Vatican City or St. Paul's in London or Notre Dame in Paris. There is little of the ornate detail or majestic architecture to make you think you are seeing anything more than a big church. And yet, that's what I like most about it. Built in 1852, the cathedral is really more about its elevated setting over Senate Square where the wide steep steps make a statement about its dominance over the broad piazza (photo: http://bit.ly/29NSyGn). Once I caught my breath climbing those steps, I was surprised how modest the building itself was in its neoclassical style. That's the Finns for you, as they are much more about form over function. There's one tall green dome surrounded by four smaller ones with the Twelve Apostles on the eaves of the roofline. Inside the cathedral it's equally simple and serene with a modest alter and a large organ overhead. There are three statues devoted to the Protestant Reformation movement including Martin Luther and little else in terms of art. Yet, even with a gaggle of tourists milling about, there is a quietude about the interior that provides a nice respite from the tramping you'll likely do in exploring the city. Definitely turn down your expectations about what a city cathedral is all about, and you may find yourself an inner calm you didn't quite expect.

Beautiful
PatrickJ T.

One of the "Can't Miss" attractions in Helsinki, Finland. Helsinki Cathedral is one of the iconic landmarks in Finland. It is 160 years old, and is one of the most photographed buildings in the country. Too bad, we did not get a chance to go inside. Not enough time on the tour we took. That is the negative part of visiting Helsinki on a cruise. Too little time spent at this port of call. We look forward to returning to this city one day. Helsinki Cathedral needs more time to enjoy, explore, and appreciate.

Joe T.

A beautiful church located not far from the train station. Outside the church are magnificent views of the city. It is a very simple looking church on the inside and outside. It was nice to walk and just relax and admire the simplicity of the church. The steps to the plaza are a little steep but I can see why people congregate here in the summer to sit, relax, meet friends, and catch some sun.

Wyatt G.

Carl Ludvig Engel designed Helsinki's Senate Square to be a unique allegory of political, religious, scientific and commercial powers in the centre of the city: the fours sides are the town hall, this church, a university, and a bank. The square and Helsinki Cathedral which dominates it have become the most prominent symbol of Finland across the globe.

Nickie C.

A beautiful building, set majestically above a square, and one of my favourite places I visited in Helsinki. After going to lots of palaces and Russian orthodox churches, the simplicity and sense of calm inside the church was a welcome relief. We sat and had a few moments of quiet reflection, and left feeling peaceful and rejuvenated. Obviously though the big tourist draw is the amazing facade with colonnades and domes. It's approached by walking up lots of stairs which was a bit tiring on a warm sunny day, but worth it to me.

Wonderful church!
Brian C.

After a few days spent in Russia admiring various Orthodox Churches, it was very pleasant to be in such a beautiful Lutheran Cathedral. Mostly because it felt like my eyes could relax. A buzzard comment I appreciate, but there is a very calming influence here. Stunningly placed in the city, and just as exquisite inside as well. Not overly commercialised and it still felt like a place of worship rather than a tourist destination. It's not often I say this about Cathedrals, but I feel like I could come here on a Sunday. It felt welcoming.

Anthony G.

A must see if visiting Helsinki. This mighty cathedral in the center of Senate Square is the crown jewel of the city. Free to enter, the interior is small, minimal and beautiful. Don't miss the giant brass organ. It's extremely crowded with tourists seeing as every tour bus stops here at once. Also, the stairs up to the entrance of the cathedral are very steep so be careful. Definitely recommended.

Qype User (zoefru…)

This huge, beautiful, building is white. I mean really, really, REALLY white. It looks like it is glowing, and atop the steep steps it looks really magical. The inside is just as beautiful, peaceful and the size of the dome is impressive. The square at the foot of the steps is used for events.

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Helsingin tuomiokirkko Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Helsingin tuomiokirkko

Right in downtown at the Senate square where the government palace, the national library and the university are.

Mentioned in 10 reviews

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Kampin Kappeli - One can see the subtle strip of windows around the entire curved top of the chapel

Kampin Kappeli

4.1(13 reviews)
0.9 kmKamppi

Helsinki is not even remotely loud to begin with when compared to Southern Europe. However, the…read moreChapel of Silence in Kampii is meant to allow for more reflection and quiet right in the middle of the city. The chapel is located between the main train station and Kampii's indoor shopping mall and transit hub, so exactly one Metro station apart. There are four major churches in Helsinki that are noted in most of the tourist literature. The more traditional ones - a Lutheran cathedral and a Russian Orthodox cathedral - are in the dogleg of the city that hems in the harbor and houses the government buildings. On the other hand, the two others - the Rock Church and the Chapel of Silence - are modernist buildings to the north and the west of the main train station, respectively. The Chapel of Silence is run by an association of city and area parishes together with the city administration. While it is most likely Lutheran in its backing, it is maintained as a nondenominational space. The interior has the pews and an area which might be considered an altar, but it's all understated and devoid of specific religious references. Even if traveling between the train station and Kampii on foot, you can't miss this small shrine. It's shaped like a bowl or cup, but it's not perfectly spherical or symmetrical, so it looks different from every angle. The exterior is cladded in siding of local forest growth and it's curved, but they handled the seams and the spacing very cleanly. The color of the wood is the color of the entire building! As such, it is the exact opposite of, say, the pyramidal entry to the Louvre, which is perfectly symmetrical and transparent as a result of its glazing. The interior is much the same, except that around the upper perimeter is a continuous ribbon of windows to bring in light. I can't guarantee you'll reflect or pray since you might also find yourself analyzing this unique space. However, if you want to pray or reflect, you can do so even when the outdoor elements are not cooperating. The Chapel of Silence was designed in 2010 and opened in 2012. It has won design awards. There is staff on hand who can answer questions for you and they have some leaflets about the chapel in various languages. I don't believe that a donation is required, but you should leave something since you did visit and so they can operate this innovative and soothing spiritual place.

An interesting and unique bit of architectural design, the chapel provides a respite from the busy…read morecity outside its doors and encourages quiet reflection from those that visit. I'm not a religious person, but I enjoyed checking out the chapel and taking in the silence while admiring the interesting architecture. I only stayed a few minutes, but the chapel is worth checking out if you're in the area.

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Kampin Kappeli - This is a side view of the asymmetrical Chapel of Silence in Helsinki's center.

This is a side view of the asymmetrical Chapel of Silence in Helsinki's center.

Kampin Kappeli - This is a side view of the chapel as seen at its base.

This is a side view of the chapel as seen at its base.

Kampin Kappeli - This is a side view of the chapel as seen at its upper edge.

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This is a side view of the chapel as seen at its upper edge.

Senaatintori - Cathedral of Helsinki

Senaatintori

4.2(18 reviews)
0.2 kmKluuvi, Kruununhaka

Helsinki's Senate Square (Senaatintori) are part of the oldest part of the city of Helsinki…read more Surrounding this large plaza are the Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki and the Sederholm House which is the oldest building in the city center. You'll also find the Statue of Alexander II here, who re-established the Diet of Finland and worked towards Finland's independence from Russia. Senaatintori is where the big things happen, including concerts and exhibits. There is plenty to see here and nearby. [Review 10086 overall, 1672 of 2018.]

A short walking distance from the center of Helsinki, Senate Square houses many important…read morebuildings. Built in the neoclassical architectural style the main building of the University of Helsinki (1832) sits on the western end of the Square. Helsinki Cathedral is open for viewing from June-August from 9-18 pm when services are not being conducted. It is note worthy that the cathedral designed by Ludvig Engel (1778-1840 was not completed until 10 years after his death. It was original commissioned to be built by the Swedish King when under Swedish rule. Another prominent building in the square is the Government Palace (1822) which is located on the eastern end of the square. The National Library of Finland is also located in the square. It is definitely worth visiting. It's interior id magnificent and they offer 1 hour tours with special exhibits. In the center of the Square is a statute of Alexander II called the "Good Czar" by the people of Finland because of his proposals granting more independence to Finland. The statue was erected in 1894 under Russian rule. Finland gained it's independence in 1917. Lastly, The Sederholm house now the Helsinki City Museum is located at the southwest corner of the Square. It is the oldest stone house in Helsinki built in 1757. While in the Square listen for the digital carilion music played at 17.49 hour. It runs for 5 minutes and 18 seconds. Many concerts are held in the Square, as well as, art exhibits. A notable art exhibit featuring the United Buddy Bears was held in the square. Life size bears were painted and displayed to demonstrate world unity.

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Senaatintori
Senaatintori
Senaatintori

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Helsingin tuomiokirkko - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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