Helsinki is not even remotely loud to begin with when compared to Southern Europe. However, the Chapel 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. read more

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An interesting and unique bit of architectural design, the chapel provides a respite from the busy city 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. read more

An unexpected find, it was nice to step out of the busy streets and not hear buses, horns honking, sirens blaring, people shouting and just get quiet. This oddly shaped building looks like a bright orange coffee cup without a handle on it. Uniquely Scandinavian design. If you're near Kampin metro station, you can't miss it. This chapel is quite nontraditional and nondenominational. Come in, sit in the pews, enjoy the peace and perhaps offer up a silent prayer to whomever. Gather your thoughts and reset yourself in your exploration of Helsinki. [Review 10060 overall, 1645 of 2018.] read more

Kampin Kappeli - Kampin Kappeli, Helsinki - Churches Near Me - Helsinki, 18

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It looks like a fanciful frozen yogurt cup but uniquely austere Scandinavian in style, and it's located on the edge of Narinkka Square, one of the busier pedestrianized areas of downtown Helsinki (photo: http://bit.ly/24AY2Xk). Designed by architects Kimmo Lintula, Niko Sirola and Mikko Summanen and opened to acclaim in 2012, the building is known as the Chapel of Silence because yes, it's very, very quiet inside. I only found out about it as I was watching a YouTube video about the must-see sights in Helsinki by the Vagabrothers, whoever the hell they are. I like the fact that the chapel is ecumenical and welcomes everyone irrespective of religion, philosophy of life or background. When you enter, two women smile at you and merely point to the door of the chapel. The blonde wood interior soars into an egg-shaped ceiling with the most subtle of skylights (photo: http://bit.ly/1TM015R). There are what look to be boulders against the wall, but closer inspection reveals them to be cushions (photo: http://bit.ly/1q2UjSA). We sat in a meditative state for about five minutes, but it truly recharged us to face the bitter Nordic cold. read more

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... ... ... Ahhhh- the sound of silence. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Helsinki, this place stands out like a wooden water tower, or a wooden Big Gulp cup. Going inside, you find a roundish room, and nothing but silence in here. Typically, you'd hear the honking of cars, shouting of Finns, and other distractions. But not in this place, it's been designed to be completely quiet inside. A perfect place for meditation, introspection, and some alone time. There's no admission charge, and the staff is quite welcoming. They offer free literature on the way out if you need something to reflect upon. The place is clean, well lit, and attended, so you can shut your eyes and take in the silence. It's a cool stop off from the big square it sits within, and just a few blocks from the Central Train Station. It's easy to access from the Metro system, and by foot. Walking out of here, I felt refreshed! I recommend checking this place out if you've got some free time and need some time to relax. read more

What is this big coffee cup we keep walking past every day? A Chapel? You don't say. So after a few days of sin on the town we decided it was time to repent and find a better way. The Chapel itself is quite beautiful in its simplicity. The woodwork is plain, but the quality seems very high. We found it surprisingly pleasant and peaceful inside. So we sat down and reflected. Before we knew it a fair amount of time had gone by. You are sheltered from everything going on outside. This simple place was very effective in achieving what I believe they set out to accomplish. Since you are likely to pass this destination consider stopping in. It is free unless you choose to leave a donation. Located right next to the Forum shopping center. Does our world need more of these? read more

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They say the Finnish people love silence so much they designed a church especially for just that. Silence. In the busy center of Kamppi, in the corner is this serene chapel to come and be quiet with your thoughts. It was truly a peaceful experience for me (that is until my iPhone fell out of my coat pocket and fell into the wood seat with a loud bang). How I love public embarrassment... Highly recommended when you visit Helsinki and it's free entry so enjoy. read more

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I'll admit I like the idea of the Chapel. It's situated right dead center in the most vibrant part of Helsinki. This is supposed to be a place that provides solitude and shelter from all the noise and commotion. Oh and it does. You wont find any place this quiet in the city. Inside you could hear a pin drop (I dare you to eat a giant burrito and come sit here for an hour, trying to hold back a massive fart). It kinda freaks me out, if I'm being honest (the silence, not the burrito dare). As for the architecture, well on the outside it more or less resembles a trendy birdhouse. On the inside it's really plain and most of all... woody. Not that much too see really, but there is no entry fee. People who just wanna mellow out should definitely come here. read more

So, no. The chapel doesn't do any tricks. But that's not why you go here! You go because it's a novel idea and expertly executed: a silent, architecturally brilliant oasis in the middle of the noisiest part of Helsinki. I went here with some friends and we spent a good 15 minutes just sitting in silence - it was an amazing break from the hustle and bustle. The outside is architecturally impressive as well, and photos definitely did not do it justice. Recommendation? GO, but make sure to factor in a good 10-15 minutes to just sit inside with your own thoughts. read more