Architecture Tour

 

A Great Tour For Architecture Enthusiasts

Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 5 KM
Price: €60 per person,
€260 per group
Start: 10:00 am/02:00 pm

Helsinki is a gem for architecture enthusiasts. It is impossible to find another urban space that houses a wide range of architectural styles like Helsinki. Neoclassical, Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Nordic Classicism, Functionalism, Modernism, and contemporary styles in one compact city centre. In addition to its rich architectural history and variety, Helsinki was chosen as the World Design Capital in 2012 and was awarded with City of Design status by UNESCO in 2014. All these features coupled with the importance given to design elevated Helsinki into being a major city of architecture.

Just like any other European capital, different historical periods left their marks on Helsinki; however, it is easy to miss the great works of world-renowned architects in ordinary city tours as there are layers and layers of architecture in each corner of the white city of the North. The Finnish capital hosts spectacular buildings by Engel, Saarinen, Sonck, Siren, Aalto, Revell and more. You can now join me in an inspiring architecture tour with a small group to visit and enjoy the architectural wonders this pocket-sized metropolis offers.

Please let me know which periods or architecture styles you are interested in when you book so I can arrange a route just for you.

Recommended Sights: Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, National Library of Finland, Art Nouveau District, JugendHall, Pohjola Building, Academic Bookstore, Rautatalo, Central Railway Station, National Museum of Finland, Oodi, Music Hall, Kiasma, Finlandia Hall, The Glass Palace, Amos Rex, Chapel of Silence (These sights are some basic recommendations, as we will tailor the tour according to your preferences and interests, you are free to add more items to the itinerary)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

National Library of Finland

National Library of Finland is the oldest and largest scholarly library in Finland. It is one of the finest examples of 19th century Empire style architecture in Helsinki.

Carl Ludvig Engel designed the library in 1836 but the opening wasn’t until 1844. Gustaf Nyström designed the additions to the library at the start of 20th century.

Oodi Central Library

Oodi is the new central library of Helsinki’s impressive public library network with over 50 public libraries. It was designed by ALA Architects in 2013 and inaugurated in 2018.

The library has a contemporary style focusing on glass and steel structures and an impressive wooden facade. It has three floors with each floor having different functions.

Central Railway Station

Helsinki Central Railway Station is one of the best examples of vernacular Art Nouveau style. Eliel Saarinen designed the building in 1909 and the station’s inauguration was in 1919.

According to a BBC poll, the station is one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations. It is one of the symbols of Helsinki and used by 400.000 people daily.

 

Details

Meeting point:

Aleksanterinkatu no 9, Paulig Kulma Cafe

Group size:

6 persons (Please contact me if you wish to have a larger group)

What is included?:

The three-hour architecture tour

What is not included?:

Food and drinks

Transportation to/from attractions

Gratuities

Difficulty Level:

Easy

Things to note:

Please be prepared to walk 5-6 km. I recommend joining the tour with comfortable (walking) shoes. Tours are done all year around, rain or shine; please dress according to the weather. Bring an umbrella or a raincoat in case of rain.

Tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Please check terms & conditions for cancellation policy.