Plizio Visual Lab

Helsinki Central Station

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Helsinki Central Station is an iconic landmark of the Finnish capital and one of the most significant works by architect Eliel Saarinen. Opened in 1919, the building is regarded as a masterpiece of Finnish National Romanticism and Art Nouveau. It is characterized by its red Finnish granite facade and a prominent clock tower standing 48.5 meters tall. World-famous are the four monumental statues at the front entrance, known as 'The Lantern Carriers' (Lyhdynkantajat), sculpted by Emil Wikström, which hold glowing glass spheres after dark. The station is not only a vital transport hub serving approximately 200,000 passengers daily but also a cultural symbol of Finland's transition into modernity. Its grand waiting halls and intricate interior details reflect the high aesthetic standards of the period. In 2013, the BBC recognized it as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world.

Location: Finland
Top sights: Finnish National Theatre · Omapohja · Kiasma
Nearby: Lauttasaari (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-3	-4	-1	3	9	14	18	17	13	7	3	0
Rain mm	56	45	42	41	48	66	59	71	63	80	75	67

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

Helsinki Central Station is a public transport hub accessible to everyone. You can admire the Art Nouveau architecture from inside and outside without a ticket.

🕒

Typical hours

The station is open 24/7 as it is a transport hub. Shops and restaurants within the station have their own hours, typically from morning to evening.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the station for personal use. The famous granite figures in front of the main entrance are a popular photo subject.

⏱️

Time needed

A short visit to admire the architecture takes about 15-30 minutes. If you stroll through the hall and observe details, you may linger longer.

➕

Combine with

Combine the visit with the nearby Ateneum Art Museum or Esplanadi Park. The station is in the heart of the city, a convenient starting point for exploration.

🧭

Getting there

The station is accessible by metro, tram, bus, and train. It is centrally located and walkable from many parts of the city.

💡

Insider tip

Visit the station early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and get the best atmosphere for photos. Look closely at the unique Art Nouveau ceiling in the main hall.

Geography

Coordinates

60.17190, 24.94130

Facts

The station was officially opened in the year 1919.
The prominent clock tower stands at a height of 48.5 meters.
The facade is constructed entirely from Finnish red granite.
Approximately 200,000 passengers use the station every day.
The Lantern Carrier statues were created by sculptor Emil Wikström.
Architect Eliel Saarinen won the design competition in 1904.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Helsinki<1 km · SExplore →

Linnanmaki1 km · NExplore →

Sibelius Park and Monument2 km · NWExplore →

Port of Helsinki2 km · SExplore →

Helsinki Zoo2 km · EExplore →

Suomenlinna Fortress4 km · SEExplore →

Lauttasaari4 km · WExplore →

Laajasalo6 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Helsinki Central Station (10)

Finnish National Theatre

Theatre building in Helsinki, founded in 1872, with multiple stages.

🌐 kansallisteatteri.fi

Omapohja

Theatre in Helsinki, known for experimental and contemporary productions.

Kiasma

Museum building in Helsinki, housing the Kiasma Art Museum of contemporary art.

🌐 kiasma.fi🕒 Tu 10:00-17:00; We-Fr 10:00-20:30; Sa-Su 10:00-17:00♿💶

Ateneum

Art museum in Helsinki, showcasing Finnish art from the 18th century to modernism.

🌐 ateneum.fi🕒 Tu 10:00-18:00; We-Th 10:00-20:00; Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa-Su 10:♿💶

Amos Rex

Art museum in Lasipalatsi, Helsinki, known for its underground exhibition spaces.

Ylioppilasteatteri

Student theatre in Helsinki, with a varied programme.

Makasiinipuisto🌳 park

Park in front of the Oodi Library, with lawn and trees.

Kaisaniemi Park🌳 park

Park in Helsinki, botanical garden and recreation area.

Kamppi Chapel

Chapel in Helsinki, also called the Chapel of Silence, a place for quiet.

Helsinki Music Centre

Concert hall and music centre in Helsinki, home to the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the station?

The station was designed by the famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen in Art Nouveau style.

What do the statues at the entrance represent?

The four "Lantern Bearers" hold glowing globes and are a landmark of Helsinki.

Are there luggage lockers?

Yes, there are numerous lockers of various sizes in the basement.

How do you get to the airport?

The P and I commuter trains run regularly direct to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

Is the station open at night?

The main hall closes for a few hours at night (approx. 2:00 to 5:00 AM).

Helsinki Central Station: where is it located?

Helsinki Central Station is located in Finland.

Helsinki Central Station: what is there to see?

Highlights include Finnish National Theatre, Omapohja, Kiasma.

Helsinki Central Station: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Helsinki Central Station: why is it worth visiting?

Helsinki Central Station is an iconic landmark of the Finnish capital and one of the most significant works by architect Eliel Saarinen.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →

Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe

More places in Finland →