Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is one of those landmarks that instantly takes your breath away. Standing tall above Senate Square, the white neoclassical façade with its green domes is iconic from every angle — whether you see it from the harbor, the square, or climbing up the grand steps. Inside, the cathedral is calm and minimalist, a beautiful contrast to its imposing exterior. The high ceilings and soft natural light create a sense of quiet majesty, and it feels more like a space for reflection than decoration. The views from the steps are also worth it — you can look out across the city and the harbor, making it a perfect photo spot. It’s free to enter, easy to reach in the heart of Helsinki, and honestly a must-see whether you’re into architecture, photography, or just soaking up the city’s atmosphere.

Beautiful cathedral! Make sure to also visit the nearby Uspenski Cathedral. Unfortunately, this one was under construction, so we couldn’t experience it fully, but the restoration work was covered nicely, giving a good sense of its full appearance. The interior was lovely — definitely a must-see if you’re already in Helsinki!

Beautiful church. Unfortunately, it was being renovated on the exterior when I visited... so that took away from the overall astetics. Also, the inside was a little stark compared to other cathedrals I've visited in Europe, but I still think it's worth a visit if you are in Helsinki.

The most iconic building of Helsinki, and probably of the entire country or Finland. Absolutely lovely design, from the outside & the inside. Unfortunately, the section was under construction when I came to visit it. So I wasn't able to experience it in all its glory.

A majestic space! When I visited the facade was covered with protective fabric as maintenance was being completed. To enter tickets are required at around €10. You will need to repurchase tickets from the information centre on the opposite side of the square. There are a number of stairs to get to the entrance. The view from the top was impressive!

The cathedral is beautiful on the outside and very minimalistic but elegant on the inside. During my visit, an organ concert took place, which was wonderful. However, what I loved the most was the crypt, where there was also an art exhibition. The lighting in the crypt makes the place feel otherwordly and the atmosphere is very serene. Whoever visits the cathedral ought to visit the crypt as well, as it offers a very different perspective.

Helsinki Cathedral might be the city’s most impressive building, a beautiful neoclassical landmark with simple lines and tall white columns. It sometimes hosts private events, so the doors can be closed, we found it shut in the morning and had to return in the afternoon to get inside. Keep that in mind when planning your visit, it is well worth the effort and I highly recommend it.

Looks huge from outside, but surprisingly smaller inside. Come in the morning as there might be crowds of tourists coming closer to noon. There is a lovely coffee shop in the basement run by volunteers. Suggest to visit it too and also explore strange basements.

Iconic site in Helsinki. Right in the city center, you definitely won't and shouldn't miss it. The inside is beautiful but the outside it better in my opinion.

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.

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.

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.]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There is a trifecta of churches that people visiting Helsinki should see, and this church - the Helsinki Cathedral - is definitely one of them. Contrary to what the name implies, the church is actually Lutheran and not Catholic. The building itself is huge and imposing, and quite beautiful. The inside is not as fantastic, simply because the decoration is minimal - although the organ is really lovely Perhaps what makes the church so wonderful is the stairs leading down to senate square. They are steep and offer a great view over the area, and are popular with the locals for hanging out, eating lunch, or enjoying an ice cream. When visiting the church, seeing the outside is enough, but if you really want to go inside, make sure to check visiting hours ahead of time, as the place is a highly sought-after wedding destination, and on weekend days it is often closed to the public.

What I enjoyed about some of Helsinki's rich history is that the culture has not had time to adapt to tourists. Maybe it is the long dark Winters that act like a reset to the need for change. Whatever it may be it works. The buildings are designs are heavily Russian influenced. If not outright Russian designs. Mix in the majority Protestant faith and underwhelming and conformist is the result. The church is large and very pretty in its portrayal of simplicity. If your looking to avoid the crowds get there early. The tours start to gather around 11 and the busloads of polite but numerous Asians start to fill the square. Great place for lunch on the steps (pack it in pack it out) if you don't mind being filmed. Lots of shopping nearby and just about everything else.

The dome is pretty impressive - really big, really white! Inside it's very calm and quiet. There are sculptures of Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon and Mikael Agricola. I'd go there anytime! It is also interesting to see that the buildings around the dome are alomost similar to each other.

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.

Helsingin Tuomiokrikko is one of the popular and must see place in Helsinki, to put the name in the simply term, this is the white cathedral located in the high point in the city centre. As long my hubby and I arrived the city and settle our packages at the hotel, we were just heading to Helsingin Tuomiokrikko. There were many local famous sightseeing around this area, that was the other reason we were on the way. As soon as I arrived here, I just got carry away by the beauty of it. No, it wasn't my first time to see a cathedral like this, actually I have visit some other even more brilliant than this one. In fact, this one is quite humble, no matter inside of outside, it was much simpler than most of cathedral I had visited before. Somehow the simplicity of it just became the charm of it. There was quite stairway before the cathedral, but great spot for a city panorama view, I sat there for a long while, just to enjoy the view and the atmosphere of the city. So don't be afraid or lazy climb up, it will be worth it. There was a souvenir shop next to it as well, but I found it quite pricy though.

*no shade* but the cathedral looks better from afar, than up close. That's not a bad thing. In Clueless parlance, it would be considered a "Monet." But regardless of Cher-isms and 90s slang, the cathedral is a symbol of Helsinki and a must-see if you're in town.

Be careful if you get and ice-cream, the birds will grab it from your hand. Multiple of my friends had birds step in their ice-cream when they were holding it (great entertainment). I used this building to orient myself when I am walking around because it is generally easy to spot this building. The inside is not the most decretive, but it is free so it is worth a look.

Beautiful old church sitting high above the Senate Square steps. It is visible from much of downtown Helsinki and the harbor area. It represents a more spartan aesthetic than churches you will find elsewhere in Europe. By all means, though, go inside and take in the architectural elements of this very elegant building.

I don't often get wowed much by churches these days. I've seen a lot of them over the years, particularly in Europe. This one is something special though. You see it in the street from a distance and it has a lovely white Spartan quality to it. It is a very imposing structure indeed. Inside, it has all the clean starkness that an an Italian duomo has visual pyrotechnics. The plainness of it really is very arresting. The organ is superb too. I liked the cathedral very much and so did my loved one. Good on the Finns. They've got a special building here.

This church dominates the skyline in Helsinki.You have to go inside. This is in Senate Square. You can't miss it. Follow all the people and tour buses. There is a reason they visit here, as it s quite a lovely structure. There is also a small gift shop outside. Trams also stop in front of it.

Centrally located in Helsinki it is a good place for pictures and finding a meeting spot. Inside is a little lackluster but the sites and sounds around scream Helsinki in my opinion. The Hop On Hop Off tour meets right at the corner of the cathedral and you can quickly have lunch at the markets close by or see other major attractions.

Those stairs to the church are a good place to drink some take away coffee or eat a sandwich. On a warm day that is. Haven't had those too much this year. Occasionally I have lunch sitting on those stairs when I'm studying in some of the nearby university buildings.