National Library of Finland: The Free Door Most People Walk Past
Most people at Senate Square take a photo of the cathedral and walk away. Right next to them is a door to one of the most beautiful rooms in Helsinki, and it's free. The National Library of Finland was my favourite surprise of the whole day.
National Library of Finland: quick facts
Main building: designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, built 1840 to 1845
History: the collection goes back to 1640, and it's the oldest and largest academic library in Finland
Rotunda: added by architect Gustaf Nyström in the early 1900s
Entry: free
Usual opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 6pm, Wednesday 9am to 8pm, closed on weekends
Where: by Senate Square, a two-minute walk from Helsinki Cathedral
Hours change around holidays and events, so always check the official page first: National Library of Finland.
Finding the door
Start on the steps of Helsinki Cathedral. With the cathedral behind you, the library is the long building on your left, next to the University of Helsinki. It looks like a quiet government building from outside, which is exactly why people walk past. If you feel more comfortable having a local show you around Senate Square and the old centre, you can join a walking tour with a local guide on GetYourGuide here.
Helsinki Cathedral above Senate Square | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Senate Square seen from the cathedral steps | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
What to see inside the National Library of Finland
The Cupola Hall
This is the room that made me stop. Tall columns, painted arches and a dome above you. The arch paintings date from 1881. It feels like a palace that happens to be full of books.
Cupola Hall of the National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Columns of the Cupola Hall, National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Bookshelves in the Cupola Hall, National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Old library shelves at the National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
The Rotunda
Walk through to the Rotunda, a round hall with six floors of shelves and a glass dome at the top. Look up, then go to an upper level and look down. Both views are unreal.
Looking down into the National Library Rotunda | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Floors of books in the Rotunda, National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Glass dome of the Rotunda, National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Balconies of the Rotunda, National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Dome ceiling of the National Library Rotunda | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Overhead view of the Rotunda, National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
My visit
I came here straight after sitting on the cathedral steps and stayed longer than planned. It's quiet, there were only a few visitors, and nobody rushed me. If you love books or old buildings, this is the place in Helsinki.
Tarry holding a book at the National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Tarry between the bookshelves at the National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Reading at the National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia A book lover's dream at the National Library of Finland | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
Tips for visiting
Go on a weekday. It's closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
It's a working library. Keep your voice low, and don't use flash.
Respect people studying. Photograph the rooms, not the readers.
Bags: you may be asked to leave large bags in the lockers.
National Library vs Oodi
Oodi is the modern, playful library where you can 3D print and hang out. The National Library is old, grand and calm. They feel like two different worlds and are only a short walk apart, so I'd visit both. Here's my guide to Oodi Library Helsinki.
More Helsinki guides
Still planning your stay? You can browse hotels in Helsinki on Agoda here and grab a Saily eSIM before you land. More guides for your trip:
Questions? Message me on Instagram @tarrylaurensia.
Comments