Helsinki Central Railway Station, Railway station in Kluuvi, Finland
Description
The granite building features a 48-meter (157-foot) clock tower and four monumental statues holding spherical lamps positioned on either side of the main entrance. The facade displays elements of National Romanticism with geometric ornamentation and Nordic motifs. Interior spaces combine functional layout with decorative details from the construction period. The arrangement guides passengers through multiple halls toward the platforms.
History
The first station opened at this location in 1862 for the Helsinki-Hämeenlinna railway line. Following an architectural competition in 1904, Eliel Saarinen received the commission for the new structure. Construction began in 1905 and continued despite interruptions from World War I until completion in 1919. Renovations have occurred multiple times to accommodate increasing passenger volumes.
Culture
Eliel Saarinen's design merges Art Nouveau with Finnish National Romanticism, establishing a defining example of Finnish architectural identity in the early twentieth century. The building became a national symbol of modernity and technical progress. It continues to shape Helsinki's urban character today.
Practical
The facility serves roughly 200,000 daily passengers across 19 platforms, connecting local and long-distance trains with metro and bus lines. The station is centrally located and accessible for people with mobility needs. Service counters, shops and waiting areas occupy the main building. Architectural details are easier to observe outside rush hours. The Forum Shopping Center adjoins the station directly.
Did you know?
The site occupies the former Kluuvinlahti bay, which was filled during the 1830s through extensive land reclamation operations. These works created the foundation for later railway construction and permanently altered Helsinki's coastline. Archaeological investigations have documented remains of the original sea bay beneath the current station area.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Helsinki).
Between 1890 and 1910, Art Nouveau spread across Europe, producing buildings that combined craft traditions with industrial techniques through organic forms, natural motifs, and detailed ornamental work. Architects including Victor Horta in Brussels, Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, and Otto Wagner in...
Train stations from around the world have been selected for their noteworthy architecture. These buildings span different periods and show various styles, from neorenaissance to modern designs. Some feature domes, glass structures, sculptures, and frescoes, while others use steel and glass in...
Ateneum
176 m
Art Museum Ateneum
178 m
Lyhdynkantajat
39 m
Helsinki main post office
189 m
Aleksis Kivi Memorial
154 m
Helsinki Railway Square
143 m
Sokos Helsinki
170 m
Hotel Seurahuone
135 mBronze statue of Albert Edelfelt
181 m
Kaivopiha
170 m
Blue Line
38 mThe Curtain / Memorial to actress Ida Aalberg
257 m
Yhdessä
169 m
Finnish National Theatre
207 m
Metro Lines
106 m
Kansallisgalleria
167 mBramante, Feidias and Raphael
175 m
Parlament of Finland, C-building
168 m
100th anniversary memorial to the state railways
36 mEvacuation of children
107 mShield
184 m
Helsinki Central Station clock tower
54 m
Vltava
109 mCitypasaasin sisäpihan talo
171 mArtist Medals
182 mOmapohja
234 mScenic viewpoint
274 mKyösti Kallio
45 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes