By Alaric 
Did you know that Helsinki has a breathtaking secret library across the road from Helsinki Cathedral?
Although most tourists flock to Senate Square, many miss this literary treasure nearby which is an architectural masterpiece.
It’s easily one of my favourite libraries in the world due to its lofty halls, grandeur design and rich colours.
You must add this neoclassical temple of the written word to your Helsinki bucket list.
Here is how to visit the National Library of Finland and the highlights you can enjoy inside.
National Library of Finland history
If you think that Helsinki Cathedral and the National Library of Finland look similar, you’d be correct.
That’s because they were built by the same architect Carl Ludvig Engel.
Engel was a German architect from Charlottenburg who was hired by Czar Alexander I to help rebuild Helsinki.
After Russia defeated Sweden, Helsinki became the new capital and the Czar wanted the city built in a Neoclassical style.
So, you’ll find most of these regal buildings were Engel’s design, including the City Hall.
Engel designed the oldest part of the National Library in 1844, and the Finnish architect Gustaf Nyström added a rotunda in 1906.
From 1919 to 2006 it was known as Helsinki University Library but has since transformed into the Finnish National Library of cultural heritage.
A literary and cultural institution
Today, it’s the oldest and largest library in the country and is also the depository for all Finnish printed and audiovisual materials.
It contains more than 3 million printed works and 67 miles of shelf space.
As it was built before Finland’s independence in 1917, it also has one of the largest collections of records for the Russian Empire on Earth.
The majority of the books are kept in the Kirjaluola or ‘book cave’ located in the underbelly of the archive. It’s carved out of rock 60 feet below ground.
This building is not just a library but also a cultural institution. Many of the city’s notable exhibitions and events take place here.
Can you visit the National Library of Finland?
Yes, anyone is allowed to visit the National Library of Finland. It’s a research library and cultural institution open to the public.
It’s somewhere I highly recommend visiting in Helsinki as it’s a paradise for those who love to read or adore gorgeous architecture.
It’s easily one of my favourite buildings in the city as it’s an oasis from the busy square and streets outside.
Another bonus is that it’s completely free to visit. So, you have nothing to lose!
Arriving at the library
Once you enter the library on Unioninkatu, you will need to report to reception.
The friendly staff will let you know that all bags, umbrellas, and coats must be stored in a locker before you enter.
This is a free service and no coins are required. You will be given a key to an assigned locker in the storage room!
You’re allowed to take your camera or phone with you (keep it on silent) and I highly recommend that you do as this building is utterly breathtaking.
Things to see inside the library
Even if you don’t intend to read any books or study, there is plenty to see inside the National Library of Finland.
The highlights are the incredible ornate and lofty rooms that will take your breath away.
Here is what you can expect to see inside the library.
Cupola Hall
Your journey in the library starts in the show-stopping Cupola Hall which is the heart.
This is one of the original parts of the neoclassical building designed by Engel in 1844.
It was inspired by the bathhouses of the Roman Emperor, Diocletian.
You’ll find hundreds of books on the shelves with gold-gilded Corinthian Columns and it makes the room feel like an ancient literary temple.
If you stand in the middle and look up, you can see the enormous painted cupola with a skylight.
At the bottom of the dome is detailed painting work in rich colours. There are also ornate emblems including the Russian Eagle and Coat of Arms.
This is the room that made me fall in love with this library. It feels like you’re walking through a royal palace.
North Hall and South Hall
Connected to the Cupola Hall, you’ll find the North Hall and South Hall which are just as beautiful in design.
These are now reading rooms for visitors and you can take a peek inside them from the mezzanine floor of the main hall.
These rooms have plenty of desks to study plus some computers you can use.
Remember to keep your voice hushed when visiting so as not to disturb those inside.
Rotunda
If you proceed into the next room, you’ll arrive at the Rotunda Annex designed by Gustaf Nyström from 1902 – 1906.
It has six levels that are designed in a semi-circle so you’ll find the bookshelves curve around the central well.
At the top, it’s lit by a large skylight on the ceiling which adds to the airy atmosphere.
This is where you can find the majority of the books to read on the surface.
If you want a particular book, you can ask the staff at the reception desk for assistance. Most of their publications are stored in the book cave.
I was completely mesmerised by this room and loved how it was open plan.
I’m a huge fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses and this room reminded me of the library under the House of Wind with Bryaxis. IYKYK.
Is the National Library of Finland worth visiting?
Yes, the National Library of Finland is well worth visiting, even if you only have one day in Helsinki.
It’s a stunning attraction that is not just a library but a cultural institution and tells a story of the history of this vibrant archipelago city.
As an avid reader, I was completely in my element here. It’s a paradise for those who love books and I could have spent hours inside.
Don’t skip this literary hidden gem, it will astound you with its treasures.
How to get to the National Library of Finland in Helsinki
The library is just across the road from the popular Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square on 36 Unioninkatu Street.
So, it’s very easy to plan a visit as most visitors start their adventures around Helsinki at the cathedral.
It’s very easy to travel around Helsinki on foot but there is also a wealth of public transport on offer.
The nearest tram stops would be either Senaatintori or Hallituskatu.
I recommend purchasing a Helsinki Card as it includes public transport and free entry to many of the popular attractions.
Ticket prices & opening hours
It’s completely free to visit the National Library of Finland and you don’t need to register or book online.
Just let the friendly staff know you’d like to visit, pop your bags in a locker and you’re free to explore this literary paradise.
It’s good to know that the library is only open from Monday to Friday from 9 am – 6 pm. On Wednesdays, it’s open later until 8 pm.
On Saturdays, Sundays and some national holidays the library is completely closed.
My top tips for visiting
- All bags, umbrellas and coats must be stored in a free locker on arrival before you enter the library.
- First and foremost this is a place of study. So, make sure to keep your voices hushed.
- Photography is permitted but try not to capture other visitors and tripods are not allowed.
- You’re not allowed to bring food and drink in any of the reading rooms.
Are you looking for more things to do in Helsinki?
Helsinki is a wonderful city and is made up of an archipelago of over 330 islands.
After Senate Square, I would recommend heading to Café Engel to refuel.
Then you can explore the Old Town and harbour area with the Rock Church, Old Market Hall, Upenski Cathedral and St John’s Church.
On the waterfront, you can enjoy a dip in the Allas Sea Pools to experience a traditional Finnish sauna.
Go shopping on Aleksanterinkatu and look out for Moomin’s, a popular children’s story by Tove Janson.
For book lovers, there are many other libraries to visit on the mainland such as Rikhardinkatu Library and the Oodi Library (another of my favourites).
No visit to Helsinki would be complete without a boat ride to a neighbouring island over the Baltic Sea.
I recommend Suomenlinna, a former fortress occupied by Sweden when they ruled the country.
It’s only 15 minutes away by public ferry and has so much history and natural beauty to explore.
Read more of my Finland travel guides
14+ Instagrammable places in Helsinki
Café Regatta – the prettiest café in Helsinki
Why you NEED to visit a Moomin Cafe
What are the best places to eat and drink in Helsinki
How to visit Suomenlinna Island
How to visit Allas Sea Pools
A guide to Finnish Sauna Etiquette
How to travel from Tallinn to Helsinki by ferry
Save the National Library of Finland in Helsinki for later!
