The National Library of Finland — Attraction in Helsinki sub-region

This was hands down my favourite stop in Helsinki! We were visiting for the day while on a cruise and weren’t expecting the National Library of Finland to be such a highlight—but it absolutely was.

At first glance, a library might seem like an unusual tourist attraction, but this one is truly breathtaking. It’s a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, designed by the renowned Carl Ludvig Engel and completed in 1844. The symmetry of the building, grand entrance with towering columns, and a façade adorned with sculptures and classical reliefs all speak to the cultural pride and ambition of the era.

Inside, it gets even more impressive. The main hall is one of the most stunning interiors I’ve ever seen. Helsinki’s most mesmerizing murals line the domed ceilings, surrounded by 28 soaring marble columns, each capped with gilded gold leaf. The ceiling itself is richly decorated with symbolic imagery representing knowledge, learning, and enlightenment.

The beauty doesn’t stop there—ornate balconies and carved wooden galleries surround spacious, light-filled reading rooms, creating a serene and inspiring atmosphere. You truly feel like you've stepped into a sacred space dedicated to ideas, art, and history.

And the best part? It’s completely free to visit. Whether you’re there to admire the architecture, snap a few photos, or just take a quiet moment to sit and reflect, it’s well worth your time.

If you’re in Helsinki—even just for a few hours—make time for this stop. Be sure to check current hours...

1 | A beautiful library full of historic books, some dating back to the 19th century. Entry to the library is free, and the books can be freely browsed. Each floor is dedicated to a different theme, all clearly marked. I recommend climbing the stairs (or taking the elevator) to the top floor, which offers a beautiful view.

2 | Entry to the library with a backpack (or other large luggage) is prohibited. We left our backpacks with security at the entrance.

3 | The building of the National Library of Finland dates from 1840 to 1845, designed by the Finnish-German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. In 1906, a rotunda was added to the library, designed by architect Gustaf Nyström.

4 | An interesting feature is the huge book depository located in an underground rock bunker about 18 meters below the library. It was put into operation in 2000.

5 | We spent about 20 minutes in the library, went through all the floors, and looked for books by Czech authors or related to the Czech Republic. And we found them! That’s how extensive the library’s...

The library itself was gorgeous, but the accessibility was dreadful. You'll find the sign directing you to the accessible entrance after you've gone up a hill, which wasn't even the bad part. To get in via the other entrance, you have to call via the intercom for someone to get you. We tried calling for 10 minutes or so, but no one came to open the door. Luckily I was with friends, and one of them went back to the other entrance to get someone to open it, but if I were to visit alone I couldn't have gotten in. I don't mind things like not being able to access certain parts because it being too narrow/having stairs because it was just built like that in a different time. But this just felt like something very preventable, so it really...