Senate Square is a famous tourist attraction, located in the heart of Helsinki, Finland. The square was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and designated as the main square in 1812.
You can spot a statue of Emperor Alexander II (1894) which is built in the centre of the square. Designed by Walter Runeberg, the statue of Alexander stands on a pedestal, surrounded by sculptures representing law and culture.
You can be amazed by the sound installation called the Sound of the Senate Square. The music was composed by Jyrki Alakuijala and Harri Viitanen and lasts for 5 minutes and 18 seconds. The square is surrounded by the oldest and most prominent structures of central Helsinki. These buildings nearby include the Government Palace, Helsinki Cathedral, the Sederholm House and the University of Helsinki's main building. You can admire the Neoclassical architecture of the structures around the square. Also, enjoy strolling around on the patterned pavement constructed around the statue.
Highlights
• Discover the famous tourist landmark known as Senate Square, located in the heart of the capital city of Finland, Helsinki.
• Witness the magnificent statue of Emperor Alexander II in the square built in 1894 by Walter Runeberg.
• Get amazed by the sound installation, known as Sound of the Senate Square, composed by Jyrki Alakuijala and Harri Viitanen.
• Stroll around the patterned pavement in the square and behold the view of the oldest part of central Helsinki.
• Admire the picturesque views of the Neoclassical architecture of the surrounding prominent buildings around the square.
How To Reach
By Car: Senate Square is approximately 2 km from the city centre of Helsinki, Finland, via Kaisaniemenkatu/Kajsaniemigatan and Snellmaninkatu/Snellmansgatan. You can cover the distance in around 10 minutes by a cab.
By Bus: You can take buses 16, 23 or 55 from the Rautatientori to Kaisaniemen Puisto. The buses operate every 10 minutes and take around 3 minutes to reach. Further, you can reach the attraction from the bus station with a 10-minute walk.
By Tram: You can take trams 2, 4, 5, 7 or 7H to Erottaja or Senaatintori or Kolmikulma. The tram runs often every 5 minutes and takes around 2 minutes. Further, the attraction is within a 1-minute walking distance from the tram station.
Best Time To Visit
Senate Square is a year-round attraction, so plan your visit as per your availability and seasonal preferences.
Best season:The best season to visit Senate Square is from May to September, as you’ll find pleasant weather conditions.
Best day in the week:The best day in the week to visit Senate Square is on the weekdays, as weekends can be very crowded.
Best time of the day:The best time of the day to visit Senate Square is the early mornings so that you can explore the place in lesser crowds.
Other Essential Information
- If you are travelling with kids, make sure to be careful of the traffic around the square.
- Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and some light snacks to enjoy with your loved ones.
- Consider carrying sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat in summer, due to the lack of shade on the square.
- Consider throwing litter responsibly in the dustbin or carry it with you rather than throwing it anywhere.
- Talk politely and avoid making loud noises so that you don’t disturb the people around you.
- Carry a camera with you to click countless pictures of the square and the Neoclassical architecture around.
Witness the Alexander’s Statue
Witness the monumental statue of Emperor Alexander II in the centre of the Senate square. The statue illustrates Alexander giving a speech wearing the Rifle Battalion office uniform of the Finnish Guards.
The statue was sculpted by Walter Runeberg in 1894. It is standing on the pedestal and surrounded by other figures representing culture, peasants and law. The statue became a symbol of quiet resistance during Finland's Russification, which took place between 1899 and 1917.
Get Astonished by the Sound of Senate Square
Get astonished by the Sound of Senate Square every day at 5:49 PM. The sound travels from one building to another and is a modern version of the European glockenspiel.
The Senate Square hosts the Sound of the Senate Square, a sound installation. The sound was composed by Harri Viitanen and Jyrki Alakuijala, and the composition lasts about 5 minutes and 18 seconds.
Admire the Neoclassical Architecture around
Admire the Neoclassical architecture of the majestic buildings around the square. These structures include the Sederholm House, the Government Palace, Helsinki Cathedral and the University of Helsinki's main building.
Enjoy exploring these prominent buildings in the oldest part of Helsinki, within walking distance from the square. Witness their magnificent architecture from the centre of the square and behold the breathtaking views.
Get clicked in front of Finland's most famous and photographed building
You can click countless pictures in front of the most famous and photographed building in Finland, Helsinki Cathedral. This attraction is the finest example of neoclassical-style architecture, featuring exquisite Corinthian pillars and stunning façades.
Helsinki Cathedral has a tall green dome and is surrounded by 4 smaller domes. The Cathedral was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and built in 1852.
