Tähtitorninvuori
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The Shipwrecked Sculpture: A Symbol of Resilience
A moving bronze sculpture in Helsinki's Ullanlinna, depicting a family's resilience in the face of a shipwreck.
The Shipwrecked (Haaksirikkoiset) is a bronze sculpture in Helsinki depicting a family struggling in a shipwreck. Created by Robert Stigell and unveiled in 1898, it stands as a testament to the human spirit and has become a beloved landmark in the city's Ullanlinna district.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to The Shipwrecked
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Tähtitorninkatu 2, Helsinki, 00130, FI
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Getting There
Walking
From the Helsinki city center, walk south towards the Ullanlinna district. A pleasant walk from the Market Square (Kauppatori) along the waterfront takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Follow the signs towards Tähtitorninmäki park. The sculpture is located within the park at Tähtitorninkatu 2.
Public Transport
Take a tram to the 'Tähtitorninkatu' stop. Tram lines 2, 3, and 10 all stop nearby. From the tram stop, it is a short walk to the sculpture. A single ticket within the AB zone costs €3.20 and is valid for 80 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-sharing
A taxi or ride-sharing service from the city center to Tähtitorninkatu 2 will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €10-€15. Taxi stands are readily available throughout the city center.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid crowds.
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Take a moment to read the plaques accompanying the sculpture to fully appreciate its history and significance.
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Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby waterfront for stunning views of the harbor.
Discover more about The Shipwrecked
Located in the Tähtitorninmäki park, the Shipwrecked sculpture (Haaksirikkoiset) is a powerful and moving work of art by Robert Stigell. Unveiled in 1898, the bronze sculpture portrays a family in the midst of a shipwreck, with the father holding a child aloft and calling for help. Another child clings to the wreckage, while the mother lies collapsed on a raft.
The sculpture is not based on any specific historical event but rather explores the raw emotions and dynamics of survival. Though Stigell did not assign any particular symbolic meaning to the work, it has been interpreted in various ways over time, including as a representation of Finland's difficult political situation during the years of Russian suppression.
The sculpture is 4.5 meters high, reaching 6 meters with its granite pedestal. The location of the sculpture was debated in the newspapers in 1898, with one suggestion being to place it near the Kappeli restaurant in the Esplanadi park. Ultimately, it was placed on the square on Tähtitorninmäki, as Stigell himself had requested. Today, the Shipwrecked remains a poignant reminder of maritime history and the strength of the human spirit.
A brief summary to The Shipwrecked
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