Background

The Parliament House: Seat of Finnish Democracy

Explore the iconic Parliament House in Helsinki, a symbol of Finnish democracy with stunning architecture and rich political history.

4

The Parliament House (Eduskuntatalo) in Helsinki is the seat of the Parliament of Finland. Designed in a stripped classical architectural style, it stands as a symbol of Finnish democracy and a significant landmark in the capital city.

A brief summary to The Parliament House

Local tips

  • Check the official website for guided tour schedules and to make reservations, especially for English tours which may have limited availability.
  • Visit on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and to observe parliamentary sessions from the public balcony on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • Explore the nearby attractions such as the National Museum of Finland, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, and Finlandia Hall to make the most of your visit.
  • Take advantage of the free coat racks and lockers located in the ground floor lobby for your convenience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Helsinki Central Station, walk northwest on Kaivokatu, then turn left onto Mannerheimintie. Continue along Mannerheimintie until you reach the Parliament House at number 30. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take Tram 7 or 9 to the 'Mannerheimintie' stop. From there, walk south on Mannerheimintie to reach the Parliament House at number 30. Alternatively, take the metro (M1 or M2) to Central Railway Station and walk from there. A single AB zone ticket costs €3.20 and is valid for 80 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Helsinki. A taxi ride from the city center to the Parliament House will typically cost between €13 and €22, depending on the distance and time of day. Taxi fares start at €1.30 per km.

Unlock the Best of The Parliament House

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Parliament House

The Parliament House, located in the Etu-Töölö district of Helsinki, is an iconic symbol of Finnish democracy and architectural significance. Completed in 1931, the building was designed by Johan Sigfrid Sirén, whose vision combined Neoclassicism with early 20th-century modernism. The need for a dedicated parliament building arose as the previous locations, the House of the Estates and the Finnish House of Nobility, became insufficient for the growing number of members. In 1923, a competition was held to select a suitable site, with Arkadianmäki hill being chosen for its prominent location along Mannerheimintie. The architectural design competition was won by the firm of Borg–Sirén–Åberg, with Sirén taking the lead in designing the structure. The exterior of the Parliament House is characterized by its red granite facade and fourteen columns with Corinthian capitals. Inside, the building features six floors connected by a white marble staircase and paternoster lifts. Key areas include the main lobby, the Session Hall (debate chamber), and the State Hall (reception hall). A visitor's center is located in the annex, offering insights into the Finnish parliamentary process. The Parliament House has been the site of many key moments in Finnish political history, especially during the Winter War and the Continuation War. Today, visitors can take guided tours to explore the building's chambers and learn about its history and architectural details. The Parliament House is easily accessible and surrounded by landscaped gardens, making it a notable attraction for those interested in Finnish governance, history, and architecture.

Popular Experiences near The Parliament House

Popular Hotels near The Parliament House

Select Currency