Three blacksmiths, Helsinki Travel Guide

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A symbol of Finnish craftsmanship in Helsinki's heart, the Three Blacksmiths statue embodies labor, cooperation, and cultural heritage.

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Three blacksmiths

The Three Blacksmiths statue (Kolmen sepän patsas) is a realistic sculpture in Helsinki, Finland, unveiled in 1932. Created by Felix Nylund, it depicts three nude blacksmiths hammering on an anvil, symbolizing labor and cooperation. Located in Three Smiths Square, it's a beloved landmark and popular meeting point.

A brief summary to Three blacksmiths

Kolmensepänaukio, Helsinki, FI
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Three blacksmiths.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Esplanadi Park and cafes for a relaxing day out.
Take a moment to read the plaque detailing the sculpture's history and significance.

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Getting There

Walking

The Three Blacksmiths statue is located in Kolmensepänaukio, a square at the intersection of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie. If you are near the Helsinki Cathedral, head west on Aleksanterinkatu towards Mannerheimintie. The statue will be in the center of the square.
Public Transport

To reach the Three Blacksmiths statue via public transport, you can take a tram or bus to the 'Kolmensepänaukio' stop. Tram lines 3 and 6, among others, stop nearby. A single ticket for zones AB costs €3.20 and is valid on trams, buses, and the metro.

Discover more about Three blacksmiths

Located in the heart of Helsinki in Kolmensepänaukio, the Three Blacksmiths statue is a prominent and iconic sculpture created by Felix Nylund. Unveiled in 1932, it portrays three nude blacksmiths engaged in their trade, hammering on an anvil. The statue has become a symbol of labor, industry, and the working-class ethos in Finland.The statue was commissioned by the Pro Helsingfors foundation and donated to the City of Helsinki. Nylund had earlier explored the blacksmith theme in 1913 for a J.W. Snellman memorial competition. The figures were modeled after real individuals, including athletes and local workers; one of the blacksmiths bears the face of poet Arvid Mörne, another is a self-portrait of Nylund, and the third is sculptor Aku Nuutinen.The bronze sculpture stands on a red granite pedestal inscribed with the Latin text “MONUMENTUM – PONENDUM – CURAVIT – LEGATUM – J. TALLBERGIANUM – PRO HELSINGFORS A.D. MCMXXXII,” which translates to “The statue was erected with the help of a donation from J. Tallberg by Pro Helsingfors in the year 1932”. The statue has been interpreted to symbolize human labor and cooperation. Despite being damaged during the Continuation War in 1944, it remains a resilient symbol of Helsinki. Today, many Helsinkians consider the statue's location to be the center point of the city.