Delve into the architecture and urban landscape of Helsinki through the lens of maintenance, repair, and societal change. This guided walk through the city centre examines how Helsinki is cared for and adapted over time. Along the route, you’ll explore current infrastructure projects as well as landmark buildings that have undergone major renovations or changes in use.

What kinds of historical layers lie beneath the ever-evolving urban fabric? What decisions are made between preservation and demolition? How is the built environment maintained, repaired, and nurtured?

The walk begins at the Architecture and Design Museum’s Building D (Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki) and ends in Kaisaniemi Park. Duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Duration: 90 minutes
Languages: Finnish and English
Group size: Maximum 25 participants

Prices: Mon–Sat: €200 / group (incl. VAT), Sundays: €300 / group (incl. VAT)
Discounted price for school groups and rehabilitation groups (weekdays): €100 / group (incl. VAT)

These guided walks are ideal for adult groups and school groups alike from primary school to upper secondary and vocational students.

Our architecture walks are designed by experts from the Museum of Architecture and Design and led by trained guides who specialize in the tour themes.

During the summer season, we also offer public walking tours open to individuals. These are listed in our events calendar.

Accessibility

Starting point of the architecture walk:
Architecture and Design Museum, Building D (former Design Museum building), Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki

End point of the architecture walk:
Kaisaniemi Park (00100 Helsinki)

The walk lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the total route length is about 2 kilometers. To support hearing accessibility, the guide uses a microphone.

The architecture walk takes place primarily outdoors in public urban space, where participants may encounter strong sensory stimuli such as large crowds, busy traffic, street dust, noise, or strong odors. There is limited shade along the route. The path includes non-leveled sidewalk edges, cobblestone sections, and areas with uneven terrain and changes in elevation. Some parts of the route are narrow, and there are short stretches of gravel path.

Although most of the walk takes place outdoors, some segments go through indoor spaces. These indoor areas include a total of three staircases, each with approximately 6–8 steps. The guides are prepared to assist participants in finding more accessible indoor routes to avoid stairs whenever possible.

The pace of the tour is leisurely, with multiple stops along the way. There are no easily accessible benches or seating along the route. Participants are welcome to bring a portable stool or chair if needed.

We recommend dressing according to the weather. On hot and sunny days, please bring water and sun protection.

The nearest accessible and gender-neutral public restroom is located at the starting point, inside the Architecture and Design Museum’s Building D (former Design Museum building, Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki).

Please note that Architecture and Design Museum’s Building D is not fully accessible. The museum is committed to safer space principles, which apply to all activities and interactions.