Walking Tour for Groups: Historical Helsinki
Explore architecture and the built environment through the lens of historical and contemporary societal themes.
The Historical Helsinki architecture walk reveals what has made Helsinki the city it is today. This walk through the heart of the capital introduces key moments in Finnish history, important historical figures, and the evolution of building materials and construction techniques. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the city’s most defining architectural landmarks—each reflecting Helsinki’s rich and layered past. Photo: Eeva Rista, Helsinki City Museum
The walk starts at the Architecture and Design Museum’s D-building (former Design Museum building, Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki) and ends at Helsinki Central Railway Station (Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki). 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.
Booking Terms and Contact Information
Please book your group’s tour well in advance – at least two weeks before your desired date. Cancellations must be made no later than 72 hours before the confirmed time. If the cancellation is made too late or not at all, the full price of the service will be charged. You may reschedule your booking up to 72 hours before the confirmed time.
Please note: All bookings are preliminary until confirmed by us. Once we assign a guide to your tour, we will send you a confirmation email. Be sure to check your spam folder, just in case!
For Educational Groups
Enhance your group’s experience and learning by booking a guided tour, workshop, or walking tour with us. Our services are tailored for all educational levels – from preschools and kindergartens to primary and secondary schools. We always adapt the content to suit the age and needs of your group. Let us know your preferences when booking!
The museum is a versatile learning environment, and national curricula encourage the use of cultural institutions in teaching. Architecture and design are excellent tools for cross-disciplinary and phenomenon-based learning, especially in early childhood and basic education.
We offer educational group tours in Finnish, Swedish, English, Russian, easy-to-understand Finnish, and with audio description. Workshops are available in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Architecture walking tours are offered in Finnish and English.
Maximum group size: 25 people.
School groups with supervisors can participate as one group even if the number slightly exceeds the limit.
Rehabilitation and Other Support Groups
Rehabilitation groups and similar groups* can book museum services — including guided tours, workshops, and architecture walks — at discounted prices.
*This includes professionals and organizations in social and health services, wellness sectors, and non-profit organizations working with groups that benefit from accessible cultural experiences. These services may focus on mental health, peer support, employment, or integration.
Discounted Prices
Eligible groups are entitled to special pricing for guided services. This supports accessibility and inclusion by making cultural participation easier for groups in need of support.
Accessibility
Starting point of the architecture walk:
Architecture and Design Museum’s D-building (former Design Museum building), Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki
End point of the architecture walk:
Helsinki Central Railway Station, Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki
The walk takes place outdoors in public urban space and lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. To support hearing accessibility, the guide uses a microphone.
The walking route is approximately 3–4 kilometers long. The route is designed to avoid stairs and unnecessary steps in the urban environment. However, it includes non-leveled sidewalk edges and some uneven terrain with changes in elevation.
The pace of the tour is leisurely, with multiple stops along the way. There are no easily accessible benches or seating areas along the route. Participants are welcome to bring a portable stool or chair if needed.
The nearest accessible and gender-neutral public restroom is located at the starting point, in the D-building of the Architecture and Design Museum (Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki), during museum opening hours.
Questions about your booking?
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Booking Info