Architecture walks
Join us for architectural walks through residential areas in Helsinki, guided by an expert guide. During these walks, our guide will help you explore architecture and the built environment in the context of historical and current societal phenomena. We encourage participants to ask questions and engage in discussions throughout the walk.
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Töölö
On the architecture walking tour, you’ll explore Töölö, the largest residential area of the 1920s in Finland. Its distinctive features include a captivating labyrinthine street layout and elegantly restrained architecture. You’ll discover the prototypes behind Töölö’s intricately designed urban plan and understated architecture, as well as how the design ideals of that era are manifested in the central sites of the area.
Vallila
On the architecture walking tour, you’ll explore Vallila, constructed in the 1920s as a working-class residential area. Discover the historical needs and ideals that gave rise to this neighborhood, and learn about the innovative solutions its planners sought to enhance the living conditions of the working people. Explore why the idyllic Puu-Vallila fell short of its initial expectations.
Puu-Käpylä
Join our architecture walking tour to discover Puu-Käpylä, a place where the English garden city concept intersects with Finland’s wooden city tradition, all in the spirit of the 1920s. Explore the unique possibilities unlocked by the ‘freer site plan’ and uncover the elements that foreshadowed modernism in Puu-Käpylä’s construction. Find out why the fate of this cherished residential area, highly regarded today, hung in the balance during the 1960s.
1970s Vuosaari
Helsinki’s largest district, Vuosaari, has evolved in terms of architecture and urban planning over the decades. During the walking tour, we’ll explore Vuosaari’s architecture and suburb from the perspective of the 1970s.
1970s Eastern Pasila
During the walking tour, we will explore one of the most significant compact cities of the 1970s, East Pasila. The environment is strongly shaped by an almost utopian approach, which is evident and felt in the area, making it unique and usually evoking various emotions.
Upcoming
Historical Helsinki
During the architecture walk, you will learn about Finland’s history, key figures, building materials, and techniques that have shaped Helsinki into the city it is today. Throughout the walk, we will explore magnificent buildings that define Helsinki and reflect its rich history.
Modern Helsinki
The architecture walk will examine aesthetics, materials, and the societal conditions that shaped the development of modern architecture in Helsinki from the 1930s to 2018. During the walk, we will explore office buildings, department stores, educational buildings, and other public structures.
Eliel Saarinen's Helsinki
The architecture walk explores the diverse architecture of Eliel Saarinen in the heart of Helsinki.
Ullanlinna
The architecture walk examines urban planning behind two of Helsinki’s most beautiful neighborhoods, known for their parks and colorful residential buildings. During the walk, you will proceed towards the cozy Ullanlinna seaside and continue on to the Eira district.
Lauttasaari
Translation: The architecture walk explores Lauttasaari, which was developed from the 1940s onwards as a desirable residential area for Helsinki residents. During the walk, we will examine the contributions of female architects to the built environment of Lauttasaari and learn about new construction techniques and standardization principles that influenced post-war residential construction in Finland. The guidance focuses on architecture from the 1940s to the 1960s.
Reservation terms and conditions
Please book the architecture walk well in advance, at least three weeks before your preferred date. Cancel your reservation no later than three days (72 hours) before the agreed-upon date. Failure to cancel or late cancellations will result in a charge equal to the cost of the architecture walk. You can reschedule your booked architecture walk no later than three days (72 hours) before the agreed-upon date.