Helsinki Central Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema) is not just a transport hub. It is one of the city`s most recognizable symbols and an architectural masterpiece that deserves careful examination. Its monumental torch-bearing figures have been greeting and seeing off millions of passengers for over a century, becoming as much an iconic landmark of Helsinki as the cathedral on Senate Square.
History of Construction: From Rivalry to Masterpiece
By the beginning of the 20th century, the old wooden station building, constructed in 1861, no longer met the needs of the growing capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. A grand architectural competition was announced, which became one of the most significant cultural events of its time. Among the 21 entrants were both established masters and young talents.
Initially, the victory was won by a project by Eliel Saarinen in the National Romantic style—a powerful, richly decorated building reminiscent of a medieval castle. However, due to its cost and changes in urban plans, it was abandoned. The second competition in 1904 was won by a more restrained yet equally expressive project by the same Saarinen. Construction took place from 1909 to 1919 and was completed after Finland gained independence. The opening ceremony was held in 1919.
Architecture: Monumentality and Elegance
The station building is the pinnacle of Finnish National Romanticism (Jugendstil), which drew inspiration from local nature, granite cliffs, and Karelian folk epic traditions.
Façade: Made of roughly hewn gray granite, creating the impression of a natural rock formation rising from the ground. The central projection is crowned by a slender clock tower, 48.5 meters high, which was for a long time one of the tallest structures in the city center.
Main Entrance: Flanked by two giant sculptures that have become legendary. The four-meter-tall figures, created by sculptor Emil Wikström, hold spherical lamps (torches) that are lit from within. These "Guardians of Light" (often simply called the "Stone Giants") are not merely decorative. They symbolize progress, technology (electric light), and reliable protection for travelers. Contrary to popular belief, their faces do not express severity but rather concentrated calm.
Clock: The large round clock on the tower is a classic meeting point in central Helsinki. "Let`s meet at the station clock" is a phrase known to every city resident.
Interior: Under the Vaults of the Main Hall
The interior of the station is no less impressive than the exterior. Its historic heart is the main waiting hall.
Vaults and Chandeliers: The space is covered by high arched vaults. Beneath them hang unique bronze chandeliers shaped like hands holding glass globes. This design echoes the external sculptures and creates a distinctive atmosphere.
Finishing: The walls are clad in light-colored stone, and the floors are laid with mosaic tiles. The original wooden ticket counters and carefully restored details are particularly noteworthy.
Doors and Grilles: Even small details, such as the massive doors and wrought-iron window grilles, are works of art in the Art Nouveau style.
What is Interesting for Tourists Today?
Architectural Photography: The façade with the "Guardians of Light," the clock tower, and the interiors are free and highly photogenic locations at any time of day. In the evening, the figures and façade are impressively illuminated.
Examining Details: Walk through the hall, examine the chandeliers, floor mosaics, and old signage. Pay attention to the sculptural reliefs on the façade.
The Alexis Kivi Monument: Next to the eastern wing of the station, at the beginning of Mannerheimintie avenue, stands a popular monument to the classic of Finnish literature, also a well-known meeting spot.
A visit to the station is recommended for studying the city`s infrastructure and as part of an architectural tour of central Helsinki. Examining the main hall, the façade with sculptures, and the clock tower provides an understanding of a canonical example of early 20th-century Finnish architecture.
