The Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden, located in immediate proximity to Helsinki Central Railway Station, is not simply a park, but an active research and teaching centre of the University of Helsinki. It was founded in 1829, on the territory of the present-day Hakaniemi Square.
It moved to its current location, between the railway lines and the Kamppi district, in 1889. Its creation and development were inextricably linked with the aim of systematizing knowledge about the extensive flora of the Grand Duchy of Finland.
Key Data:
• Area: Approximately 4 hectares.
• Status: Owned by the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Helsinki.
• Feature: The garden is historical, with a layout from the late 19th century, which imposes certain limitations on its expansion and modernization.
Structure and Exhibitions: What to See
The garden is clearly divided into two main parts: the open-air grounds and the greenhouse complex.
1. Open-Air Grounds:
Here, plants are grouped primarily according to botanical-geographical principles and systematics, rather than for decorative effects.
• Finnish Nature: An exhibition of plants typical of various regions of Finland – from meadow flowers to forest and bog species.
• Ornamental Garden: Flowerbeds with annuals and perennials, a rose garden. The most vibrant and photogenic part of the garden in summer.
• Useful Plants Exhibition: A display of agricultural crops, herbs, and medicinal plants.
• Systematic Garden Section: Plants are arranged in an order reflecting their evolutionary relationships (families, genera), a classic feature of university botanic gardens.
• Arboretum: A collection of trees and shrubs, including both native species (pine, spruce, birch) and introduced species capable of surviving in Helsinki`s conditions.
2. The Greenhouses (Kasvihuoneet) – The Heart of the Garden:
A complex of seven interconnected glass pavilions, each recreating the climate of a specific global zone. Admission to the greenhouses is paid, but it is an essential part of the visit, especially during the cold season.
• Humid Tropics ("Rainforest"): High temperature and humidity, vines, epiphytes, ferns, cacao, coffee, bananas.
• Dry Tropics (Subtropics): Cacti, succulents, agaves, aloe – a collection demonstrating plant adaptation to arid climates.
• Mediterranean Zone: Plants from regions with similar light levels to Southern Finland but a warmer climate: citrus trees, oleanders, laurel, olives.
• Palm House: A tall pavilion with palms and other large tropical plants.
• There are also greenhouses for orchids, ferns, and seasonal exhibitions (e.g., flowering azaleas).
What is Most Interesting for Tourists at Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden:
Climate Contrast in an Hour: The opportunity to walk from Finnish autumn or winter into humid, steamy jungles, and then into a hot Mexican desert, all within about 20 minutes. This is a unique experience for a northern city.
Scientific Approach: It is not merely decorative. Every plant has a label with its scientific name and origin. Here, you can learn what cotton, pepper, vanilla, or a rubber tree looks like before they become products.
A Quiet Oasis in the Very Centre: Despite its proximity to the railway station, the garden maintains a surprisingly calm atmosphere for leisurely strolls.
Seasonal Change of Scenery: In spring, the garden blooms with bulbs; in summer, it is fragrant with roses and full of colour; in autumn, it impresses with the beauty of decay; and in winter, the greenhouses become a true refuge from the darkness and cold.
Architecture: The main greenhouse building and the historical domed pavilion are architectural monuments of their time.
Visitor Information for Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden:
• Open-Air Grounds: Free admission, open year-round during daylight hours.
• Greenhouses: Separate entrance, paid ticket. Opening hours may vary depending on the season.
• Best Time to Visit: Any time. In summer – to appreciate the full beauty of the open-air garden. From October to April – to warm up and see greenery in the greenhouses.
• How to Get There: Literally a 5-minute walk from the main exit of Helsinki Central Railway Station (opposite the National Theatre). Address: Unioninkatu 44.
Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden offers not just relaxation, but a deep immersion into the world of botanical diversity, from the modest mosses of native Finland to the exotic giants of the tropics. It is a place that demonstrates the connection between science, education, and public space.
