The Presidential Palace in Helsinki is the official residence of the head of state, located on the Market Square. Originally built as a private mansion, the building was later rebuilt for the imperial family and has served the President of Finland since 1919. While its interior is closed to the public, the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony is its main public attraction.
The building we see today is the result of several architectural eras. Its history did not begin as a seat of power.
The Beginning: Classicism for a Merchant (1816–1820). The palace was built according to the design of Swedish architect Pehr Granstedt as a luxurious private mansion for the wealthy Finnish-Swedish merchant Johan Heidenstrauch. The facade facing the Market Square (Kauppatori) is a typical example of Neoclassicism, with its strict symmetry, Doric columns, and pediment, symbolizing solidity and prosperity.
Imperial Residence: Russian Empire Style (1843). After the building was purchased for the Russian imperial family, architect Carl Ludvig Engel (creator of the neoclassical ensemble of Senate Square) reconstructed the palace. He expanded it, added a third floor, rich stucco decoration, and interiors in the Empire style, giving the house the necessary imperial grandeur. It was Engel who created the recognizable monumental appearance we see today.
Residence of the President of Finland (since 1919). After Finland gained independence, the palace became the official residence of the president. Its interiors were adapted to the needs of the state, but the ceremonial halls preserved their historical decor. Interestingly, since 2019, the presidential couple has not resided in the palace permanently (the Mäntyniemi estate is used for this purpose), and the building primarily serves representative functions: official receptions, high-level meetings, and state ceremonies are held here.
Visiting for Tourists:
Free access for individual tourists inside the Presidential Palace is closed. It is not a museum but remains an active government institution.
However, there are two legitimate opportunities to see the interiors:
• Summer Tours. During some summer months, the Finnish government`s property management agency (Senaatti-kiinteistöt) organizes a limited number of guided tours. Information about dates, times, and registration rules is published in the spring on their official website. The number of spots is strictly limited, and demand is always high.
• Open Door Days. Occasionally, as part of special national events (e.g., Independence Day on December 6th), open-door days may be held. However, these are rare events announced in advance.
The Main Public Spectacle: The Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Since getting inside is difficult, the main attraction for all visitors to Helsinki becomes the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
The guard`s ceremonial march is an integral part of the ceremony. The Guards Regiment (Suomen kaartin) building is located at Pohjoinen Makasiinikatu 1, on the shore of the Katajanokka Canal (Katajanokan kanava), opposite the Uspenski Cathedral. It is from this active military facility that the guard`s daily journey to the Presidential Palace begins. The guards` path runs along the picturesque embankment of the Katajanokka Canal—a route of about 150 meters—after which they turn onto the Market Square.
The guard is changed every hour. However, the changing of the guard at 12:00 PM is a ceremonial event that attracts tourists. On Sundays and public holidays, the ceremonial changing of the guard takes place at 1:00 PM. The most solemn ceremony with a military band is held on Fridays at 12:00 PM. It is a true mini-performance with precise drill and traditions. The guard is performed by units from all branches of the Finnish Defense Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force), and their uniforms change depending on the day of the week and the season.
