Sounds of silence in Helsinki
Hear that? It is the sound of silence. A rare luxury in many big cities – but not in Helsinki. Rise early, go to the seaside and listen to the silence of Helsinki, yet asleep. You will find this quietness and calm both in the surrounding nature and within the city itselHelsinki is a city that offers silence to those who seek it and need it. The silence can be found in the surrounding nature, the seaside, a library, art museum, church – or even a sauna.f. Read on for ways to find silence in the city.
Embrace
silence
Hear that? It is the sound of silence. A rare luxury in many big cities – but not in Helsinki. Rise early, go to the seaside and listen to the silence of Helsinki, yet asleep. You will find this quietness and calm both in the surrounding nature and within the city itself. Read on for ways to find silence in the city.
Silence by the Sea
Helsinki’s seaside echoes with the sounds of silence. Run, walk or cycle to the sea and take time to let the sea’s quietness envelop you. The muted colour palette of the smooth granite rocks that hug the shoreline is soothing. Gulls call to one another, waves lap rhythmically, and the slow traffic of marine vessels, many of them vintage wooden boats, is evocative and paints a Bergmanesque picture. Beyond the Helsinki seawall there is an archipelago of islands you can escape to for quiet contemplation. Explore the sea fortress and surrounding nature on Suomenlinna or visit the lesser known island of Harakka. Just a five minute boat ride from Kaivopuisto, the pristine nature of Harakka is a tonic for the soul.
Forest Silence
The forest is a sacred place in Finnish culture – some say it is the Finns’ “church”. According to Finnish lore, the forest is inhabited by spirits who cherish and care for the life within it. And the forests here belong to everyone, according to the Finnish concept of Every-person’s Right.
You can easily escape to the woods in Helsinki. Helsinki Central Park is a forest oasis in the middle of the city and there are countless places to seek refuge amidst the trees. There is a word in Finnish mythology called Metsänpeitto where the forest spell binds you and makes you disappear. Enter with caution and delight!
Spiritual Silence
IIf a Finnish forest is like a church then what does a chapel made entirely of wood count as? The non-denominational wooden Kamppi Chapel is one beautiful place for contemplation and serenity, even when you don’t consider yourself spiritual. The whimsical curved wooden facade draws you around the structure and then within the small sacral interior space. The warmth of the alder planks is enhanced by candlelight and cascading natural light from above. Take a moment of pause and let the rest of the world fall away. Everyone is welcome here. Meditation sessions and short prayers are offered but there are no Sunday services. (An insider tip for silence-seekers: why not have the most intimate and humble wedding here?) The Chapel can be found at Simonkatu 7.
Silence of a sauna
Not all saunas are intended for silence but one place in Helsinki that embraces silence like no other is Kulttuurisauna. Perched on the water’s edge in the controversial Merihaka District (“you love it or you hate it”), the simple white one story building is beautifully crafted. The sauna’s minimalist interior and candle lit lounge encourage quiet. The wood-pellet-fired stove creates the perfect löyly or steam. There are no photos allowed here and reservations are limited to groups of three. A bathing experience at Kulttuurisauna captures the true essence of the Finnish sauna. Try it out at Hakaniemenranta 17.
Silence of the Arts
For a contemplative experience we suggest you visit the majestic Ateneum Art Museum which contains the largest collection of classical Finnish art. Located across from Helsinki Central Railway Station, immersing yourself in the story of Finnish art is a relaxing way to spend a day. The museum is vast and peaceful. During the quietest of days you may find yourself entirely alone. Ateneum is located at Kaivokatu 2.
Two private museums on a small island in Helsinki’s Kuusisaari neighbourhood, Didrichsen and Villa Gyllenberg, are worth the trip for the architecture, the collections inside and their exquisite sculpture gardens within a cathedral of trees by the sea. Both art museums also provide an intriguing glimpse into the people who lived in these historically significant buildings and the calmness surrounding the area is palpable. Find them at Kuusilahdenkuja 1.
Literary Silence
Helsinki is known for its many libraries that can be found in every corner of the city. The Oodi Central Library is a breathtaking monument to literature and the power of silence. Each floor of Oodi was designed with its own character and the third floor was intended as a place to relax and unwind. There are seven reading oases, a children’s section (plus a fun playground outside!) and an unpretentious cafe with serene views of the city. There is a corner for everyone. Find yours and enjoy solace within this unique literary hub that the whole world has been talking about since its opening in 2018. Oodi can be found next to the main railway station at Töölönlahdenkatu 4.
Tropical Silence
Experience tranquillity at the Winter Garden where you can enjoy the calming benefits of a living green space throughout the year. The Winter Garden has been a meeting place for Helsinkians for over a century. The exquisite Rose Garden blooms into autumn and during Christmas the Winter Garden is decorated with seasonal flowers such as azaleas, amaryllises and hyacinths. There are also two Botanical gardens in Helsinki – one in Kaisaniemi and one in Kumpula. Sit quietly in the tropical warmth and listen to the sounds of silence. Helsinki Winter garden can be found at Hammarskjöldintie 1 A.
