Lapinlahti hospital area

The Lapinlahti hospital was the first clinical building solely built for psychiatric care in Finland. It is also one of the oldest mental health institutions in all of Europe. It was completed in 1841 following the plans of architect C.L.Engel.

The hospital closed in 2008 and today its buildings function as Lapinlahden Lähde – a centre of mental well-being, culture and art. It hosts e.g. events, art exhibitions and various group activities. Moreover, it is possible to rent the venues and rooms of the old hospital building for events and parties. There are several cafes in the area, such as Café Lähde and Cafe Metsäpaahtimo. Mental Museum, at the ground floor of the main building, tells about the history of psychiatric healthcare. The beautiful Lapinlahti park also contains one of the oldest public saunas in Helsinki, a beach and shops that sell handicrafts and second-hand goods.

The Hietaniemi Cemetery is situated right by Lapinlahti, on its northern side. Many notable Finns from presidents to artists are buried there. There are also Orthodox, Islamic, and Jewish cemeteries besides the large Lutheran cemetery.