Tips for Independence Day in Helsinki
December 6, 1917. The day Finland became independent. Fast forward to 2025 and the day is still celebrated with great pride, joy and dignity.
From traditional events and banquet hall dances to meals shared with friends or intimate evenings at home with blue and white candles, Helsinkians cherish the day in many ways. This year the Big Day falls on a Saturday.
These tips will help you navigate through the Independence Day celebrations in Helsinki.
Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä in Finnish or Självständighetsdagen in Swedish) is a very important day for the Finns – and naturally, the Helsinkians. When not on a Saturday (like in 2025, alas) or Sunday, the day is a Bank Holiday and most people will have a day off work.
Traditionally, many Helsinkians will take a walk to cemeteries like Hietaniemi Cemetery in central Helsinki, to pay their respects to those who fought with their lives for the independence of the nation. The sea of candles look amazing even in the darkest and most snowless of Decembers. At Hietaniemi Cemetery you can also take part in the traditional Students’ Independence Day Torchlight Procession, which begins with the laying of wreaths at Hero’s Cross at 3.30 pm. The actual procession will then start from the Chapel at approx. 4.30 pm. The event will end around 6pm at Senate Square.
After the procession, many light two candles – often blue and white like the Finnish flag – on their window sills. Lift your gaze up and you’ll see. You might also see a flickering light shining from the living rooms. That’s because many Helsinkians will be glued to their screens, watching the Independence Day Reception at the Presidential Palace!
Regardless of the quiet nature of this day, many places stay open to those who want more action. Some public saunas, libraries and museums welcome visitors throughout the day. Not to mention all the restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and bars – the day is for celebrating after all. Independence Day is also a day of many concerts. Read on and find out more!
Pst! If you just want to take in the day’s atmosphere in peace and quiet, why not take a stroll around one of Helsinki’s cute wooden house districts like Vallila or Käpylä? A snowy day will make the walk exceptionally memorable.
Open saunas on Independence Day
Throughout December and all the way to New Year’s Eve, most Helsinki public saunas are open and welcome visitors from early morning till late evening. Here are seven saunas that are open on Independence Day:
Allas Pool 8am to 9pm
Kotiharjun Sauna 2pm to 9.30pm (last entry at 8pm)
Kuusijärvi (Vantaa) 9am to 9pm
Löyly 9am to 11pm (closed for lunch between 11am to 1pm!)
Laguuni (Espoo) 9.30am to 9.30pm
Sauna Hermanni 2pm – 7pm (last entry at 6pm)
Uusi Sauna 4pm to midnight
Open museums on Independence Day
Independence Day does not stop some museums being open to the public. Why not visit the Mannerheim Museum in central Kaivopuisto Park? Former president, Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, is considered to be the “Father of Modern Finland” who secured
Finland’s independence in 1917. Or, if you are with kids, why not go to the Pippi Longstocking exhibition at the Media Museum Merkki? Below are some of the museums that are open on this day:
Didrichsen Art Museum 11am to 6pm
Gallen-Kallela Museum 11am to 5pm
Leikki, Museum of Play (Espoo) 10am to 4pm
Mannerheim Museum 11am to 5pm (also the former president’s home – see photo below)
MERKKI – Media Museum and Archives 11am to 5pm
Military Museum of Finland (Suomenlinna Island) 11am to 4.30pm
Paradox Museum 9am-20pm
Suomenlinna Museum 10.30am to 5pm
More open attractions on Independence Day
From Christmas markets to market halls, libraries to churches and beyond, many places are open in Helsinki on this important day. Here are some picks:
Christmas Market, Senate Square 11am to 8pm
Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki 10am to 8pm
Finnish Nature Center Haltia (Espoo) 10am to 5pm
Helsinki Central Library Oodi 12am to 6pm
Heureka Science Centre (Vantaa) 10am to 6pm
Hietalahti Market Hall 10am to 4pm
Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden (outdoor gardens only) 9am to 8pm
Kallio Church 9am to 7pm
Korkeasaari Zoo 10am to 4pm
SkyWheel Helsinki 11am to 7pm
Winter Garden 10am to 4 pm
Old Market Hall 10am to 5pm
Independence Day calls for many celebrations, from concerts to dances. Here are some picks!
Some Independence Day events:
Open info points on the Independence Day
For more Independence Day opening hours – such as the restaurants and cafes – see HERE (PDF, sorry!)
To get personal face-to-face help and guidance on Independence Day why not visit:
Helsinki Tourist Information (Aleksanterinkatu 24) 10am to 4 pm
Suomenlinna Visitor Centre (Jetty Barracks building) 10am to 4pm
Read more about Finland’s Independence Day on thisisFINLAND.
