The park was named after Catharina 'Kajsa' Wahllund, who operated a popular restaurant on the site in the 1830s.
The botanical glasshouses were designed by architect Gustaf Nyström and completed in 1889.
The park was historically built on reclaimed land that was once a shallow bay of the Baltic Sea.
The Botanical Garden collections include over 2,800 different plant species from various climatic zones.
The park features a large outdoor statue of the writer and historian Zacharias Topelius.
Kaisaniemi Park is the oldest public park in Helsinki, established in the early 19th century. It houses the University of Helsinki Botanical Garden, which features historic 19th-century glasshouses. The park serves as a central green lung within the city's urban core, situated directly adjacent to the main railway station area. It contains a diverse range of plant species, including rare flora displayed in the greenhouses and outdoor collections. The grounds are laid out in a mix of formal garden paths and open lawn spaces utilized for public events. Significant monuments, such as the bust of Zacharias Topelius, are located throughout the green space. The park provides a transition between the bustling commercial district and the coastal area near the North Harbour.
The central path looking toward the historic, white-framed glasshouses of the Botanical Garden.
Combine your visit with a walk through the botanical glasshouses to see tropical and desert plants regardless of the weather.
Check the University of Helsinki's event calendar, as the park frequently hosts open-air markets and concerts.
Visit the pond area on the eastern side of the park for the best views of the historic conservatory architecture.
Do not mistake the public park area for the paid-entry botanical glasshouses; remember that the greenhouses have separate access requirements.
The outdoor park area is open year-round, but the botanical glasshouses have limited operating days and are typically closed on Mondays.
Stick to designated pathways in the botanical garden sections to protect rare flora.
