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Venues #14 in Helsinki

Helsinki Olympic Stadium

4.4 · 5,439 reviews
Architecturally significant and open-air.
Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Paavo Nurmen tie 1, 00250 Helsinki, Finland
Interesting facts
1

The 72-meter height of the stadium tower corresponds exactly to the 72 meters achieved by Matti Järvinen in his 1932 Olympic gold-medal-winning javelin throw.

2

The stadium was originally completed in 1938 but its 1940 Olympic debut was canceled due to the outbreak of World War II.

3

The facade and tower are constructed primarily of reinforced concrete, finished with white-painted surfaces that became a signature of Nordic functionalism.

4

The stadium's renovation between 2016 and 2020 involved restoring over 19,000 square meters of concrete surfaces.

5

The stadium tower contains a small elevator and a staircase that offers a specific perspective of the surrounding Töölö district.

6

The Sports Museum located on-site holds the largest collection of sports-related artifacts in Finland, including Olympic torches and athlete memorabilia.

Overview

The Helsinki Olympic Stadium is the site of the 1952 Summer Olympic Games and stands as a primary example of Finnish functionalist architecture. Designed by architects Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti, the structure is defined by its iconic white concrete facade and an adjacent 72-meter-high stadium tower. Following a comprehensive modernization project completed in 2020, the venue now serves as a multi-purpose arena for concerts and sporting events while housing the Sports Museum of Finland. Visitors can access the stadium tower to view the city skyline from an observation deck. The site includes a visitor center, a café, and facilities for hosting large-scale international gatherings. The track and field surfaces are preserved to maintain the historical integrity of the Olympic legacy.

Photo spot

From the observation deck at the top of the tower looking down toward the track and out across the Helsinki skyline.

Insider tips

Visit the tower observation deck on a clear day for an unobstructed view of the Helsinki cityscape.

Check the official website for event schedules, as the stadium may be restricted to the public during large concerts or sporting matches.

Wear comfortable footwear as the stadium area covers a significant footprint and includes multiple levels of stairs.

What to avoid

Attempting to enter the main arena field level during restricted event setups or private training sessions.

Good to know

The tower may be closed during severe weather or major stadium events; check the official portal for daily accessibility status.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn for clear visibility from the tower and access to outdoor public areas.
Address
Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Paavo Nurmen tie 1, 00250 Helsinki, Finland
Website
60.187, 24.927
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits1952 Olympic memorabilia, Paavo Nurmi collection, and Finnish sports history archives
Architectural styleFunctionalism

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring to early autumn for clear visibility from the tower and access to outdoor public areas..

From the observation deck at the top of the tower looking down toward the track and out across the Helsinki skyline.

Close by you'll find Linnanmäki, SEA LIFE Helsinki, Sibelius Monument.