Hietaniemi cemetery

Hietaniemi Cemetery, at Hietaniemenkatu 20 in Helsinki, is the burial place of Finnish presidents and other prominent figures. Established in 1829, it is divided into five areas, each with its own character and ties to different periods in Finnish history. Walk beneath the trees among the graves of artists and heads of state, then pause for a quiet view near the sea. The cemetery is also used for Finnish state funerals and sits beside a public beach.

Five areas, five periods

Hietaniemi Cemetery was established in 1829 and is divided into five areas: the Old Cemetery, New Cemetery, Hietaniemi Area, Urn Grove and Cemetery of the Guard of Finland. Each has its own character and reflects a different period in the history of Helsinki and Finland.

Walking between the areas gives the visit its shape. Take time to notice how the grounds change as you move through them, rather than treating the cemetery as a single route. The scale of the grounds makes it practical to set aside at least two hours.

Finnish figures and state funerals

The cemetery is the final resting place of Finnish heads of state, artists and other prominent figures. It is also the site of Finnish state funerals, giving the grounds a place in the country's public as well as personal history.

Visitors can make a quiet walk among the graves and reflect on Finland's past. The cemetery's tall trees and nearby sea add to the sense of stillness without taking attention away from its purpose as a place of remembrance.