Helsinki Central Station

Helsinki Central Station at Kaivokatu 1 in central Helsinki, Finland, is both the city's main rail and metro hub and one of its most admired buildings. Designed by Eliel Saarinen in the National Romantic style and opened in 1919, the granite structure is known for its tall clock tower and, above all, the two pairs of statues at the main entrance, four figures holding spherical lamps that have become an unofficial symbol of the city. The vaulted main hall has a soaring ceiling and a restrained interior, and the large arched entrance frames the square outside. Rautatientori square in front connects the station to the Ateneum Art Museum, the Finnish National Theatre and Kaivopiha, and the station is also linked to the Rautatientori metro station and several tram lines, including 3, 6, 7 and 9. Long-distance trains leave for Tampere, Turku, Rovaniemi and, via the Allegro route historically, other destinations, and commuter trains serve the airport and the suburbs. The concourse is open daily from roughly 4:30 until 1:00, and a visit as a sight takes 20 to 30 minutes, which is enough to look at the facade, the statues, the clock tower and the main hall. Inside there are cafes, kiosks and shops, and the Royal Waiting Room, built for the Russian emperor, is a historical curiosity but is not generally open to the public. The busiest times are weekday rush hours and holiday departure days, and the quietest times are mid-morning and late evening. The best photo angles are from Kaivokatu looking up at the lamp-bearing statues and from across the square at dusk when the clock tower is lit.