Seurasaari Open Air Museum is a tribute to the range of architectural styles and ways of life in the various provinces of Finland. The complex consists of 87 individual buildings transported to the museum’s namesake island to reflect rural Finnish life from the 18th to 20th centuries. Take a guided tour of the churches, farms and manor houses for a glimpse into the customs of a bygone era.
Visit the Karuna Church, which is the oldest structure in the museum. It was built in 1685 and transported here in 1912. Admire the trinkets and displays of the church that was initially constructed by a man for his own personal use.
Discover the layout of traditional Finnish farms with the Antti Farmstead, the Ivars Farmstead, the Kurssi Farmstead and the Niemelä Tenant Farm. The latter is the museum’s first building group, brought here in 1909. Visit the Kahiluoto Manor House for its red façade, period furniture and aristocratic history.
Relish the woodland scenery that encloses the quaint buildings. See the charming wooden structures covered in snow in winter. The island has small beaches and plenty of serene green patches that are ideal for picnics.
Hear how the museum was set up in 1909 by Professor Axel Olai Heikel. It has a shop with gifts and souvenirs. Stroll along the green meadows of this leafy island. Enjoy a meal at the Seurasaari Restaurant or the Café Antin Kaffelitteri.
The museum opens daily from morning until late afternoon. There is an entrance fee, with discounts for youths and families. Note that tickets are cheaper in winter and guided tours have an additional fee. You can pay to have the museum opened during closing hours.
Find the Seurasaari Open Air Museum on its eponymous island off the western coast of Helsinki. Take a bus from the city center to the museum in less than half an hour. You can also drive or take a taxi to the island, crossing the Seurasaari bridge along the way. Leave the car in the parking lot beside the bridge or in the free area beside the Meilahti field.
