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On a Pilgrimage in Finland: A Guide for Travelers in Helsinki and beyond
- Kaisa
- May 13
- 4 min read
A kind, long-time Instagram follower of my Kutsu Companions account recently reached out to me and asked for recommendations for pilgrimage routes for her upcoming trip to Finland. I was happy to gather some of my experiences for her, and inspired by her inquiry want to make them available for you as well.
Pilgrimage Routes
Since I moved to Finland, I found out that Finnish spirituality is intimately connected to nature and silence. Pilgrimage sets up an altar for both.
I live in Helsinki, and as a mother of a little one, I have only ventured on small, local pilgrimage routes but the web of pilgrimage trails and guided journeys are extensive across Finland. The best resource to find a good route is a website called “Pyhiinvaellus Suomi” (Pilgrimage Finland). The site is found in English even though not all the pilgrimage routes might be provided in English, if you are concerned about the language being of hindrance you can reach out to Pilgrimage Finland staff team via their site.
For the capital area, you can find all the guided group pilgrimage trips and events via the Helsinki Lutheran parish website here. (Unfortunately the updated pilgrimage event page is not available in English, please reach out to the church directly if you are interested in an event and have questions.) Here are a few self guided pilgrimages near Helsinki that I have experienced and can heartily recommend.
Mustasaari is a charming little island just off the coast off Helsinki owned by the Helsinki Lutheran parish. They run a regular ferry from Helsinki city center there and the ferry ride is a lovely experience on its own. As you enter the island there are little pilgrimage booklets (also in English) available for free of charge. They also have a special pilgrimage route and guidebook for families with children in Finnish and Swedish. You can enjoy a lunch and restful day on this serene island, and don’t forget to visit the historic little chapel on the island. This island is only accessible during the summer months. All the information on how to access the island, about ferry fees and schedules can be found here.
Seurasaari is easily reachable by bike and public transportation from the Helsinki city center. The island is full of natural beauty, hosts an open air museum and has a lot of historic and natural charm. There is also a lovely old chapel to drop in. There is a short pilgrimage route on the island that is provided with audio guidance. The recording is available in English.
Nuuksio is a national park near Helsinki. It has a beautiful visiting center and stunning nature trails. There is a short pilgrim route that we hiked with my elderly parents and then a three-year-old. The pilgrimage guidebook is available in English. You can reach Nuuksio by bus from Helsinki and make a lovely day trip out of, lunch restaurant and beautiful visitor center will add to your experience.
Lauttasaari pilgrimage is closest to my home, yet I have still not managed to walk it! (Although, I have been told, it is very bike friendly too.) The island is well connected by metro and bus services and the pilgrimage route starts from the iconic Lauttasaari church. The guidebook that is available online seems to be only in Finnish but I suspect it might be available by now also in English as well at the location.
Here is a list of more pilgrimage routes in and near Helsinki.
A simple train ride away from Helsinki, in the old capital of Finland, Turku, there is a new Center for Pilgrimage. The center is located inside the historic Turku cathedral and is well worth the visit. Turku is a lovely city to explore and take one of their city pilgrimages called Aura River Pilgrimage.
Sacred Spaces in Helsinki
Some of my other favorite sacred spaces to drop in to pray and rest in Helsinki are:
Temppeliaukion kirkko (The Rock Church)
The Rock Church is truly a wonder of architecture and a sanctuary of peace. They often host beautiful concerts and you can always participate in their Sunday mass or prayer gatherings.
Right in the buzzing center of the city there is a large modern building, that to me is a landmark of peace and sacred rest in the city.
Helsinki Cathedral is the most photographed building of Finland, and is surrounded by sweet little shops, the market and ferry port.
Mikael Agrical Church is a gorgeous church that also hosts an Anglican church community for English speaking Helsinki residents in the city center.
We wandered into Kallio church one summer morning with my son and were delighted by its hospitality for quieting down, playing (we liked their play space in the sanctuary) and resting. The information about the church history and architecture was also provided in English.
This small central church moves me with its beauty and warmth. It has a lovely children's altar at front and all in all it feels like a warm embrace.
I also love visiting all the little island churches, Suomenlinna church being the largest one.
English Speaking Sunday Worship in Helsinki
If you are looking to attend a Sunday worship service while in Helsinki, here are a few communities to consider:
Many other churches are welcoming and accommodating for non-Finnish speaking visitors on Sunday mornings if you don’t mind not being able to access all the parts of the liturgy in a language that you are familiar with.
Finally, if you are planning to visit Helsinki, and want to hear more about special places to visit or want to meet up for a cup of tea with me, I would be delighted to hear from you!
yours, Kaisa X
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