Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Helsinki Olympic Stadium is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Helsinki audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~60 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Helsinki Helsinki guide
About Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Finland's largest stadium, built for the 1940 Games that war cancelled and finally home to the 1952 Olympics; its tower rises exactly as far as a champion once threw a javelin.
The Helsinki Olympic Stadium (Olympiastadion) is Finland's largest stadium, standing in the Toolo district north of the city centre. Designed in functionalist style by architects Yrjo Lindegren and Toivo Jantti, it was begun in 1934 and opened on 12 June 1938. Built for the 1940 Summer Olympics, which the Second World War cancelled, it became the main venue of the 1952 Summer Olympics, holding more than seventy thousand spectators.
Its landmark tower is 72.71 metres tall, a height chosen to match Matti Jarvinen's javelin throw that won gold at the 1932 Olympics. A bronze statue of the runner Paavo Nurmi by Waino Aaltonen stands outside. A major renovation running from 2016 reopened the stadium in 2020, at a reported cost of around 337 million euros, with a seated capacity of about 36,000 and higher capacity for concerts. It is used today for athletics, football, large concerts and events, and its tower offers city views.
Did you know? The tower stands 72.71 metres tall, matching Matti Jarvinen's javelin throw that won gold at the 1932 Olympics. It was a designer's tribute, not a structural need, and offers wide views over Helsinki.
How long should you spend at Helsinki Olympic Stadium?
Plan about ~60 min at Helsinki Olympic Stadium. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Helsinki Olympic Stadium worth visiting?
Helsinki Olympic Stadium is one of the 21 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Helsinki, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Helsinki
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Helsinki Olympic Stadium and read more:
Day 2 of the Helsinki in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Preview the Helsinki tour free in the Gingerguide app.