Hietaniemi Cemetery, Helsinki, Finland

The Hietaniemi cemetery is the location for Finnish state funeral services and most remarkable cemetery in Finland. The cemetery was placed to Hietaniemi in 1829. It was originally a military cemetery for the Finnish Guard, which was part of the Russian army.

The cemetery includes still a large military cemetery section for soldiers from the capital fallen in the wars against the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany: in the Winter War (1939–1940), the Continuation War (1941–1944) and the Lapland War (1944–1945). In the centre of the military cemetery are the tombs of the unknown soldier and Marshal C.G.E. Mannerheim. Other notable sections of the cemetery are the cemetery of the Finnish Guard, the Artist's Hill and the Statesman's Grove. For example six presidents of Finland are buried to Hietaniemi. In the Artist’s Hill rests many famous artists like Alvar Aalto, Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Mika Waltari.

The cemetery is a popular tourist attraction, especially amongst Finns visiting the graves of relatives fallen in wars or the graves of the many famous Finns buried there.

User Reviews

Callum Kerr (7 months ago)
We strolled through the park and cemetery today. Lots of interesting headstones dating back to the 18th century

Oskars (8 months ago)
The resting place of Finland's president during WW2 is here.

Hilary P (2 years ago)
Fantastic views of the natural harbour, insights into the Finnish burial culture, famous ancestors and events. I walked around the cemetery on Dec 25th 2023. There were many other people there, old people, parents and children. Walking, lighting candles for dead family. It is a good place to be and reflect on where we are.

Eugenia Dzusova (2 years ago)
Lovely place close to our home. We are walking there often and it's one of my favorite places in Helsinki. The beach, cemetery, and park are close to each other. They are all worth visiting. Especially I love this place in summer when I can relax on the bench or on the rocks in the park and enjoy a peaceful place.

Missberry Mewza (3 years ago)
a serene place where one can enjoy solicitude

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Hietaniemi Cemetery

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