Helsinki Winter Garden (Talvipuutarha) is a historic greenhouse from 1893 located at the northern end of Töölönlahti Bay, within walking distance of the Olympic Stadium and the city centre. Since its opening, admission has always been free, making it a classic urban oasis in Finland where visitors can enjoy lush greenery and flowers all year round, regardless of the weather outside. The garden is divided into three main rooms — the Palm Room, the Cactus Room and the Western Wing — and together they hold more than 200–250 plant species, from tall palms and camellias to cacti, succulents, orchids and old-fashioned houseplants that once filled Finnish homes. A small fountain with carps, a 130-year-old camellia tree and a 19th-century mural by Salomo Wuorio add layers of history and atmosphere to the space.
The Winter Garden is beloved by both locals and visitors as a quiet place to read, take photos, have a small picnic at the garden tables or simply relax among exotic plants. In front of the greenhouse, the Rose Garden and seasonal plantings bring colour from spring to autumn, while in winter Talvipuutarha feels like a pocket of summer in the snowy city. Many people combine a visit with a walk around Töölönlahti, a trip to the Olympic Stadium or nearby museums, and a stop at Helsinki restaurants, ravintola or kahvila in the Töölö area. Thanks to free entry, historical charm and a “hidden garden” feel, the Helsinki Winter Garden maintains a strong rating in travel reviews and is often recommended as a small but memorable addition to a Helsinki itinerary.
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