Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

The basics

The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum first opened in 1909, when it was only accessible by boat. It has been a popular attraction ever since, attracting visitors with its old-fashioned treats, folk dancing performances, and regularly scheduled concerts in Karuna Church. The museum is sometimes included in tours of Helsinki and participates in the Helsinki Card, which offers access to multiple attractions for one price.

Things to know before you go

• The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is a must-see attraction for history lovers, with lots of family-friendly appeal.
• The buildings are closed during the winter months, but the park is open for cross-country skiing and walks.
• Guided tours are available on a daily basis during June, July, and August.
• The open-air museum is inspired by rural landscapes and isn’t always accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

From the center of Helsinki, the museum can be reached by taking bus 24 to the last stop, Seurasaari; it can also be visited as part of a guided tour. Parking is limited.

When to get there

The park at Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is open daily year-round, but the main buildings are closed from mid-September through May. The Midsummer holiday kicks off seasonal celebrations here—check the schedule for tickets, and to see the museum hours.

Museum shop and gardens

Complete your visit with a browse through the museum shop, where old-fashioned sweets and traditional handicrafts are for sale. The shop is located next to the Pappila Garden, a 19th-century-style garden that's a lovely place to relax during a museum visit.

How do I get to Seurasaari Island and the Open-Air Museum?

From the center of Helsinki, the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum can be reached via bus 24; the last stop is Seurasaari. You can also visit as part of a guided tour. Seurasaari is accessible on foot via a bridge from Seurasaarentie. The island prohibits bicycles, scooters, and motor vehicles.

How much does it cost to go to Seurasaari Island?

Tickets to Seurasaari Island for adults cost roughly US$10. Those under 18 are free. Free admission is offered on International Museum Day (May 18), and Helsinki Day (June 12). Reduced ticket prices are available for pensioners, students, the unemployed, conscripts, and groups with more than 10 members.

Is the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum worth visiting?

Yes. The Seurasaari Island Open-Air Museum comprises historical buildings relocated to the island from various places in Finland. Here you'll see houses, manors, and outbuildings from rural Finland in the 18th and 19th centuries and learn about crafts such as spinning, embroidery, and troll-making from guides dressed in traditional costumes.

What is the best time of year to visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum?

Summer—mid-May to mid-September—is the best time to visit Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. Guided tours are offered daily in June, July, and August. The buildings are closed in winter, but the park is open for cross-country skiing and walks. The café and restaurant are open daily in summer and on winter weekends.

How long does it take to tour the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum?

Guided tours last 45–60 minutes. Plan to spend half a day exploring the buildings and enjoying nature. The museum opens at 9am or 11am and closes at 3pm or 5pm (season dependent). Guided tours of Helsinki usually include a museum stop that ranges from 20 minutes to two hours.

Can you go to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum on your own?

Yes. You can explore the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum on your own or via a prebooked guided tour. Some guided tours of Helsinki include a stop at the museum. Museum tours are included in the entrance fee, and they are offered in German, Finnish, English, and Swedish.