Sustainable Travel

Helsinki Cathedral is part of the Sustainable Travel Finland program. In a meeting held on March 11, 2024, Helsinki Cathedral Parish decided to promote sustainable tourism and committed to the national principles of sustainable tourism. At Helsinki Cathedral, we aim to promote sustainable tourism in the following ways:

1. Environmentally friendly practices: At Helsinki Cathedral, we consider environmental friendliness in our purchases, striving to reuse materials whenever possible. For instance, the desks in our visitor service points are made from recycled materials. When purchasing items, we prioritize environmentally friendly options. We prioritize vegetarian, organic, and local products in our catering, make efforts to minimize food waste, avoid disposable tableware and provide tap water as a drink option.

2. Environmentally friendly transportation: Helsinki Cathedral is centrally located in the city centre, and we encourage our visitors to arrive by walking, biking, or public transportation. Starting in 2025, we will also support our staff in environmentally friendly commuting by offering a travel benefit for public transport or work-related cycling.

3. Preserving local cultural heritage: Helsinki Cathedral is part of Helsinki’s built cultural heritage, which we actively maintain. The church is open every day of the year, serving both local residents and visitors. It also serves as a venue for local cultural events that highlight the city’s history and living cultural heritage. Every year on December 13, the Lucia of the Year is crowed at Helsinki Cathedral. After the ceremony, Lucia leads a festive procession through the city, an event that draws thousands of participants.

4. Responsibility communication: Helsinki Cathedral encourages both visitors and employees to take responsible actions. We inspire visitors to support local services and products, as well as to explore areas beyond the city center, including natural and maritime parts of Helsinki. We not only sort and recycle ourselves but also provide the same opportunity for our visitors.

5. Social sustainability: At Helsinki Cathedral, we work to promote well-being, equality, and inclusivity. We employ local residents, collaborate with nearby educational institutions, and offer internship opportunities for tourism students. We also employ individuals facing challenges in the job market. Our church’s diaconal work reaches out to disadvantaged people living in the area.

6. Accessibility: Everyone is welcome to Helsinki Cathedral. There is accessible entry through the Crypt (Kirkkokatu 18), from which visitors can reach the church hall via elevator.