The Swedish Theatre (Svenska Teatern) in Helsinki is a must-see for theatre lovers. Find tips on shows, tickets, and the building’s unique design.
The Swedish Theatre (Svenska Teatern) is more than a stage in Helsinki. It represents a living part of the city’s cultural heartbeat. This elegant building has stood on its spot since 1866 and still draws attention with its bright facade and high arched windows. When evening lights shine through, it gives the street a warm and inviting glow.
Many visitors pause here even without a plan. The theatre is known for its rich Swedish-speaking heritage, making it a unique place in Finland’s capital. Performances are held entirely in Swedish, but the power of the atmosphere goes beyond language. People sense the history in the air, even if they do not understand every word.
Swedish Theatre Photos
❯
* Note: The photos in this gallery have been cropped and/or resized. The images are used under the Creative Commons licenses specified in the original sources.
Stepping closer reveals how closely architecture, art, and daily life intertwine in Helsinki. The theatre is admired for its graceful design and the way it blends into the rhythm of the city. It is not just a place for plays. It is a quiet reminder of a long cultural tradition that still feels alive.
The current building of the Swedish Theatre (Svenska Teatern) was constructed after a fire destroyed the previous theatre in 1863.
Visitor Tips: Opening Hours, Tickets & Other Details
🎭 Visitor Information
Box Office & Ticket Sales: 🕒
- Mon: customer service by phone & email 9:00–12:00
- Tue–Fri: box office & customer service 12:00–18:00
- Performance days: opens 1 hour before the first show (incl. Saturdays)
- Phone: +358 (0)9 6162 1411
- Email: biljetter@svenskateatern.fi
Admission & Tickets: 🎟️
- Language: All performances are in Swedish
- Surtitles: Finnish available at most shows, English for selected productions
- Purchase: Online, by phone, or at the box office
- Note: Schedules and availability may change — check the official website
Accessibility & Services: 📋
- Wheelchair spaces: Category T (available on seating map)
- Companion seats: Category F (book in advance via box office)
- Audio description: available in Swedish for selected productions
- Contact: Theatre staff assist with accessibility arrangements
Guided Visits: 🧭
- Group tours: available on request for 5–25 people — email biljetter@svenskateatern.fi
A ticket is not required to appreciate it. A simple moment outside is often enough. Sometimes the foyer opens before a performance, giving a brief glimpse of the theatre’s warm interior. Visitors can see that this is not only a place where stories are told but also a place where they continue to grow.
The theatre was designed by Georg Theodor Chiewitz, a Swedish architect who also influenced parts of Helsinki’s city planning.
For many locals, Svenska Teatern offers a gentle contrast to the city’s busy pace. It carries the language, the history, and the shared memory of generations. Anyone with an interest in culture will find here a calm and meaningful stop that lingers in the mind long after leaving.
Although all performances are in Swedish, many shows offer Finnish surtitles. This makes the theatre accessible to visitors who don’t speak the language.
Hotels near the Swedish Theatre
If you’re planning to attend a performance and need a place to stay nearby, you can find suitable hotel options using the form below.
Map & Contact Information
CONTACT
Address:
Pohjoisesplanadi 2, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
Phone:
+358 9 61621411