The National Library of Finland

The National Library of Finland is a beautiful and tranquil book lovers' haven by Senate Square in central Helsinki. It's just across the street from Helsinki Cathedral and less than a 10-minute walk from the main railway station.

With its ornate domed ceilings, tall marble columns and peaceful atmosphere, the library isn't completely unlike a cathedral itself.

Just like the cathedral and Senate Square, the oldest part of the National Library, built in the 1840s, was designed by the German architect Carl Ludvig Engel, to whom we Finns owe much for creating many eye-pleasing buildings across Finland.

Today, the National Library has six floors above ground and four below.

There's also a lunch café, UniCafe Rotunda, so there's no need to leave the library just because you're hungry or craving coffee.

As it's a public library, entry is naturally free of charge. What sets it apart from a typical Finnish library is that you're required to leave your outerwear and bags in the free lockers available in the cloakroom.