European Heritage Days Article:
European Heritage Days 2025 in Finland: Discovering Our Built Heritage
European Heritage Days Article:
European Heritage Days 2025 in Finland: Discovering Our Built Heritage
Photo source: Ministry of the Environment of Finland (credits: Aapo Pihkala)
From iconic architecture to everyday spaces
Throughout September, visitors in Finland can step into some of the country’s most fascinating sites. Highlights include guided tours of buildings designed by Alvar Aalto, visits to an old spirits factory in Rajamäki, and even the chance to enjoy a sauna during the region-wide “Open Sauna Benches Day” in Uusikaupunki. Many of the events are free, making it easy for everyone to discover how architecture forms part of daily life and cultural identity.
Photographing and sharing heritage
The world’s largest photo competition, Wiki Loves Monuments, returns from 1–30 September and once again includes Finland. Amateur and professional photographers are invited to capture images of the country’s built heritage, from city landmarks to neighbourhood parks. This year also features a campaign to collect people’s favourite places of 2025, reminding us that architectural heritage is not only about famous monuments, but also about personal and community connections to space.
Giving voice to the next generation through Young European Heritage Makers
Children and young people will also contribute through the Young European Heritage Makers competition. Running from September to December, the challenge invites groups aged 6–17 to share their favourite places in the built environment, supported by teachers, youth clubs and community groups. Their perspectives highlight how architectural heritage is discovered, experienced and valued by the next generation.
Part of a Europe-wide celebration
By recording, photographing, and experiencing Finland’s built heritage, participants join a Europe-wide movement that values architecture not only as monuments, but as living spaces where communities thrive. Together with thousands of events across the continent, Finland’s programme shows how local places and stories are part of a shared European heritage — one to be explored, celebrated and preserved for future generations.