US–Nordic Leaders’ Summit to disrupt city centre traffic

Public transport detours and interruptions

Detours, interruptions and delays are expected in public transport in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area on 13 July. The changes affect bus and tram traffic in central Helsinki and bus traffic on incoming routes. Some city bike stations are also closed.

Metro and commuter trains run normally, so Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) recommends using them on the summit day. Final information on the special arrangements for public transport on 13 July will not be available until the day of the event, so please check the HSL app and HSL’s website for the latest information.

Several motorcades are expected in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area on 13 July. The motorcades will cause a few traffic interruptions of about 40 minutes, especially in the Helsinki city centre. Unfortunately, the exact times of the interruptions cannot be disclosed in advance.

Market Square closed, with roadblocks in the surrounding area

The Market Square (Kauppatori) is closed on 13 July, but the Old Market Hall (Vanha kauppahalli) serves customers according to normal opening hours. All terrace areas on the seaward side of the Old Market Hall are closed.

Aleksanterinkatu is closed to motor vehicles between Meritullinkatu and Snellmaninkatu. Vehicles will be redirected from Pohjoisranta towards the Esplanade streets via Kirkkokatu–Unioninkatu and from Pohjois-Esplanadi to Pohjoisranta via Fabianinkatu-Aleksanterinkatu-Snellmaninkatu-Kirkkokatu.

Pohjoisesplanadi is closed between Sofiankatu and the square in front of the Main Guard Post (Päävartiontori). Access to Katajanokka via Mariankatu and the square in front of the Main Guard Post. Katajanokka and the Katajanokka Terminal can be accessed directly via Pohjoisranta and Kanavakatu. Traffic on Eteläesplanadi is normal.

Map: Car traffic in the city centre 13 July(Link leads to external service)

Suomenlinna ferries to depart from Katajanokka

Suomenlinna ferry traffic is handled from the pier of the Suomenlinna maintenance ferry departing from Katajanokka. The Market Square’s water bus and cruise ferry quays are closed on 13 July. 

Korkeasaari Zoo cannot be reached by ferry from Market Square on July 13 either. Korkeasaari can be reached via Mustikkamaa. Ferries to Vallisaari and Lonna leave from Kalasatama instead of Market Square.

Private water transport cannot enter the South Harbour. However, the restriction does not apply to cruise ferry traffic from the Olympia and Katajanokka terminals to Tallinn and Stockholm. Travellers arriving at the Katajanokka and Olympia terminals are advised to reserve an extra hour for the travel.

Map: Vehicle traffic to terminals 13 July(Link leads to external service)

Allas Sea Pool is closed on 12–13 July. However, J. Karjalainen’s gig on 13 July is held as planned in the courtyard of Allas Sea Pool. The audience arriving at the show should reserve extra time for travel. Contrary to prior information, the doors to the venue open at 19.30.

Torikorttelit restaurants open as normal

The terraces in the inner courtyard of the City Hall of the Torikorttelit restaurants are closed on 13 July. Otherwise, the Torikorttelit restaurants and shops serve customers as normal. The terrace on the side of the Senate Square on Aleksanterinkatu is also open.

Police want to remind about rules concerning the flying of drones

The police ask to mind the rules concerning of the flying of drones. Police will interrupt all unauthorized drone flying. Learn more about the prohibited and restrictive areas from droneinfo.fi(Link leads to external service) and aviamaps.com(Link leads to external service).

Helsinki Cup to communicate disruptions in app and via text messages

The summit day may affect the movement of participants in the Helsinki Cup youth football tournament. The tournament will be played across about 100 pitches, to which the teams will travel by public transport. If the Helsinki Cup is affected by the changes in traffic arrangements on the day of the summit, check the tournament app for more information. The tournament organisers will also send mass text messages.

Allow extra travel time to go see Mamma Mia!

The performance of the Mamma Mia! musical takes place on 13 July in Kaivopuisto Park, as previously announced. The performance starts at 19.00 and the gates to the area open at 17.30. The audience is requested to allow sufficient time for travel due to the changes in traffic arrangements. 

News item updated on 11 July with information on the Helsinki Cup and the Mamma Mia! musical.

News item updated on 11 July with more detailed information on traffic on Aleksanterinkatu.

Enquiries
Liisa Kivelä, Chief Communications Officer, City of Helsinki, tel. 0400 308484, liisa.kivela@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program) 
Vappu Mänty, Director, Communications & PR, Helsinki Partners, tel. 050 4013548, vappu.manty@helsinkipartners.com(Link opens default mail program)