Majakka

HelsinkiFinland 60° N · 24° E Verified Oct 2026

Majakka, Helsinki’s tallest skyscraper and a modern architectural icon, stands as a beacon of urban renewal and sustainable living in Finland’s capital city.

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Majakka
View of Kalasatama waterfront district seen from Vanhankaupunginkoski river
Scenic view of Kalasatama, a modern urban area, seen from Vanhankaupunginkoski river with buildings and water in Helsinki

What Majakka Is

Majakka, meaning “lighthouse” in Finnish, is Helsinki’s tallest skyscraper and Finland’s first true skyscraper. It stands 134 meters tall with 35 floors in Kalasatama, a former industrial harbor now developed as a mixed-use neighborhood. Completed in 2019, the tower is primarily residential and has no public observation deck. Its connection to the REDI shopping center and Kalasatama metro station gives visitors access to public spaces in the surrounding area. (Redin Majakka, Skyscraper Center: Helsinki)

There is also a historic lighthouse called Majakka: Söderskär Lighthouse, on a rocky islet in the Porvoo archipelago. Unlike the Helsinki tower, it is a maritime landmark that visitors can reach on seasonal cruises. (Söderskär Lighthouse Cruises)

History and Urban Development

Kalasatama was once a cargo harbor. Plans to renew the district began in the early 2000s, envisioning a mixed-use, pedestrian-focused neighborhood. Majakka was conceived as the centerpiece of that transformation and as a symbol of Helsinki’s move toward sustainable, high-density urban development. The district is designed for 25,000 residents and 10,000 jobs. (MyHelsinki: Design & Architecture, Redin Majakka)

Construction of Majakka began in the mid-2010s, led by SRV Group. Completed in 2019, it contains 282 apartments for about 500 residents, with views over the Baltic Sea and Helsinki’s skyline. The building’s silhouette has become a cultural and architectural landmark, prompting public discussion about modernizing Helsinki while preserving its historical character. (Redin Majakka: Media, MyHelsinki: Architecture)

Söderskär Lighthouse dates to 1862. Its guided tours cover its history, lighthouse keepers’ stories and operation; it was automated in 1957 and decommissioned in 1989. (Söderskär Lighthouse Cruises)

What to See

Majakka and Kalasatama

Designed by Helin & Co, Majakka has a slender, minimalist, glass-dominated façade intended to maximize daylight and city views. Its lower floors are integrated with REDI, which serves as a commercial hub and an urban link between Kalasatama’s waterfront and residential neighborhoods. (SkyscraperCity)

The tower’s exterior uses high-performance glass panels and aluminum details. Its structure includes a reinforced-concrete core and shear walls for resilience against wind and seismic activity, and its foundation is anchored deep into Finland’s bedrock. Sustainability features include triple-glazed windows, high-performance insulation, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient and smart energy systems, and smart-home technologies. (VisitFinland, Redin Majakka: Services)

The 282 apartments range from studios to penthouses and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan living, balconies or winter gardens, smart-home integration and premium materials. Resident amenities include rooftop gardens and a terrace, a sauna and wellness area, a gym, lounges, bicycle storage, EV charging and recycling facilities. Landscaped plazas and pedestrian paths connect the building to the wider district. (Redin Majakka: Services)

Majakka contrasts with Helsinki’s neoclassical and modernist landmarks, including Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Finlandia Hall and Oodi Library. Its vertical scale reflects the city’s turn toward sustainable, mixed-use and transit-oriented development, while its design also draws on Finnish modernism and the city’s human-scale streetscapes. (VisitFinland: Finnish Architecture Icons of Helsinki)

Söderskär Lighthouse

The isolated, windswept islet is dominated by the lighthouse. Visitors can take guided tours and climb a spiral staircase to the lantern room for panoramic views. The stairs are not recommended for people with mobility issues or vertigo.

Facilities are minimal: basic toilets are available, but visitors should bring their own food and water. Overnight stays are not permitted. The islet is a sensitive seabird reserve, so visitors should stay on marked paths.

Practical Visiting Information

Majakka and REDI

  • Public access Majakka is a private residential building with no public observation deck. Visitors can access ground-level public areas, REDI and the surrounding Kalasatama area.
  • REDI hours Daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; hours may vary on holidays.
  • Tickets No ticket is needed to enter REDI or explore Kalasatama.
  • Tours Helsinki tourist services occasionally offer guided tours of Kalasatama and the REDI complex. Check MyHelsinki for current schedules.
  • Accessibility and transport The area is pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, with public transport via Kalasatama metro station. REDI and public spaces, including Bryga rooftop park, have elevators and ramps. Parking is available.

Söderskär Lighthouse

  • Season Visits are mainly available from late May to early September.
  • Cruises Schedules align with daily cruises; check operators’ websites for exact times.
  • Tickets (2024) €72 per adult from Helsinki’s Kauppatori and €62 per adult from Sipoo’s Kalkkiranta. Children aged 6–12 pay half price.
  • Private boats Permitted subject to environmental regulations and a landing fee of €25 per adult.
  • Payments Most operators accept cards and online payment. Cash may be needed for onboard snacks.
  • Getting there The cruise from Kauppatori in Helsinki takes three hours; the cruise from Kalkkiranta in Sipoo takes 1.5 hours.

Further Information

Tips

Visiting Majakka

  • For photographs, try Isoisänsilta bridge, the Kalasatama waterfront promenades or Bryga rooftop park.
  • Early morning and sunset offer optimal lighting and views.
  • Kalasatama metro station on the Red Line connects directly to REDI. The area can also be reached by tram, bike or car. (Eupedia)

Visiting Söderskär Lighthouse

  • Reserve cruises early, particularly for weekends and peak season.
  • The sea can be rough; check cruise status on the day.
  • Wear layered, windproof clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring food, water, sun protection, a camera and binoculars.
  • Late May to early September offers mild weather and long daylight hours. June averages 16 rainy days, so bring waterproof gear.
  • The rocky terrain and stairs make the island unsuitable for wheelchairs and visitors with mobility challenges. Supervise children.
  • Keep noise low and avoid disturbing wildlife. Watch for uneven ground; contact the cruise crew in an emergency.

Nearby Places

A visit to Söderskär can be combined with Helsinki’s Kauppatori, Helsinki Cathedral and the Design District. Lighthouse enthusiasts might also consider Bengtskär or Isokari tours.

FAQ

Majakka in Helsinki

Can I visit the top of Majakka?
No. It is a private residential building without a public observation deck. Visitors can use public spaces in REDI and Bryga rooftop park.

Is there an entry fee?
No. REDI and its public areas are free to access.

Are guided tours available?
Occasionally, usually during special events. Check MyHelsinki for details.

Is the area accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?
REDI and public spaces, including Bryga, have elevators and ramps.

Söderskär Lighthouse

When is the best time to visit?
Late May to early September.

Are pets allowed?
They are generally not permitted due to nature reserve rules.

Can I photograph the lighthouse?
Yes, photography is allowed.

Where do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available online through cruise operators or at Kauppatori in Helsinki.