Traffic disruption expected in central Helsinki during state visit and Helsinki+50 conference

By admin On Jul 29, 2025

According to the police, no major traffic congestion is expected, but temporary interruptions. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva

Traffic in central Helsinki will face temporary disruptions on Wednesday and Thursday due to an official state visit and the international Helsinki+50 conference. Police said the events may lead to short-term road closures and special arrangements in key areas.

On Wednesday 30 July, President Alexander Stubb will host Santiago Peña, President of Paraguay, for a working visit at the Presidential Palace. On Thursday 31 July, Finland will host the Helsinki+50 conference at Finlandia Hall, marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.

Police said no major traffic congestion is expected but advised the public to prepare for brief interruptions and localised restrictions.

“Severe congestion is not expected,” said Jari Kaikko, Chief Superintendent at Helsinki Police Department. “However, there may be short-term disruptions.”

On Wednesday, changes to traffic patterns will focus mainly on the area around Kauppatori, close to the Presidential Palace. The meeting between the two presidents is expected to attract increased security and protocol-related restrictions.

On Thursday, traffic will be affected in the vicinity of Finlandia Hall and along Mannerheimintie. The busiest periods are expected around 9:00 in the morning, when most guests arrive, and again around 20:00, when the last departures take place.

Kaikko said most attendees will arrive by foot, public transport or taxi, which should help to minimise road traffic impact.

Public transport is expected to operate normally throughout the two days, according to police. Ferry and boat traffic in the waters off central Helsinki will also remain unaffected.

Normal traffic operations are scheduled to resume on Friday.

Finland currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The Helsinki+50 conference commemorates the signing of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, which laid the foundation for the OSCE.

The event will bring over 1,000 participants to Finlandia Hall. Attendees include representatives from all 57 OSCE participating states and 11 partner countries, as well as civil society organisations.

Following the main event, discussions on the future of the OSCE will continue at Finlandia Hall on Friday 1 August.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi