Helsinki Pride Parade
Arriving at Senate Square
You can arrive at Senate Square by taxi from the Unioninkatu side until 11:00 AM, after which traffic will be closed. Accessible access to the square is from the corner of Unioninkatu and Aleksanterinkatu, where there is a pedestrian crossing with lowered curbs. When joining the parade, please enter from the opposite side of the square, at the corner of Snellmaninkatu and Aleksanterinkatu, using the pedestrian crossing with lowered curbs.
There are two accessible portable toilets at Senate Square, and their locations are marked on the map.
Please note that Senate Square will be crowded and compact, as there is a summer terrace on the Aleksanterinkatu side of the square. There will also be a large number of people and trucks in the area. You may also join the parade from anywhere along the route or from one of the two suggested accessible joining points. The alternative accessible joining points are marked on the parade route map.
There are two accessible portable toilets at Senate Square, and their locations are marked on the map.
Please note that Senate Square will be crowded and compact, as there is a summer terrace on the Aleksanterinkatu side of the square. There will also be a large number of people and trucks in the area. You may also join the parade from anywhere along the route or from one of the two suggested accessible joining points. The alternative accessible joining points are marked on the parade route map.
Parade route
Senaatintori > Snellmaninkatu > Aleksanterinkatu > Mannerheimintie > Eteläesplanadi > Kasarmikatu > Neitsytpolku > Kaivopuisto.
The approximate length of the parade route is 2.5 km. Aleksanterinkatu is a cobblestone street along its entire length. There are also two tram tracks running along the street, which may make movement with mobility aids more difficult. The pedestrian walkway on the right side is easier to navigate, but during the parade it may be occupied by spectators.
Mannerheimintie is paved with cobblestones, but there is a wide pedestrian walkway on the left side. Eteläesplanadi is also a cobblestone street, with pedestrian walkways on both sides.
Kasarmikatu is a cobblestone street for approximately half of its length, and there are pedestrian walkways on both sides. Kasarmikatu begins with a gentle uphill slope and ends with a small but steep incline. The steepest part of the hill has a gradient of approximately 7.5%.
In addition to cobblestone sections, the main accessibility challenges along the parade route are related to hills and their steepness. As the parade turns onto Kasarmikatu, the route begins with an uphill section, with the steepest part reaching a gradient of 7.5% when approaching the Surgical Hospital. After the Surgical Hospital, the route continues downhill, with the steepest section reaching a gradient of 7.8%. Due to the steepness of these slopes, mobility aid users may require assistance on the hilly parts of the route.
The approximate length of the parade route is 2.5 km. Aleksanterinkatu is a cobblestone street along its entire length. There are also two tram tracks running along the street, which may make movement with mobility aids more difficult. The pedestrian walkway on the right side is easier to navigate, but during the parade it may be occupied by spectators.
Mannerheimintie is paved with cobblestones, but there is a wide pedestrian walkway on the left side. Eteläesplanadi is also a cobblestone street, with pedestrian walkways on both sides.
Kasarmikatu is a cobblestone street for approximately half of its length, and there are pedestrian walkways on both sides. Kasarmikatu begins with a gentle uphill slope and ends with a small but steep incline. The steepest part of the hill has a gradient of approximately 7.5%.
In addition to cobblestone sections, the main accessibility challenges along the parade route are related to hills and their steepness. As the parade turns onto Kasarmikatu, the route begins with an uphill section, with the steepest part reaching a gradient of 7.5% when approaching the Surgical Hospital. After the Surgical Hospital, the route continues downhill, with the steepest section reaching a gradient of 7.8%. Due to the steepness of these slopes, mobility aid users may require assistance on the hilly parts of the route.
Alternative joining points
This year, there are two official joining points along the route that offer the possibility to choose a more accessible path, taking conditions into account. The first of these recommended joining points is at the intersection of Eteläesplanadi and Kasarmikatu, near Esplanadi Park, where we recommend passing through the park area.
The second joining point is located on Neitsytpolku in Vuorimiehenpuisto, approximately 450 metres from Kaivopuisto. From there, the remaining route to Kaivopuisto is flat and paved, with no significant inclines or declines.
The second joining point is located on Neitsytpolku in Vuorimiehenpuisto, approximately 450 metres from Kaivopuisto. From there, the remaining route to Kaivopuisto is flat and paved, with no significant inclines or declines.
Helsinki Pride Park Festival
Arriving at the Park Festival
The main entrance to the Park Festival is on Neitsytpolku. At the entrance on Neitsytpolku, there is a sound beacon that plays a familiar birdsong and announces the name of the location with speech.
For safety reasons, temporary no-parking notices have been issued for the streets surrounding Kaivopuisto. Parking a car on the street is at your own risk, even if you have a disability permit. We encourage everyone, including those with a disability permit, to arrive by taxi. If you arrive by taxi, please note that Iso Puistotie will be closed to traffic during the event. Drop-off traffic is allowed in the area and may leave passengers at the horseshoe-shaped parking area on Ehrenströmintie (near Café Ursula). Unfortunately, private vehicles of Park Festival attendees cannot be left in this parking area, and unauthorised vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.
Further information and questions: johanna@pride.fi
A sound beacon at the parking area guides visitors toward Iso Puistotie. It plays a familiar birdsong and announces the location name with speech. From the parking area, there is a direct route along Iso Puistotie to the event area and key locations of the Park Festival, such as the main stage.
For safety reasons, temporary no-parking notices have been issued for the streets surrounding Kaivopuisto. Parking a car on the street is at your own risk, even if you have a disability permit. We encourage everyone, including those with a disability permit, to arrive by taxi. If you arrive by taxi, please note that Iso Puistotie will be closed to traffic during the event. Drop-off traffic is allowed in the area and may leave passengers at the horseshoe-shaped parking area on Ehrenströmintie (near Café Ursula). Unfortunately, private vehicles of Park Festival attendees cannot be left in this parking area, and unauthorised vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.
Further information and questions: johanna@pride.fi
A sound beacon at the parking area guides visitors toward Iso Puistotie. It plays a familiar birdsong and announces the location name with speech. From the parking area, there is a direct route along Iso Puistotie to the event area and key locations of the Park Festival, such as the main stage.
Moving around at the Park Festival
The Park Festival area in Kaivopuisto is generally flat and easy to navigate. There are level pathways throughout the area that provide access to various activities and stations of the Park Festival. The pathways are gravel paths. There are a few cable protectors placed across the walkways in the park, with a height of approximately 5 cm. In rainy weather, the grassy areas in the park may become soft and slippery.
There are five separate toilet areas in the park, each equipped with clearly marked accessible portable toilets. In total, there are eight accessible portable toilets in the area, all marked on the map. The Toilet Card is accepted. In addition to park benches, some of our partner stations offer a limited number of seating areas with chairs. There are also seating areas available in the food zone for those who are dining.
There are five separate toilet areas in the park, each equipped with clearly marked accessible portable toilets. In total, there are eight accessible portable toilets in the area, all marked on the map. The Toilet Card is accepted. In addition to park benches, some of our partner stations offer a limited number of seating areas with chairs. There are also seating areas available in the food zone for those who are dining.
Accessible viewing area
Next to the main stage, there is an accessible viewing area, which is available for those who wish to use it. Use of the accessible viewing area is entirely voluntary, and the programme can also be followed from other areas of the event according to personal preference. Security staff have been informed of this. Personal assistants are also welcome in the accessible viewing area if needed.
HOBO Helsinki – Pride House
Arrival and entrance
There are no accessible parking spaces at the HOBO Hotel. However, taxis may temporarily drive up to and stop near the main entrance on Kluuvikatu for dropping off or picking up passengers.
The main entrance of the hotel opens directly onto the street, and in front of the entrance is a public pedestrian walkway with a hard, flat surface. There is a small incline at the entrance and a threshold approximately 2 cm high. The door is equipped with an automatic opening mechanism.
The main entrance of the hotel opens directly onto the street, and in front of the entrance is a public pedestrian walkway with a hard, flat surface. There is a small incline at the entrance and a threshold approximately 2 cm high. The door is equipped with an automatic opening mechanism.
Indoor spaces and navigation
On the entrance level, you’ll find the hotel reception and Helsinki Pride Info Point. Helsinki Pride Shop and the event spaces are located on the second floor.
The elevators can be accessed by walking past the reception area and turning left. There are a total of three elevators. The width of the elevators is 80 cm. They provide access to all floors of the hotel, including the second-floor space called Playground, Nest, and Lounge event spaces located on the 2nd floor, which are used for Pride events.
Entry to the event spaces Harmony and Library is via the Helsinki Pride Info Point on the first floor.
There are no induction loops available in the hotel facilities.
The elevators can be accessed by walking past the reception area and turning left. There are a total of three elevators. The width of the elevators is 80 cm. They provide access to all floors of the hotel, including the second-floor space called Playground, Nest, and Lounge event spaces located on the 2nd floor, which are used for Pride events.
Entry to the event spaces Harmony and Library is via the Helsinki Pride Info Point on the first floor.
There are no induction loops available in the hotel facilities.
Accessible toilets wc:t
There is one accessible toilet, located on the ground floor. It can be found along the hallway to the left when facing the elevators. The door is lightweight and easy to open.
If you are attending events held in Harmony and Library, there is an accessible toilet available near these areas.
If you are attending events held in Harmony and Library, there is an accessible toilet available near these areas.
Ääniwalli – Women’s Party
Drop-off Traffic
There is a drop-off point on Pälkäneentie. From the drop-off point, it is a 30-metre walk to the accessible entrance. The surface is uneven asphalt. From the drop-off point, the route continues uphill, curving to the left toward the accessible entrance. The ramp is located on the left side of the entrance. If needed, drop-off vehicles may drive up the hill, leaving approximately 20 metres to the door.
Route to the Accessible Entrance
The barrier-free access to the main door runs across the terrace yard. The structure is temporary. The ramp is straight, hard-surfaced and flat. The ramp is 16.5 m long and has a gradient of 1:12. The ramp has an intermediate platform and handrails.
If necessary, you can ask for help from the security guards, bar staff or Pride volunteers.
If necessary, you can ask for help from the security guards, bar staff or Pride volunteers.
Accessible Entrance
The outer door is double-leafed, and during the event Ääniwalli staff or Helsinki Pride volunteers can assist with opening the doors if needed. The entrance threshold is 2 cm high. After the main entrance, there is a second double door with a small threshold. Both door leaves will remain open throughout the event.
Personal Assistants
Personal assistants and interpreters are admitted free of charge.
Room 1
The large hall (Room 1) contains level differences and individual steps. Please take care in the space to avoid falling from the steps. The floor surface is concrete. The viewing area is accessible. The bar counter can be accessed from the viewing area via two ramps located on opposite sides of the hall. The ramps are located on the right and left sides.
Room 1+1
The small hall (Room 1+1) is accessible and has step-free access. The bar counter is located in the same space as the stage. The small hall is on the same level as the large hall, and moving between the two spaces is accessible.
General Information
The event takes place in Ääniwalli’s large and small halls, which are located on the same floor. The venue lighting is dim. If you require further accessibility information, please contact salla@pride.fi.
See detailed accessibility information and photos at the link below.
See accessibility information See detailed accessibility information and photos at the link below.
Helsinki Pride Business Forum
Arrival & Entrance
An accessible parking space is located directly in front of the main entrance of Clarion Hotel Helsinki. Taxis and drop-off traffic can drive and stop near the main doors from Tyynenmerenkatu to pick up or drop off passengers. The hotel's main entrance complies with accessibility standards: the doors open automatically, and the entrance is directly from the street, which has a hard and even surface. The clear opening width of the door is at least 90 cm, and the threshold is a maximum of 2 cm.
More informationIndoor Spaces & Getting Around
The route to the event space is accessible, allowing for independent movement and navigation without an access card. There is an accessible passage from the lobby to the event space located on the second floor, which can be reached by elevator. The floors in the premises are non-slip.
Accessible Toilets
There are two accessible toilets available at the venue:
First floor: Located right in the lobby.
Second floor: Accessible via an elevator-accessible route.
The toilet facilities are reserved primarily for their intended purpose and are not used as storage space. Accessibility in these facilities is implemented as follows: The clear opening width is at least 85 cm, and the threshold is under 2 cm. There is a free turning space with a diameter of at least 150 cm in front of the door. There is available knee space under the sink, and the toilet bowl is equipped with support grab rails. All operating elements are within reach from the toilet seat, and the emergency pull cord reaches all the way to the floor. The mirror is positioned at a height that allows wheelchair users to see themselves.
First floor: Located right in the lobby.
Second floor: Accessible via an elevator-accessible route.
The toilet facilities are reserved primarily for their intended purpose and are not used as storage space. Accessibility in these facilities is implemented as follows: The clear opening width is at least 85 cm, and the threshold is under 2 cm. There is a free turning space with a diameter of at least 150 cm in front of the door. There is available knee space under the sink, and the toilet bowl is equipped with support grab rails. All operating elements are within reach from the toilet seat, and the emergency pull cord reaches all the way to the floor. The mirror is positioned at a height that allows wheelchair users to see themselves.
Sensory Environment Information
Pride House
You will find the sensory accessibility description of Pride House on this page closer to the event. The sensory accessibility description has been produced by Kaiao.
Read instructions hereCalming Area at Pride House
The Greenhouse space at Pride House has been reserved as a recovery space for people who experience sensory sensitivities.
The space is open during Helsinki Pride Week:
The sound of the ventilation system is audible. Otherwise, the room is a reasonably sensory-friendly, quiet space, especially for those with sensory sensitivities. One wall has a small greenhouse with brighter lighting directed at the plants. Please do not engage with others who may be using the space at the same time. Quiet stimming is welcome in the space.
Please note that the calming area is not for phone calls.
Helsinki Pride volunteers can help you find and access the space if needed.
Read instructions hereThe space is open during Helsinki Pride Week:
- Mon: 16-23
- Tue: 10-21
- Wed: 10-22
- Thu: 10-21
- Fri: 10-00
- Sat: 10-15
The sound of the ventilation system is audible. Otherwise, the room is a reasonably sensory-friendly, quiet space, especially for those with sensory sensitivities. One wall has a small greenhouse with brighter lighting directed at the plants. Please do not engage with others who may be using the space at the same time. Quiet stimming is welcome in the space.
Please note that the calming area is not for phone calls.
Helsinki Pride volunteers can help you find and access the space if needed.
Ääniwalli – Women’s Party
Women’s Party is a large-scale event. This alone means a diverse and, on average, very intense sensory load. People with sound sensitivity may need to protect their hearing with earplugs or hearing protectors throughout the venue, including outdoor areas. Indoor spaces are generally dimly lit, but there are many colorful lights. Both party spaces (Room 1 and Room 1+1) also feature lighting effects (moving/flashing lights/video).
Assistive aids (hearing protectors and communication cards) can be borrowed from Pride staff or security personnel.
Pride volunteers have received training on sensory sensitivity and supporting sensory-sensitive people during overload situations. If, despite precautions, you begin to feel overwhelmed, you can safely ask them for help finding a calmer space or leaving the area. If verbal communication becomes difficult when overwhelmed, you can download communication cards or take photos of them on your phone and use them for support. Staff also have a limited number of communication cards available to borrow.
QUIET AREAS
There are three quieter areas in and around Ääniwalli that you can use for managing sensory overload. Please note that “quiet” here means quieter compared to the party’s overall extremely high noise and stimulation levels — not truly silent or isolated from the event. If you need a break from auditory overload, borrow hearing protectors — even if only for using the quiet area.
The quietest place is a small park/outdoor area immediately outside the event area, with seating available. Please note that returning to the party at Ääniwalli requires re-entering through the queue.
Another quieter area (especially after 10 PM, once the DJ finishes) is outdoors right next to the entrance. Seating is available there. Although this area is designated as quiet, it is connected to the rest of the outdoor space, and the surrounding area remains lively and noisy.
Indoors, the quietest place where you can briefly retreat to recover is the accessible restroom. You can spend a moment there alone with a little more personal space around you. However, the sound level in this space is still high, so hearing protectors are also available there. They are intended for use only while staying in the restroom.
There is only one accessible restroom, and it is also used by disabled visitors. They are permitted to knock on the door. If someone knocks, allow the person who needs the restroom for its intended purpose to enter, and continue recovering outside instead. If necessary, ask staff for assistance — if you are overwhelmed, it is not recommended to wait outside the restroom for it to become available again.
Read instructions hereAssistive aids (hearing protectors and communication cards) can be borrowed from Pride staff or security personnel.
Pride volunteers have received training on sensory sensitivity and supporting sensory-sensitive people during overload situations. If, despite precautions, you begin to feel overwhelmed, you can safely ask them for help finding a calmer space or leaving the area. If verbal communication becomes difficult when overwhelmed, you can download communication cards or take photos of them on your phone and use them for support. Staff also have a limited number of communication cards available to borrow.
QUIET AREAS
There are three quieter areas in and around Ääniwalli that you can use for managing sensory overload. Please note that “quiet” here means quieter compared to the party’s overall extremely high noise and stimulation levels — not truly silent or isolated from the event. If you need a break from auditory overload, borrow hearing protectors — even if only for using the quiet area.
The quietest place is a small park/outdoor area immediately outside the event area, with seating available. Please note that returning to the party at Ääniwalli requires re-entering through the queue.
Another quieter area (especially after 10 PM, once the DJ finishes) is outdoors right next to the entrance. Seating is available there. Although this area is designated as quiet, it is connected to the rest of the outdoor space, and the surrounding area remains lively and noisy.
Indoors, the quietest place where you can briefly retreat to recover is the accessible restroom. You can spend a moment there alone with a little more personal space around you. However, the sound level in this space is still high, so hearing protectors are also available there. They are intended for use only while staying in the restroom.
There is only one accessible restroom, and it is also used by disabled visitors. They are permitted to knock on the door. If someone knocks, allow the person who needs the restroom for its intended purpose to enter, and continue recovering outside instead. If necessary, ask staff for assistance — if you are overwhelmed, it is not recommended to wait outside the restroom for it to become available again.
Ääniwalli Indoor spaces
Corridors and cloakroom
The indoor corridors are dimly lit and fairly narrow. Because of this, the interior may feel somewhat more maze-like than it actually is. However, there are only two actual party rooms plus the restroom area.
Restroom area and accessible restroom
The restroom area is a large open space with many stalls and a handwashing area. Lighting here is normal. The accessible restroom is the quietest indoor space. You may briefly retreat there to recover if sensory overload hits and you need some personal space. However, the ventilation noise is loud. The ceiling is also open, so sounds from surrounding areas carry into the space. Hearing protectors are available there to help reduce auditory strain. They are intended only for use inside the restroom — please do not remove them. If you realize you need hearing protectors outside the restroom, ask staff and they will provide loaner hearing protectors.
Room 1
The largest space, Room 1, is a large hall. At one end there is a performance stage, and at the other end a large bar. Between them is open space, with seating along the edges. Speakers are placed throughout the room, and the sound load is high everywhere in the space. The stage also features bright flashing lights. There will also be a screen placed between the center pillars of the stage, showing both moving and still images.
Although the overall sensory load in the room is extremely high, there is some variation across different parts of the space that you may be able to use to your advantage, especially regarding visual stimulation. For example, concrete pillars partially block the view of the stage in some spots, or you can choose seating facing away from the stage.
Room 1+1
The smaller party space is Room 1+1. It will likely be the most sensory-intensive space of all. You can easily identify it by the brightly colored mural along the entrance route. The space is small but open. There is seating, but no shelter from sensory stimuli. A DJ performs there, and there is also a VJ projecting video onto three walls. In addition to the dance floor, the room contains a bar and a few tables with seating. Due to the small size of the space, the sensory load is consistent throughout the room.
Read instructions hereThe indoor corridors are dimly lit and fairly narrow. Because of this, the interior may feel somewhat more maze-like than it actually is. However, there are only two actual party rooms plus the restroom area.
Restroom area and accessible restroom
The restroom area is a large open space with many stalls and a handwashing area. Lighting here is normal. The accessible restroom is the quietest indoor space. You may briefly retreat there to recover if sensory overload hits and you need some personal space. However, the ventilation noise is loud. The ceiling is also open, so sounds from surrounding areas carry into the space. Hearing protectors are available there to help reduce auditory strain. They are intended only for use inside the restroom — please do not remove them. If you realize you need hearing protectors outside the restroom, ask staff and they will provide loaner hearing protectors.
Room 1
The largest space, Room 1, is a large hall. At one end there is a performance stage, and at the other end a large bar. Between them is open space, with seating along the edges. Speakers are placed throughout the room, and the sound load is high everywhere in the space. The stage also features bright flashing lights. There will also be a screen placed between the center pillars of the stage, showing both moving and still images.
Although the overall sensory load in the room is extremely high, there is some variation across different parts of the space that you may be able to use to your advantage, especially regarding visual stimulation. For example, concrete pillars partially block the view of the stage in some spots, or you can choose seating facing away from the stage.
Room 1+1
The smaller party space is Room 1+1. It will likely be the most sensory-intensive space of all. You can easily identify it by the brightly colored mural along the entrance route. The space is small but open. There is seating, but no shelter from sensory stimuli. A DJ performs there, and there is also a VJ projecting video onto three walls. In addition to the dance floor, the room contains a bar and a few tables with seating. Due to the small size of the space, the sensory load is consistent throughout the room.
Helsinki Pride Parade
You will find the sensory accessibility description of Helsinki Pride Parade on this page closer to the event. The sensory accessibility description has been produced by Kaiao. Please note that the Calming Area at the Pride House is available during the Helsinki Pride Parade.
Read instructions hereCalmer Walking Block at the Helsinki Pride Parade
You can join the Helsinki Pride parade from Esplanadi Park at the corner of Eteläesplanadi and Kasarmikatu (Eteläesplanadi 12), where gathering for the calmer walking block begins at 1:00 PM. The meeting point can be identified by the Eino Leino statue located in the middle of the park.
At the meeting point, you will find Helsinki Pride’s Kasper Gustafsson, who will assist participants in joining the parade. The quiet walking block will join the parade at approximately 1:15 PM. Kasper will be holding a sign that says “Rauhallisempi blokki / Calmer Block”. You can reach Kasper by phone at 0408409320 or by email at kasperg@pride.fi.
The calmer block will proceed calmly toward the Park Festival. Please note that the calmer block is “calm” in comparison to the rest of the parade, but it is not a fully sensory-calm environment. Participants joining the calmer block are kindly asked to leave high-visibility (neon-coloured) clothing and accessories, loud horns, and similar items at home. Rainbow colours, balloons, signs, and similar items are welcome. The calmer block is not a joyless block!
Read instructions hereAt the meeting point, you will find Helsinki Pride’s Kasper Gustafsson, who will assist participants in joining the parade. The quiet walking block will join the parade at approximately 1:15 PM. Kasper will be holding a sign that says “Rauhallisempi blokki / Calmer Block”. You can reach Kasper by phone at 0408409320 or by email at kasperg@pride.fi.
The calmer block will proceed calmly toward the Park Festival. Please note that the calmer block is “calm” in comparison to the rest of the parade, but it is not a fully sensory-calm environment. Participants joining the calmer block are kindly asked to leave high-visibility (neon-coloured) clothing and accessories, loud horns, and similar items at home. Rainbow colours, balloons, signs, and similar items are welcome. The calmer block is not a joyless block!
Helsinki Pride Park Festival
You will find the sensory accessibility description of Helsinki Pride Park Festival on this page. The sensory accessibility description has been produced by Kaiao.
Read instructions hereCalming Area at the Park Festival
The Park Festival offers a calm recovery space for those who need a safe place to recover from acute sensory or other forms of overload. The space is sensory accessible. In the calming area, you can rest and recover from overstimulation.
Read instructions hereCommunication Cards
Communication cards are designed to support anyone’s communication, for example in noisy environments. They can also help with managing overload when communicating through speech is difficult, for example due to sensory overwhelm or selective mutism. You can use the communication cards to let Helsinki Pride volunteers know, for instance, if you need assistance getting to a calm space or leaving the event. The cards have been designed by Kaiao.
Communication cards are available at:
Pride House: Info Point and the calming room
Senate Square: Info Point
Park Festival: Info Point
Women’s Party: Safer space contact persons and the accessible toilet
Youth Pride House
You can also save digital versions of the cards for yourself from Helsinki Pride’s social media channels and website.
Available only in FinnishPride House: Info Point and the calming room
Senate Square: Info Point
Park Festival: Info Point
Women’s Party: Safer space contact persons and the accessible toilet
Youth Pride House
You can also save digital versions of the cards for yourself from Helsinki Pride’s social media channels and website.