The police will safeguard Independence Day celebrations in the capital together with other authorities

Finland’s Independence Day events will cause changes in traffic arrangements, public transport routes and pedestrian traffic in Helsinki. The police will have a visible presence in the city centre to ensure the smooth flow of events and and maintain public order.

In addition to the traditional celebrations, several demonstrations will take place in Helsinki on Independence Day, 6 December 2025.

“Securing Independence Day events, demonstrations and public order in the capital is the largest annual operation of the Finnish Police. The Helsinki Police Department receives support from several police units as well as assistance by other authorities,” says Chief Superintendent Jere Roimu, Chief of Response and Control Division.

In addition to the police’s own vehicles, the area will include equipment and personnel from the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard.

Independence Day events and processions will cause significant traffic disruption in central Helsinki.

The police recommend avoiding unnecessary private car use between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., especially in the areas around Senate Square, Kruununhaka, Katajanokka and Töölö. Traffic on Pohjoisesplanadi and Mariankatu will be restricted during the day and may be fully closed at times.

“The police will direct traffic as necessary throughout the inner city. The aim of the traffic arrangements is to minimise disruption, but travellers should reserve extra time when moving in the city centre on Independence Day evening,” Roimu says.

Up-to-date information on public transport diversions is available on HSL’s website at www.hsl.fi. The diversions will also affect passengers travelling via the Port of Helsinki’s South Harbour.

The police will publish continuous updates on Independence Day events and key traffic impacts in the news section of the police.fi website throughout the day.

Police to monitor an expanded no-fly zone in central Helsinki

Aviation in central Helsinki will be restricted between 8:00 a.m. on 6 December and 2:00 a.m. on 7 December. The restriction applies to both manned and unmanned aviation (drones). The temporary aviation restriction area has been established to ensure the safety of official aviation activities and public events.
The police remind all operators that they are required to comply with the flight restrictions in force. Further information and up-to-date no-fly zones are available at Droneinfo.fi and Flyk.com.

“Drones may not be flown in the Helsinki city centre area during Independence Day. The police will closely monitor the expanded no-fly zone. Violations will result in fines, and devices may be confiscated as instruments of an offence,” Roimu notes.

The restrictions do not apply to flights conducted by military, border guard, police, customs, maritime and aviation authorities, nor to rescue services, emergency medical services (EMS) or patient transport, or flights ordered by these authorities if their statutory duties require aviation in the area. The restrictions also do not apply to urgent medical helicopter flights or to flights required under international obligations binding on Finland.

Traditional Independence Day events

Traditional Independence Day events:

• Finnish Defence Forces’ wreath-laying ceremony at Hietaniemi Cemetery, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Ecumenical Independence Day service at Helsinki Cathedral, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Traditional torchlight procession by university students starting at 4:00 p.m., route from Hietaniemi Cemetery to Senate Square
• The President of the Republic’s Independence Day Reception starting at 6:30 p.m.

Demonstrations reported to the police

Under the Assembly Act, the police must be notified of any public assembly or demonstration at least 24 hours before it begins.

The organiser, or a person designated by the organiser, acts as the liaison with the police before and during the demonstration. If necessary, they will negotiate with the police or intervene in the demonstration’s course. The organiser is responsible for ensuring that participants comply with the law and with arrangements agreed with the police.

The organiser is responsible for maintaining safety and public order at the assembly. The organiser may be held criminally liable if they fail to follow police orders or address observed safety threats.

Demonstrations notified to the police:

• Catholic procession starting at 11:00 a.m., from St Mary’s Church to St Henry’s Cathedral
• March for Finland starting at 11:00 a.m., from the Parliament Building  to Hietaniemi Cemetery
• Fixit movement demonstration starting at 2:00 p.m., from Senate Square to the Parliament Building
• Finland Awakens demonstration starting at 3:00 p.m., from Railway Square to the Parliament Building 
• Demonstration against the government’s austerity policy starting at 5:00 p.m., route not yet agreed
• 612 torchlight procession starting at 5:00 p.m., from Töölö Square to Hietaniemi Cemetery