Tips for ice safety in Helsinki
When the weather gets really cold in Helsinki and the sea freezes – usually by February – it is tempting to go and walk on the ice. And many locals do. You can walk from island to island, make paths across the sea and access places that you would not be able to go to in the summer (unless you have a boat, of course!).
However, it is not always safe.
The safest way to experience walking – or skiing, ice-skating or sledding! – on the sea ice is to go on a guided tour with an expert. But, if you are still tempted to follow on the footsteps of Helsinkians and venture out on your own then here are a few safety tips to keep in mind. And some tour operators too!
The ice conditions on the Baltic Sea vary greatly, depending on the temperature and the location. February is usually the best and safest month to walk on ice, although not always! Ice conditions usually deteriorate rapidly in March. You might see the occasional daredevil ice-fisherman on the sea ice, but that does not mean you should go too.
Main safety tips:
Always check the local ice conditions in advance – the easiest way is to ask locals who are walking in the area. The Finnish Meteorological Institute also posts information about ice conditions on their website and on BALFI service.
Never walk too close to openings in the ice or under bridges, through narrow straits or where there are fast-flowing streams or currents.
Never walk in areas where there is ferry traffic, e.g. near the Market Square and Suomenlinna islands. The ice-breakers have broken the ice for the ferry and ship traffic and it is not safe. Locals do not walk on these areas.
Never go out onto the ice alone, but keep a safe distance between yourself and the person in front of you in case either one of you goes through the ice.
Pack a set of ice claws and warm dry clothing if you plan to take the risk (all yours!) to trek across natural ice where there is no one else around. Familiarise yourself with how to use the ice claws in advance. Remember that you can never be a hundred percent certain that the ice will carry you. Ice claws might not save you if you are inexperienced and do not have the right clothing.
Best way to enjoy the icy sea safely is to go on a guided tour (see below for some Helsinki-based tour operators).
Here is a classic Finnish kids’ animation showing ice safety at its best. Enjoy!
Some icy activities:
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