7 best places to see wildlife in Helsinki
In addition to its vibrant culture and design—Helsinki is also a haven for wildlife, seamlessly blending urban living with natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid nature lover or just looking for a fun family activity, observing animals in their natural habitats offers a unique way to explore the city.
From squirrels in parks to otters by the rapids, Helsinki’s green spaces provide countless opportunities for spotting its diverse wildlife. Here are seven great places to start your adventure.
Squirrels in Seurasaari
Squirrels are a delightful symbol of Helsinki’s wildlife, and Seurasaari Island is the perfect place to see them up close. This recreational island is a paradise for these furry creatures, who are often surprisingly friendly. Bring along unsalted nuts or seeds, and you might just make a new squirrel friend. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander the paths—they’re everywhere!
Otters and seals by the Old Town rapids
Spotting a European otter in Helsinki is a rare treat, but Old Town Rapids (Vanhankaupunginkoski) is your best bet. Look for tracks along the shoreline or keep an eye on the water where these playful creatures sometimes appear. Another incredible animal to spot in this area is a grey seal! More and more common in Helsinki these days, seals love to swim by the shoreline and can also be seen around Lauttasaari, Herttoniemi and Kaivopuisto neighbourhoods, among others. Kayakers seem to spot most of Helsinki seals as these cute and curious animals often come and swim right by the lucky paddlers.
Even if the otters or seals remain elusive, Old Town rapids and most of Helsinki’s shoreline is rich in birdlife. Try spotting the charming white-throated dipper, affectionately known as the “Finnish penguin”!
Rabbits in Kaisaniemi Park
Helsinki’s “city bunnies” are a well-known feature of urban life, often making headlines for their resilience. To spot these furry critters, head to Kaisaniemi Park and look among the bushes and shrubs. While they can be shy, tracing their tracks in the snow during winter is an exciting challenge for kids and adults alike.
Hares in Viikki
If you’re after a wilder version of Helsinki’s rabbits, the grassy fields of Viikki are ideal for spotting hares. These agile creatures are common across the city, thriving even better than their forest-dwelling cousins. Head out early or at dusk for the best chance of catching a glimpse.
Small carnivores in Central Park
Helsinki’s Central Park (Keskuspuisto) is a sprawling forested area teeming with small carnivores like weasels and stoats. These shy, fast-moving creatures are tricky to spot, often leaving only tracks behind. However, with patience and quiet observation, you may encounter a curious weasel venturing surprisingly close before disappearing into the undergrowth.
Mallards in Töölönlahti
Birdwatching doesn’t get easier than this! Töölönlahti Bay, located in the heart of Helsinki, is home to one of Finland’s largest populations of nesting mallards. Over 3,000 ducks winter here, thanks to locals feeding them for generations. Bring a camera, settle on the shoreline, and enjoy observing these charismatic wild ducks.
Small Birds in Haltiala
For more diverse birdwatching, head to Haltiala – a unique and diverse nature site. The area has everything from old forests to primeval forest, river banks to arboretum and rural landscapes you would not believe are part of a capital city! Feeders along the arboretum paths attract numerous species of small birds, making it easy to observe them up close. Venture into the quiet of the primeval forest, stand still, and watch as the birds return to their perches within minutes. Let your eyes rest on the flower meadows and imagine going back to the olden days.
Plan Your wildlife adventure
Helsinki’s parks and green spaces offer endless opportunities to observe and connect with nature, even within the city limits and even in the winter. Whether you’re feeding squirrels on the island of Seurasaari, watching mallards at Töölönlahti, tracking otters at the Old Town Rapids or seals by the sea, every outing promises discovery and delight. So grab your binoculars, explore these seven wildlife hotspots, and see Helsinki’s wilder side.
