Farm and nature experiences in and around Helsinki

Lampaita Haltialan kotieläintilalla

Lehmä syö ruohoa Fallkullassa

A sunny stroll across Seurasaari bridge

Farm and nature experiences in Helsinki

Haltiala is the largest recreational forest area in Helsinki. Several of the nature sights in the Central park are concentrated at the Haltiala area. Most of these can be seen along the nature trails in the area. 

Niskala Arboretum, a tree species park in the Haltiala area, can also be visited along nature trails. 

The whole Haltiala area is like a picture of a traditional Finnish rural landscape. At the Haltiala farm visitors have an opportunity to acquaint themselves with domestic farm animals. In the summers, the fields of the farm are cultivated with traditional crops and colourful flowers. There are also events at the farm, especially during Easter and Christmas. Café-restaurant Wanha Pehtoori is also located here.

1. Haltialan ulkoilualue

At Fallkulla farm, especially popular amongst families with children, it is possible to get aquainted with traditional farm animals: sheep, goats, cows, chicken, ducks, rabbits and horses. Many of the animals are of a traditional stock that is native to Finland. Fallkulla is a youth centre of City of Helsinki.

2. Fallkulla Domestic Animal Farm

Tuomarinkylä Manor from the 1790s stands on a hill surrounded by fields in Tuomarinkylä in northern Helsinki. 

Today the manor buildings host restaurant Annan Kartano, interior design shop Country White, By Pia's outlet with eg. fashion for women, Klementiinan sali- event space and gallery, Klementiinan putiikki-shop and art school Taidekoulu Alfa. The former stables and cowsheds host riding schools. City of Helsinki takes care of the manor area and cultivates the surrounding fields.

3. Tuomarinkylä Manor

The Seurasaari island provides a nice setting for outdoor recreation, sun worshippers and walkers. The tame ducks, swans and geese swarming around the bridge welcome everybody. Having crossed the white wooden bridge a visitor can't help running into the happy little squirrels of the island.

4. Seurasaari Island

Mustasaari is a unique summer paradise with a possibility for many activities. Owned by the Helsinki Parish Union, the island is open for everybody and situated fifteen minutes ferryride away from the buzz of the city. The ferry departs from Taivallahti. 

Mustasaari island is especially popular among families with kids. There is a playground, a shallow beach and a lunch café, known for its cinnamon buns (korvapuusti in Finnish). There are also some sheep and bunnies living on the island during the summer months. Programme and events are organized throughout the summer, and a regular moment of prayer is organized daily. 

Dogs are not allowed on the island.

5. Mustasaari island

Lammassaari is a recreational island close to Vanhankaupunginkoski rapids near Arabianranta, next to Kuusiluoto. Accessible duckboards (a path made of wooden planks) begin from Pornaistenniemi. Together with the nature trail Lap of Nature, the duckboards form an accessible recreational path of approx. 3,5km.

Lammassaari is part of the Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti nature reserve. All visitors should respect the peace of nature both inside the nature protection area as well as in the surrounding green areas. Lammassaari is a perfect place for nature hikes and bird watching while there are thousands of migrating birds in the area every spring and autumn.

Please notice that there are private cottages in the area and walking in the area should be on marked paths only.

Though the name Lammassaari, meaning "sheep island" in Finnish, sheep can't be found here but on the nearby Kuusiluoto island instead (in summertime).

6. Lammassaari

Wanha Pehtoori

Café

Restaurant Annan Kartano

Restaurant

Café Mieritz

Event venue Koskenranta

Mustasaaren toimintakeskuksen Kanttiini

Cafes and restaurants in farm and nature atmospheres

Tips for enjoying the outdoors in Helsinki with your kids

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Farm and nature experiences are within easy reach of Helsinki. You can get to animal farms and other nature areas by bicycle or even on foot and spend an entire day enjoying your outing. You may even get to pet some sheep or pigs!...