Helsinki islands you can visit in the winter

Helsinki is well-known for its island hopping in the summer. And although lots of the city’s archipelago is unreachable in the winter, there are a few islands that are accessible throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a running route with gorgeous views, a stunning sculpture park, or the most delightful walking route, Helsinki’s islands offer something for everyone throughout the winter.

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9 Helsinki islands you can visit in the winter

Uunisaari island is located close to the city centre, offering a tranquil and relaxing seaside atmosphere. Close to the Kaivopuisto park, the island is a short boat ride from Merisatama (Komapassi). In wintertime, approx. from mid-November to mid-April, there is a pedestrian bridge connection to the island. Uunisaari café serves delicacies, there are saunas to rent (also with public sauna hours) and a beach, which is popular in summer.

1. Uunisaari

Suomenlinna sea fortress is a Unesco World Heritage Site located on the coast of Helsinki, and also a suburb of Helsinki with around 800 residents.

2. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Mustikkamaa is located south of Kulosaari, about 5 km from city centre. Mustikkamaa is a popular outdoor recreation area with eg. a beach, kiosk, café and restaurants and tennis courts as well as a summer theatre. Since 1964 a bridge has connected Mustikkamaa to Kulosaari. In 2016 a pedestrians bridge, Isoisänsilta, was opened from the new Kalasatama residential area to Mustikkamaa. The way to Helsinki zoo, Korkeasaari, is also through Mustikkamaa.

3. Mustikkamaa

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).

4. Lammassaari

Rajasaari is a small island near the Sibelius Monument in Taka-Töölö, connected to the mainland by Rajasaarenpenger. On the island there's a big dog park where it is also possible for dogs to swim.

5. Rajasaari

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.

6. Seurasaari Island

Helsinki Zoo is home to more than 150 animal species and almost 1000 plant species that show the diversity of nature. Helsinki Zoo is one of the few zoos located on an island. The zoo was established in 1889 which makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world. Helsinki Zoo also participates in the work to protect the habitats in the original homes of the various species. The rhino sign will take you to the animals that belong to the zoos' shared protection programme. On the island you'll also find a souvenir shop and cafés & restaurants.

7. Helsinki Zoo

At Tervasaari island, which is a popular recreation area next to the city centre, you can find eg. restaurant Savu, a kid's playground, a dogpark with a designated swimming beach for dogs, a summer theatre and a rug washing pier.

Tervasaari can be reached by foot from Pohjoisranta.

8. Tervasaari

Lehtisaari is an island and part of Munkkiniemi, a neighborhood in western Helsinki. 

Lehtisaari's overall appearance is coastal and wooded. Lehtisaari contains a portion of the jogging route that is used by the Helsinki City Marathon. The island's residential zoning began in the 1950s. The island's residential area was mostly built in the 1960s.

9. Lehtisaari

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From Suomenlinna to Seurasaari, Helsinki is full of islands that are accessible throughout the winter. ...