Vanhankaupunginlahti bay area - a bird oasis in the middle of Helsinki

Lammassaaresta käsin voi tarkkailla harmaahaikaroita.

Vanhankaupunginlahden pitkospuut piilokojulle. 

Pohjolan pirtti Lammassaaressa 

Sights on map

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).

1. Lammassaari

Kuusiluoto, located at Vanhankaupunginlahti, is a recreational island part of the city's common recreational park areas. 
On the island there is an old villa, run by the association VKEK ry. The association takes care of the premises.

You can access Kuusiluoto by duckboards. Starting at the end of Jokisuuntie there are duckboards (narrow walkway made of wooden planks) that take you via Lammassaari-island to Kuusiluoto, a total of 1.2 km. Rubber boots may be needed during autumn time, when the level of sea water might be even 30 cm above the normal. 

In the south-west point of the island there is an old dock where you can swim and fish (at your own risk). It is prohibited to make any kind of open fire on the island.

For several years a few sheep have also spent their summer months at Kuusiluoto.

2. Kuusiluoto

The Vanhankaupunginlahti bay area, the fields of Viikki and Vantaanjoki river create a unique nature whole in the middle of Helsinki. It is easy to explore the nature along the trails and see the bay area and its birdlife from the bird watching towers.

The Pornaistenniemi area is easily reached via the bridge from Arabia.

3. Pornaistenniemi bird watching tower

The Museum of Technology tells the story of the relationship between time, people and technology. It preserves, researches, interprets and relays the history, present and future of Finnish technology and industry.

The permanent and special exhibitions of the museum are held in a delightful old industrial milieu on a beautiful stretch of river.

Free entry to The Museum of Technology on Thursdays.

4. The Museum of Technology

Annala is an idyllic garden area in Vanhakaupunki run by the Hyötykasviyhdistys association. The heart of the area is the oldest wooden villa in Helsinki, Villa Anneberg, built in 1832.

The villa is owned by the Hyötykasviyhdistys association since 2017 and will one day hopefully be a national center of garden culture in Finland.

The association Annalan huvilan ystävät ry runs a cafe on Sundays in the villa, Cafe Anneberg. Also events.

5. Annalan huvila

Annala Garden is an idyllic park area in Vanhakaupunki area which is open to public. Hyötykasviyhdistys ("association of useful plants") organizes garden related events and courses at the yellow wooden house (building J). The different themed garden areas present eg. useful plants, herbs, plants used for coloring etc. At the area also a villa from the 1830's and a historic orangery.

6. Annala Garden

Central Park - the central forest running the length of Helsinki

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Vanhankaupunginlahti’s location in the middle of Finland’s capital, easy accessibility via public transport and the diversity of its flora and fauna, including an abundance of bird species, make it a real jewel among urban nature destinations....