72 hours in Herttoniemi: the green neighbourhood by the sea
Your perfectly imperfect itinerary for the pine paradise of Helsinki
If you have 72 hours and a curiosity for the green side of Helsinki seaside, our perfectly imperfect itinerary series will show you how to make every hour feel like a deep breath. Swap the city rush for forest hush and trade taxis for trails, without ever leaving the metro line. Here is a three day itinerary for Herttoniemi, East Helsinki’s down-to-earth neighbourhood, as recommended by locals.
Green &
Blue
Year round
Day 1: Arrive and breathe in
Welcome to Helsinki! Take the metro east from the city centre, hop off at Herttoniemi, and feel your shoulders drop a little. The air seems cleaner here. Probably because it is!
Catch your first sea breeze
Stretch your legs or grab a city bike down to Herttoniemenranta. The Eastern Waterfront Trail winds through these shores, perfect for getting your bearings and your first lungfuls of Baltic breeze. If you’re brave, go for a swim (summer or winter!) in Tuorinniemenranta.
From a park to the pub
Keep the fresh-air theme going and wander over to Roihuvuori Cherry Park. Climb up the hill and stand right below the 50+ metre-high water tower. Yes, it really looks like a UFO. So cool. In spring, you might catch the park’s cherry trees in full blossom.
When hunger hits, the options are plenty; deciding where to eat in Herttoniemi is the hardest part. Treffi Pub & Bistro is a neighbourhood institution you don’t want to miss: hearty, welcoming and a favourite amongst locals.
Day 2: Go wild (politely)
After a restful night, it’s time to get moving again. Your second day is about discovering Herttoniemi’s wilder side – the kind that wears good walking shoes, not high heels.
A walk through Helsinkian cottage life
Start with a Nordic breakfast at a Helsinkian classic, Way Bakery, then continue to the Herttoniemi allotment garden. Marvel at rows of colourful cottages and the unique city-country lifestyle of the locals. If it’s warm, pack a picnic and enjoy the blossoming gardens. If it’s winter, the garden is not likely very active, but it’s still pretty!
Helsinki
Secret
Find your quiet
Next up on your itinerary for Herttoniemi: Kivinokka, a magical forest area that’s beautiful across all seasons. Explore winding trails, quiet beaches, and prehistoric potholes called “hiidenkirnut” (giant’s kettles). Birdwatch, swim, or just breathe – this is what to do in Herttoniemi when you’re in need of balance.
Dine by the water
After your nature adventures, you probably want to head to bed early. But if there’s a bit more energy in you, head to Bella Marina for a cosy dinner right by the water, or grab some takeaway pizza from Uuno.
Day 3: A cultured goodbye
Your last day in Herttoniemi calls for a change of pace, and maybe some culture to balance all that fresh air.
Intrigued by the history of the neighbourhood you’ve just enjoyed for a couple of days? Step back in time at Herttoniemi Manor, one of Helsinki’s oldest manor houses. Its elegant gardens make for a peaceful morning stroll. You can almost hear the rustle of old silk dresses!
A final taste of East Helsinki
Right beside the manor, Wanha Mylly, an old mill turned restaurant, serves classic Finnish dishes in a peaceful atmosphere. The ideal finale to your 3-day trip to Herttoniemi: local, relaxed, and a little nostalgic.
Finally, it’s a quick metro ride back to the Central Railway Station and from there by train to the airport. The best souvenir from Herttoniemi? Fresh lungs and clear mind.