Helsinki running routes: take Helsinki by Sandstorm
Get ready to experience the beats of Darude’s Sandstorm in real life, and retrace the footsteps of Finland’s most iconic trance anthem! With an unforgettable Helsinki running route through the iconic spots of the beloved music video – the Senate Square, Kaivopuisto Park and Eira district – experience a run in Helsinki that will not leave you cold (even if the weather just might). Don’t forget to bring your headphones!
From 2000s to now
At the height of the trance boom of the early 2000’s, something iconic was brewing in Finland. Finnish DJ and producer Ville Virtanen, best known for his stage name Darude, released a milestone single ‘Sandstorm’ that changed the history of music (and that of the club nation) forever.
This up-beat instrumental trance tune remains as one of the most loved, danced and well-recognised songs of the millennia globally. Taking over the world with a “Sandstorm” that shows no sign of fading – it was even played at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in 2024!
In honor of the trance icon’s 25-year career, a six-point-seven-kilometer Sandstorm Run will be held in Helsinki on Sunday, August 31. Highlighting the locations featured on the video, Darude’s Sandstorm Run takes fans on a trip across a literal memory lane.
It’s great to be able to celebrate my career where it all began. The Sandstorm video is still being watched around the world, and it’s amazing to see it come to life through runners. I hope as many people as possible will come along to have fun and get moving.
-Darude
Energy and euphoria
The two things trance music and running have in common: energy and euphoria. Helsinki is a runner’s paradise, offering a unique blend of urban comfort and natural beauty. The clean air and low pollution levels make outdoor exercise especially pleasant, while the city’s reputation for safety means you can enjoy early morning jogs or late evening runs with peace of mind. Let the extensive network of well-maintained paths take you along scenic shorelines, through leafy parks, and past striking landmarks.
Remember that scene on the train tracks from the Sandstorm music video? One of Helsinki’s most distinctive running routes today is Baana, a lively pedestrian and cycling corridor built in a former railway cutting, originally pictured in the scene of the video. Stretching from just north of the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art to the Ruoholahti district, Baana offers separate lanes for walkers and cyclists, ensuring a smooth and safe flow for everyone.
On the west-end of Baana, head past Ruoholahti to the Seaside Trail, combining fresh sea breezes with stunning views of the archipelago. In the east-end, Töölönlahti loop is a popular route filled with cultural landmarks. Either way, along Baana you’ll find greenery, rest areas, and even small sports courts, making it both a practical commuting route and an inviting space for outdoor activity.
Helsinki running routes by Sandstorm
Whether you’re chasing the energy of Darude’s “Sandstorm” or simply looking to explore Helsinki in a fresh way, tracing the spots of the iconic music video adds a playful, music-fueled twist to exploring Helsinki on foot.
Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square
Start your run beneath the Cathedral’s white steps and loop around the wide expanse of Senate Square, where the neoclassical façades set a dramatic backdrop. From here, roll downhill to Market Square and along the waterfront, or weave quiet side streets toward Katajanokka for sea views. It’s best at sunrise, when the square is calm, traffic is light, and the city’s historic heart feels like your private track.
Huvilakatu in Eira
Running down Huvilakatu feels like stepping into a postcard, with its pastel Art Nouveau facades and cobblestone street curving gently toward the sea. The gentle incline makes for a pleasant pace, and the route connects easily to Kaivopuisto Park and the scenic waterfront paths. Early mornings or those golden hours here are especially magical, with soft light bouncing off the colourful houses and hardly a soul in sight.
Kaivopuisto Park
Kaivopuisto is one of Helsinki’s most beloved green spaces, offering wide, winding paths that climb gentle hills and open up to sweeping sea views. A run here takes you past manicured lawns, rocky outcrops, and charming cafés, with the option to extend your route along the coastal promenade.
Laivasillankatu in Ullanlinna
This elegant, tree-lined boulevard runs between stately 19th-century buildings and the calm waters of the South Harbour. It’s a straight, steady stretch perfect for picking up your pace, with glimpses of moored sailing ships and the Suomenlinna ferries gliding by. From here, you can easily loop-back toward Kaivopuisto’s coastal paths or Ullanlinna’s charming side streets for a scenic cooldown.
Ruoholahti canals
Ruoholahti’s waterfront paths and tranquil canals offer a modern, airy setting for a run. The flat terrain makes it ideal for an easy-paced jog, while the views of sleek architecture, gently rippling water, and small boat harbours keep things visually refreshing. You can loop around the canals for a short, scenic run or connect to the Baana route for a longer stretch into the city centre, blending urban energy with a peaceful waterside atmosphere.
Run along, with pleasure
With wide, clearly marked lanes and minimal traffic congestion, running in Helsinki is not just a workout – it’s a way to experience the city’s nature, culture, and rhythm all at once. Lace up your shoes, follow the trails, and discover Helsinki’s rhythm one step at a time, while listening to the tunes of a cultural masterpiece.
