- Top reasons to visit Helsinki in summer
Top reasons to visit Helsinki in summer
Helsinki's annual rhythms: SummerRead more - Top reasons to visit Helsinki in summerTop reasons to visit Helsinki in summerSummer: How to eat seasonal food in HelsinkiRead more
Summer is the perfect time to get the most out of Helsinki. It is also maybe the best time to get most out of Helsinkians - long days and white summer nights make people live like there is no tomorrow. The little islands and rocky beaches, extraordinary public saunas along the seaside, the sunny summer terraces and cafes...they all come to life during these beautiful, magical months.
Summer in Helsinki
From seaside strolls to best picnic spots, we got you covered.
Hotels for Helsinki summer vacations and staycations
Sightseeing on your mind?
See our best tips
Best sights in Helsinki
Best summer restaurant and picnic tips
Looking for that perfect gift from Helsinki?
See our shopping tips
Best Helsinki shopping tips
Breathe in, breathe out and enjoy the outdoors
Summer tips from your local guides
Selection of our favourite summer spots on a map
- 1. Suomenlinna Sea FortressSuomenlinna sea fortress is a Unesco World Heritage Site located on the coast of Helsinki, and also a suburb of Helsinki with around 800 residents.Sustainable service2. Linnanmäki Amusement ParkLinnanmäki Amusement Park has entertained fun loving people since 1950.Sustainable service3. Seurasaari Open-Air MuseumAt the Open-Air Museum of Seurasaari the traditional Finnish way of life is displayed in the cottages, farmsteads and manors of the past four centuries that have been relocated from all around Finland. The museum consists of buildings from the different provinces of Finland. Relocated to Seurasaari Island, they give an overall view of the life in Finnish countryside from the 18th to the 20th century.Sustainable service
- 4. LonnaLonna is a charming little island situated between Helsinki's bustling Market Square and the Suomenlinna Fortress Island.Sustainable service5. Little FinlandiaA new pavilion-like venue, Little Finlandia. Offers a unique, matchless venue for meetings, congresses and other events.Sustainable service6. Market SquareLocated at the South Harbour at one end of the Esplanade Park, the Market Square is Helsinki's most international and famous market. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. There are also heated café tents where you can comfortably have a steaming hot coffee even on the coldest days in winter. The Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, one of the oldest ongoing event traditions in Finland, is arranged here every October. It has been held since 1743. There's a ferry connection to Suomenlinna Fortress island from the Market Square year round, and in summer it is possible to catch eg. a ferry to Korkeasaari Zoo, hop on one of the archipelago sightseeing cruises or take a boat trip to Porvoo. The Stone of the Empress', in the middle of the Market Square, is the oldest public memorial in Helsinki. It was erected to commemorate the Empress Alexandra's (the German-born wife of Nicholas I), first visit to Helsinki. On the west side of the Market Square, close to the Esplanade park, stands the Havis Amanda fountain, by Ville Vallgren (1908), one of the best known statues in Helsinki.
- 7. Pihlajasaari IslandPihlajasaari is a former villa island that is now a versatile outdoor recreation area.8. Swimming StadiumDesigned by architect Jorma Järvi, the Swimming Stadium was built for the 1940 Olympic Games, which due to the outbreak of war were cancelled. It later went on to host part of the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. The today popular outdoor swimming pool area consists of four different pools: 50-metre pool, diving pool, children's pool, wading pool.9. Hakaniemi Market SquareTraditional market treats and atmosphere. Next to the market square is also the Hakaniemi Market Hall. Sunday market usually on the first Sunday of each month.
- 10. Helsinki ZooHelsinki 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.Sustainable service11. MustikkamaaMustikkamaa 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.12. Hietaranta beachHietaranta (also called Hietsu) offers a shallow and safe swimming area and is very popular on hot summer days.
- 13. Hietalahti Market SquareAt Hietalahti market square at the far end of Bulevardi you'll find an, especially in summertime popular outdoor flea market. The market is open all year though with weather permition. The Hietalahti Market Hall is situated next to the square.
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