Lauttasaari hot spots: your 7 must-dos
Right by the Helsinki city centre, Lauttasaari offers a great balance of lively and laid- back. The tight-knit community of the island claims it’s the happiest place in the city. It’s easy to believe it: gorgeous seaside, rich nature, and a busy business scene live here side by side. In the abundance of activities, it can be hard to choose what to do next, so here’s our top 7 for you to tackle first!
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| 4 min read
1. Beach please
Ready for Lauttasaari hot spots – quite literally? On the island of the happy, you can find multiple excellent beaches for year-round exploration. Lauttasaari Beach has something for everyone: swimming opportunities, basketball, volleyball, beach volley, a kids’ playground, kiteboarders, breath- taking views, and even a café and restaurant for a nice sit-down. Another great place to relax and feel the breeze in is Veijarivuori Beach in Lauttasaari’s southern part, Vattuniemi, and if you head to the north of the island and venture a bit further, the snug Lehtisaari Beach is definitely worth a visit.
Around
All year
2. Bike around the island
If you are looking to explore the happiest place in Finland, and in Helsinki, Helsinki city bikes are the answer! Good biking roads ensure you have a smooth ride all around the island and Lauttasaari hot spots. Helsinki city bikes are easily accessed and rented via the HSL app or website. So, rent a yellow two-wheeler and take in the scenery where sea, trees, and urban busy bees all exist in harmony.
3. Time travel tour
Lauttasaari has gorgeous architecture spanning all the way to the 18th century. The oldest buildings of the island, Lauttasaari Manor and Red Villa, are a grand location to feel the wings of history. Traditionally, 18th century manors were owned by the local Swedish-speaking gentry. Lauttasaari Church is a clean demonstration of 1950s architecture, and the roads are lined with gorgeous homes and buildings built in the 70s. And if you really want to dive deep into history, spot the remnants of a stone fence around Myllykalliontie – the structure is believed to have been preserved all the way from the 1500s. How’s that for a blast from the past!
4. Take a hike
Lauttasaari has excellent trails for walking and jogging; the upkeep ensures you can get around the island and enjoy the nature and views all year around. In the south, Veijarivuori Park and Särkiniemi Park are popular areas for daily walks by the sea. On the northern side, quiet roads go around Lauttasaari’s tranquil Katajaharjunniemi area and Laukkaluoto. Bridges also connect the area all the way to Lehtisaari Hiidenkiuas Park – especially gorgeous during October, with trees flaming in autumn colours and historical burial mounds ready to be spotted right by the park.
5. Winter swimming wonderland
Who doesn’t love a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day? Luckily, in Lauttasaari the fun doesn’t stop when the seasons change. Winter swimming is a popular hobby in Finland – yes, you read that right. And yes, it’s very cold. But it also has lots of scientifically proven benefits for both your body and mind. We can also promise it’s a fantastic icebreaker (see what we did there?) at parties. So, get your beanie ready and take a plunge at Police Summer House with a nice, hot sauna afterwards!
6. Food for thought
Literally – the food scene in Lauttasaari is so delicious you’ll be thinking about it for a while! Have yourself a cup of coffee and a warm ‘korvapuusti’ at the legendary Café Mutteri, enjoy some of Europe’s top slices at Pizzeria Luca, grab a fresh croissant on the go from Le Jardin, and taste some local lager at Solmu Brewery!
7. Wander outside the box
If you happen to venture out to see the neighbouring areas, here are a couple of great spots to check out! At a factory-gone-culture hub, Cable Factory, you can enjoy museums and performances, join the activities, and get swept away by all kinds of events. For the friends of art and local rural history, Didrichsen Art Museum and Salmisaari Open-Air Museum are must-visits. The long running trails leading from Lauttasaari to Salmisaari and all the way to Töölö are exceptional for all seasons. And when you want to get your body moving, Salmisaari Sports Centre offers a great selection of activities, from cross-fit and climbing arena to dance lessons and laser tag.
