Hietaranta Beach – a true sandy classic 

You can’t begin a list of the best swimming places in Helsinki without this most classic of swimming beaches. On a hot summer’s day you should try to get to Hietaranta Beach nice and early, as it is one of the most popular beaches in the Finnish capital. Early birds can enjoy this pearl of a beach in splendid peace and quiet.

Hietaranta Beach also offers lots of services. You will find beach volleyball and basketball courts, exercise equipment, toilets, showers and changing rooms. There is also a playground for kids, and you can buy snacks and refreshments from the café. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer until mid-August. 

Swimming Stadium – a slice of Helsinki’s Olympic history 

Designed in the Functionalist style for the Summer Olympics, the Swimming Stadium is a particularly interesting place to go for a dip. The Swimming Stadium was originally built to host the 1940 Olympic Games, which had to be postponed due to the outbreak of war. The pools were then used to store herrings and vegetables for a while – think about that when you are gliding over the water! The stadium was finally completed in 1947 and hosted the swimming and diving events at the 1952 Summer Olympics.

In addition to the main 50-metre pool, there is also a wading pool, diving pool and children’s pool, as well as an exercise area, beach volleyball and basketball courts, and a kiosk. 

Kumpula – an outdoor swimming pool in idyllic surroundings

The Kumpula district is famous for its wooden houses and idyllic surroundings, where you will also find one of the most popular public swimming pools in Helsinki. Like the Swimming Stadium, the history of the Kumpula Outdoor Swimming Pool is also connected to the Olympics – it was in fact the practice pool. It is also one of the oldest outdoor swimming pools with tracks in all of Finland.

There is a 25-metre pool, a children’s pool, a wading pool and a diving pool. You will also find beach volleyball and basketball courts, a camping area and a café. 

Aurinkolahti – Helsinki’s Miami Beach

Aurinkolahti in the Vuosaari district is quite a unique beach for Finland, as it stretches for 700 metres and curves just as beautifully as any Southern European shoreline. So if you want to enjoy a beach vacation without leaving the city, this is the place for you! On top of all that, the sandy beach is also shallow, so it’s perfect for kids.

Close to the beach you will find a basketball court and exercise area. You can also enjoy the beauty of the beach from the sea by renting a SUP board. In addition, you will find a café and changing rooms, and lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer.

Mustikkamaa – sand, smooth rocks and soothing sea views

Helsinki Zoo on the island of Korkeasaari may be one of the top summer attractions, but did you know that the island of Mustikkamaa that you cross to get to the zoo also hides a beautiful swimming beach? The shallow beach is in a beautiful setting, making it popular among families and young people. In addition to the sandy beach, there are also lots of smooth granite rocks that you can lie on to soak up the sun, as well as private little areas where you can enjoy your own peace and quiet.

Mustikkamaa Beach has changing rooms and showers, and lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer. Mustikkamaa is an island where you can easily spend an entire summer’s day. There are lots of walking paths and exercise areas, as well as football fields and basketball courts and even public tennis courts.

Mustasaari Island – a sheltered beach surrounded by the sea

The small beach on the island of Mustasaari is one of the most beautiful in Helsinki. Mustasaari is a recreational and summer camp island run by the Helsinki Parish Union. Even though the beach is on the sea, it is surprisingly sheltered thanks to the proximity of the neighbouring Hevossaari island, so you don’t have to worry about big waves. There are beach huts and a shower, as well as a playground and café.

Myllyjärvi – Espoo’s well-kept secret lake

The neighbouring municipality of Espoo (and part of the Helsinki Region) has refreshing wilderness lakes where you can cool off on hot summer days. One of its best-kept secrets is Myllyjärvi, which is almost impossible to stumble across by accident – you have to know how to get there. You have to walk down a steep hill for around a hundred metres to get to the lake, but it’s definitely worth it. The lake is surrounded by a nature reserve, so it is always peaceful and clean. There are even beach huts at the swimming beach on the south end of the lake. It’s worth taking a picnic basket full of snacks and refreshments with you.