Urban nature in Helsinki

City life, shaped by forests and sea

Imagine this: Picking wild berries and mushrooms inside the city limits. Walking barefoot through an urban forest on your way to work. Paddling across sunlit bays just minutes from Helsinki’s main train station. Listening to pure silence—the wind in the trees—before heading out to a nightclub.

Cycling home in the middle of a summer night, accompanied by dozens of birds singing at sunrise. Taking a tram straight into the forest, where the scent of pine, moss, and spring lilies fills the air. Spotting rare birds during your coffee break, and stargazing at night with the glow of the Market Square nearby.

Actually, don’t just imagine. Do it.

In Helsinki, urban nature is part of everyday life—and always within reach.

Photo Aleksi Poutanen
Person walking in Helsinki urban nature

Quick facts about urban nature in Helsinki

70% of of Helsinki is water

70% of Helsinki’s surface area is water (Baltic Sea)

Environmental Report 2022

1/3 of Helsinki’s land area is covered by urban forest

Around 10% of the total city area is urban forest, integrated into neighborhoods and parks

Mushroom hunting in Mustavuori forest Environmental Report 2022

300 islands

More than 300 islands are part of the Helsinki archipelago, easily accessible by ferry, bridge, or kayak.

285 Bird species

Vanhankaupunginlahti nature reserve hosts over 285 bird species annually, making it a top spot for urban birdwatching.

Snowy owl in Korkeasaari Zoo Vanhankaupunginlahti

1,200km cycling routes

Over 1,200 km of cycling routes weave through city parks, forests, and along the seaside.

+30 public saunas

Seaside swimming happens year-round—yes, even in winter—with heated sea pools like Allas Sea Pool in the heart of the city!



Green parks and hidden forests in the heart of the city

Central Park (Keskuspuisto)

A vast green artery stretching from Töölönlahti Bay to the city’s northern limits—perfect for cycling, running, or forest bathing.

Woman taking stairs in the Central Park Central Park

Kaivopuisto Park

Helsinki’s most famous seaside park, with grassy lawns, rocky cliffs, and sweeping sea views—perfect for picnics and watching sailboats glide by.

First of May celebrations in Kaivopuisto Park (1) Kaivopuisto Park

Alppipuisto Park

A vibrant city park tucked between Linnanmäki amusement park and Kallio—famous for sunny-day picnics, concerts, and outdoor festivals.

Walking the Dog in Alppipuisto Park Alppipuisto Park

Sibelius Park

Home to the iconic Sibelius Monument, this peaceful park blends modern sculpture with winding coastal paths.

Sibelius Park and monument in Taka-Töölö district Sibelius Park

Vanhan-kaupunginlahti Nature Reserve

Wild wetlands and duckboard trails just east of the city centre—birdwatchers’ paradise and one of Helsinki’s richest urban nature reserves.

Vanhankaupunginkoski rapids during a wintry sunrise Vanhankaupunginlahti bay area

Sinebrychoff Park

A historic park hidden behind old brick brewery buildings in Punavuori—an intimate spot for lazy afternoons under old trees.

Girl sitting on a fence in Sinebrychoff Park Sinebrychoff Park

Esplanade Park (Esplanadi)

Right in the heart of Helsinki’s shopping district, this grand tree-lined boulevard becomes a living room for locals in summer.

Esplanade Park in spring Esplanade Park

Roihuvuori Cherry Park (Kirsikkapuisto)

A local secret in eastern Helsinki, bursting into pink blossom in spring—perfect for a quick sakura stroll.

52 weeks in HEL // Week 19: Cherry trees in blossom (1) Roihuvuori Cherry Park – Kirsikkapuisto

Viikki Forest and Nature Reserve

Untamed wetlands, farmlands, and wild groves just a short bike ride from downtown—ideal for birdwatching and slow hikes.

Bird-watching in Duckboards Viikki arboretum

Seurasaari Island and Park

Accessible by a wooden bridge, Seurasaari is part open-air museum, part island park—squirrels, wooden houses, forest paths, and Baltic breezes await.

Seurasaari Island

Top islands to visit near Helsinki

Suomenlinna A fortress island full of stories

One of Finland’s most treasured sights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna offers a unique blend of history, culture, and seaside charm. Wander old tunnels, climb grassy ramparts, visit museums—or simply relax with a picnic by the sea. Suomenlinna is lively in summer, atmospheric in winter, and easy to reach all year round by ferry.

Suomenlinna Ferry at a misty Helsinki harbour Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Pihlajasaari Helsinki’s ultimate summer beach escape

Just 10 minutes by summer ferry, Pihlajasaari feels like a different world: sandy beaches, smooth rocky shores, nature trails, and a rustic seaside restaurant. It’s the go-to spot for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside picnics. Bring your own snacks or dine on the island terrace overlooking the sea.

Pihlajasaari Island

Lonna A tiny island with big character

Between the city and Suomenlinna lies Lonna, a small, laid-back island known for its relaxed atmosphere. Spend an afternoon enjoying local food, sipping coffee, or warming up in the seaside sauna. Ideal for a slow day trip just outside the city bustle.

Lonna sauna experience (7) Lonna island sauna

Vallisaari Nature reclaiming history

Once closed military zones, Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are now wild havens of biodiversity and beauty. Stroll scenic trails surrounded by rare plants, coastal cliffs, and quiet ponds. Bring good walking shoes and a sense of adventure—these islands are perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and photography.

Tentsile in Vallisaari island Vallisaari

Seurasaari Open-air heritage and friendly squirrels

Connected to the mainland by a charming wooden bridge, Seurasaari is a living museum of traditional Finnish wooden houses and countryside life. It’s also a beloved nature getaway where you can feed squirrels, stroll along peaceful forest paths, and enjoy coffee at classic island cafés. Accessible year-round, magical in autumn.

Woman at Seurasaari Open-Air Museum Seurasaari Island

Mustikkamaa A local favourite for outdoor fun

Linked to the mainland near the Helsinki Zoo, Mustikkamaa offers beaches, playgrounds, forest trails, and casual seaside cafés. It’s popular for summer picnics and kayaking, but also a lovely winter spot for brisk walks and cozy coffee breaks.

isoisänsilta bridge connects Kalasatama and Mustikkamaa areas Mustikkamaa

Uunisaari City escape, just a footbridge away

Right off Kaivopuisto Park, Uunisaari is the perfect urban island escape. In summer, it’s all about sandy beaches and relaxed cafés; in winter, a heated bridge and cozy seaside restaurant make it a favourite spot for locals craving sea views even in the snow.

Uunisaari

See all cards

Urban trails

Walking

Helsinki is compact, flat, and full of pedestrian-friendly routes. From the bustling Market Square, you can walk to green parks like Kaivopuisto or along seaside trails within minutes. Urban forests like Keskuspuisto (Central Park) start just a few tram stops from the city centre—and exploring on foot lets you stumble across secret gardens, hidden beaches, and local-loved cafés.

Getting around Helsinki: Easy travel, everyday adventure

Cycling Helsinki’s ultimate summer beach escape

With more than 1,200 km of bike lanes, Helsinki is a cycling paradise. City bikes are easy to rent from spring through autumn, and the dedicated cycleways make it safe and smooth to cruise between parks, waterfronts, and neighborhoods.

Woman biking in a park (2) Quick guide: Biking in Helsinki

Public transport

Trams, buses, and metro lines are woven into the city like threads through fabric—many routes taking you straight into nature. Catch a tram toward a seaside park, take a bus to a forest trail, or ride the metro east for beach walks and island ferry connections.

Accessibility in Helsinki - getting around Helsinki is easy on a metro Frequently asked questions about Helsinki

Ferries

Ferries are part of everyday life here, not just for sightseeing. Regular ferry routes connect the city centre to islands like Suomenlinna, Vallisaari, and Uunisaari—opening the door to beaches, hiking trails, and fortress adventures.

Suomenlinna Ferry at a misty Helsinki harbour Helsinki’s islands: ferries and routes

See all cards

Nature by season: Urban wilderness all year round

Spring Life returns with a flourish

Forest floors burst into bloom with anemones, and the air smells of fresh pine and wet moss. Cherry blossoms ignite pink clouds over Roihuvuori Park, while migrating birds fill the wetlands at Vanhankaupunginlahti with life and song. It’s the perfect time for slow walks through waking forests and picnics under the first real sun.

Hanami in Roihuvuori's cherry park (8) 7 ways Helsinki springs to life

Summer The city’s green heart beats at full volume

Long light stretches the days into near-endless evenings. People swim off rocky beaches, kayak around urban bays (lahti), and spread out on grassy parks like Kaivopuisto. Ferries buzz across the archipelago to forested islands where you can hike, sauna, and picnic in wild coastal landscapes—all just a tram or bike ride from the city centre.

52 weeks in HEL // Week 33: Fleamarket in Dallapénpuisto park (1) 7 reasons to love Helsinki summer

Autumn Gold and fire take over the trees

Helsinki’s parks and forests blaze with colour—birch, maple, and rowan leaves painting the city golden. It’s the season for sienestys (mushroom picking) and mustikka (berry foraging), often just minutes from your front door. Migrating birds pass overhead, and crisp air invites long city walks, coffee in hand.

Couple walking amongst autumn leaves in Helsinki 7 reasons to love Helsinki autumn

Winter Silence settles and nature shifts

Snow covers the city in a soft, bright hush. Parks and islands become cross-country ski trails and frozen playgrounds. Bold winter swimmers plunge into icy seas from heated saunas, and clear nights offer stargazing even near downtown. The air smells clean, the nights glitter with ice and light, and forest paths crunch underfoot.

Woman entering a café in wintery Helsinki Sounds of silence in Helsinki

See all cards

Finnish lesson: Urban nature words

Metsä (forest)

Where Helsinki’s wild heart beats—just minutes from the city buzz.

Woman in rain

Mustikka (blueberry)

Sweet treasures hidden in Helsinki’s forests—yes, you’re allowed to pick them. In Finland, nature belongs to everyone.

Citykettu (city fox)

Spot a fox weaving through a city park or even downtown? That’s a citykettu, a surprising but welcome neighbour.

a fox biting a car tire Wildlife photographer Konsta Punkka’s Helsinki

Sienestys (mushroom picking)

A beloved Finnish autumn tradition—head into the woods to find chanterelles, boletes, and more.

Ranta (beach or shore)

Everywhere you go.

Saari (island)

Helsinki’s archipelago—over 300 islands waiting to be explored.

Harakka Island

Kallio (rocky cliff or hill)

(rocky cliff or hill)

Lahti (bay)

Small sheltered waters along the coast—perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the sea breeze.

Töölönlahti bay area (3)

Plan your nature-filled Helsinki adventure:

Public transport takes you everywhere

Forest trails, islands, and beaches are just a tram, bus, or ferry ride away.

Your guide to getting around Helsinki

Rent bikes or city scooters

to explore parks and coastal trails easily.

Quick guide: Biking in Helsinki

Dress for the season

Layer up in winter; wear good walking shoes year-round.

Pack a picnic or grab coffee-to-go

Helsinki’s parks and seaside rocks are made for lingering.

7 exquisite nature sites near Helsinki centre

Build your Helsinki itinerary