7 ways Helsinki offers people the freedom to feel safe
Everyone has the right to feel secure. Helsinki takes several measures to ensure its residents and visitors experience a sense of safety throughout the city.
In Helsinki, people might leave their handbags on café tables or their laptops unattended in libraries while stepping away for a moment. This trust in others reflects the city’s safe and reliable atmosphere. Here are seven ways Helsinki fosters a sense of safety.
1. Helsinki has a trustworthy atmosphere
Helsinki isn’t just a city that feels safe – it’s proven. In 2024, Helsinki was ranked 13th on the Global Liveability Index.
One aspect that often surprises foreigners is that it’s common for kids to take themselves to school by public transport or bike. This is rooted in the Finnish belief that independence is a key part of learning how to navigate the world – and Helsinki provides a secure environment to make that possible.
As a whole, Finland is one of the safest countries in the world as it ranks second in the world’s most stable country according to the Fragile States Index. The index analyses 179 countries.
2. The city is walkable, joggable, and lovable
Helsinki is a city made for wandering, whether on foot, on a jog, or at your own pace. Maybe that’s why staying active feels so natural here. Wherever you look, you’ll spot someone jogging, getting in their daily steps, or simply enjoying the outdoors. With countless routes to explore, from the serene Central Park to the stunning Southern seafront, there’s always a path to take.
In summer, the endless daylight means you can jog even late at night. Winter brings a different story, but Helsinki ensures popular jogging spots like Töölönlahti bay stay well-lit, so you can enjoy them safely, no matter the season.
3. The authorities and people are trusted in Finland
Finns have a high level of trust in their police and judicial system. According to the 2024 OECD Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions, 87% of Finns trust the police, while 74% trust the courts and judicial system. The authorities aren’t the only thing trust-worthy in Finland, as Finns trust one another as well. 85% of the survey respondents said the people in Finland can be trusted.
Helsinki Freedom
Safe Place
4. Helsinkians value honesty
Helsinki earned the title of the world’s most honest city in Reader’s Digest’s Lost wallet test. The test involved 192 wallets being “lost” around the world, to see how many of them would be returned. In Helsinki, 11 out of 12 wallets were returned, which is an impressive testament to the culture of trust in the city.
5. There is room to find your people
A city full of subcultures, where individuality can shine. In Helsinki, it’s not about fitting into the status quo. There is room for embracing your own style. Whether your passion is warehouse raves, allotment gardening, heavy metal, or graffiti, you’ll be sure to find your people in Helsinki.
6. And space to be yourself
Helsinki is proud to host numerous LGBTQ+ events and offers plenty of vibrant gay bars around the city for an unforgettable night out. Hercules, the biggest gay nightclub in the Nordics, is right in the centre of the city, and the legendary DTM can be found from the lively Teurastamo area. If you are looking for a cozier atmosphere, you can visit the petit Fairytale in Kallio and savor the atmosphere
7. Future-proofing the city is underway
Helsinki takes climate change seriously and is setting great goals to become a future-proof city its residents need. The Carbon-neutral Helsinki 2035 Action Plan contains 147 actions the city is committed to, aiming to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The target is to become carbon-neutral by 2035. Beyond this, the city is striving for truly being sustainable by pledging not to rely on biomass-fired heating in its energy solutions.
From addressing global challenges to refining everyday details, Helsinki is working everyday to create a more welcoming, open, and safe environment for all.
