72hrs on the island of the happy
Your perfectly imperfect Lauttasaari itinerary – the happy neighborhood
Looking to visit Helsinki for 3 days? Exploring a new place is an art, and we know there’s research to do not to miss the hotspots! But when the schedule’s too tight, there’s no space for curiosity. Getting lost is a cliché for a reason: it matters. Our perfectly imperfect itinerary series for Helsinki neighborhoods has you covered. Start with local knowledge on where to start and what not to miss, while leaving you space to play it by ear and discover your own favorite spots in Lauttasaari – Helsinki’s happy neighborhood.
Day 1: Arrive and explore
Welcome to Lauttasaari – the sweet spot where the city meets the sea! Get a taste of the local lifestyle by renting a short-term homestay (like Airbnb) in Lauttasaari or find a homely hotel in the surrounding areas. There are multiple homey accommodations just a short walk away in Hanasaari, Ruoholahti and Jätkäsaari – as well as a quick 10-minute metro ride away in the city centre.
Check in and head to check out your new home away from home – or get comfortable and have a little nap first. We don’t judge, and the cafés around the island (like Café Makiata, Café Norge, or Fazer Café just to name a couple) are ready to serve you a tasty and fresh breakfast whenever you’re ready!
Feel the Nature
Awaken your inner Helsinkian and recharge by the trees. Depending on the season you’re travelling in, the trees will greet you either in full bloom, in flaming autumn colours, or as snow-covered cones – each scenery sure to be a breath- taking one. Head up to the north of the island to enjoy the nature and get a feel of ancient history at the Bronze Age grave and the burial mound while you’re at it.
Late Lunch with Luca
Starving for a world-class slice? The Lauttasaari itinerary would not be complete without Pizzeria Luca! This place bakes in the top league not only in Finland, but the whole of Europe (yes, we’re bragging), the delicious and cheesy goodness landing it repeatedly in top 50 in the internationally recognised 50 Top Pizza -competition.
See the Sea
Spend the evening by the sea and take in the gorgeous views of Lauttasaari seaside. Swim at Lauttasaari Beach (also known as Casino Beach by the locals), spot the local kiteboarders’ impressive leaps, or hit the sandy court and have a little Beach Volley match. The beach is a popular outdoor area during fall and winter too, the beautiful views being extra sweet with a tasty hot beverage from Lauttasaari Paviljonki.
Day 2: Arts, athletics and artisan ales
For the second day of your itinerary to Lauttasaari, head to the Särkiniemi swimming pier and start your morning with a soothing summer swim. Or take a brisk dip in the ice-cold ocean – this pier is open year-round and guarantees you start your day refreshed. Did you know that a whopping 12 % of Finns do winter swimming? That’s some true ‘sisu’!
Fika like a Finn
Pay a visit to the legendary Café Mutteri or Puhuri by Patisserie Teemu Aura and enjoy a fresh brew of coffee with a ‘korvapuusti’ – a traditional Finnish cinnamon bun – to boost up your day! Full disclosure: we Helsinkians usually talk about ‘päiväkahvit’ which means a coffee break during the day, but ‘fika’ with the same meaning is a good alternative from our second national language, Swedish.
Culture at Cable Factory
For the friends of culture experiences and entertainment, try venturing over the bridge to Ruoholahti and Cable Factory. Once an actual cable factory (and the first home of Nokia phones!), Cable Factory is now one of the biggest cultural centres in Finland. Museums, dance performances, events, activities, snacks… Honestly, you can easily spend the entire day just here! Try, for example, their ceramics workshop, see the theatre museum exhibition, or experience an unforgettable dance performance.
Defying gravity
Want to get your body moving? Release your inner monkey at the climbing and bouldering centre KiipeilyAreena, located right across the bridge and next to Cable Factory at Salmisaari Sports Centre. And if you don’t have the proper gear with you or it’s your first time going up the wall (in this case literally), you can rent the gear, and the staff will help you get started.
Drink. Dine. Drumsö. (That’s ‘Lauttasaari’ but in Swedish)
After an exhilarating day and stay in Lauttasaari, next on your itinerary for Lauttasaari you might want to kick back and enjoy some local flavours. Solmu Brewery is a local restaurant and a craft brewery with its own signature Solmu Dry Lager.
Other excellent places for an evening wind-down are, for example, the industrial style restaurant Sidewalk Lauttasaari and Blue Peter with a wonderful sea view. So, order a pint and a plate and enjoy the atmosphere. There are some non-alcoholic options as well!
Day 3: Relax and get ready to take off
It is the last day of your stay in Lauttasaari, and it’s time to turn your morning into a unique picnic experience! Had to Sisä-Hattu, and grab some coffee and breakfast to go (for example, Café Norge is a delicious choice) and go to Lauttasaari recreational park. The small and rocky island, Sisä-Hattu, is a popular picnic area in summer and can be reached by walking along the neck of the island when the water is low.
If you don’t feel like braving the wading or happen to travel in the heart of winter, Restaurant Paseo Cafe & Grill is also a great choice for a breezy seaside sit-down brekky to admire the yellows and reds or autumnal nature or spot the locals enjoying a sunny winter day on the ice.
Park-hopping and a goodbye café break
Before ending your stay in Lauttasaari, spend your last moments by exploring the parks – it’s a beautiful walk from Särkiniemi Park all the way up to Pajalahti Park. For a sweet finish to your trip, stop by at Le Jardin for some handmade gelato – or just a last cup of that delightfully dark Finnish coffee. And when it’s time to go, Helsinki Central Station is only 10 minutes away with the metro – unless you want to stay for a bit longer.
Thanks for visiting, we hope you had a memorable stay in Lauttasaari!
