Islands within a fifteen-minute ferry ride

Strolling the paths on a sunny Suomenlinna

Walking on Vallisaari

Small Lonna island bathing in sunset

Colorful booths on Pihlajasaari beach

Cafe Kobben ja Katajanokaluoto ilta-auringossa

Mustasaari island is especially popular among families with kids

Islands on map

Suomenlinna sea fortress is a Unesco World Heritage Site located on the coast of Helsinki, and also a suburb of Helsinki with around 800 residents.

1. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

The island of Vallisaari between Santahamina and Suomenlinna opened up to the public in May 2016. 

2. Vallisaari

Lonna is a charming little island situated between Helsinki's bustling Market Square and the Suomenlinna Fortress Island.

3. Lonna

Pihlajasaari is a former villa island that is now a versatile outdoor recreation area. 

4. Pihlajasaari Island

Katajanokanluoto is a small island open for public just outside Helsinki city centre.

Cafe Kobben on the island offers delicious pizza baked in a real Italian gas fired pizza oven, cold and hot beverages and sweet and savoury delicacies.

A boat connection to the island from the Market Square during summer season.

5. Cafe Kobben

Mustasaari is a unique summer paradise with a possibility for many activities. Owned by the Helsinki Parish Union, the island is open for everybody and situated fifteen minutes ferryride away from the buzz of the city. The ferry departs from Taivallahti. 

Mustasaari island is especially popular among families with kids. There is a playground, a shallow beach and a lunch café, known for its cinnamon buns (korvapuusti in Finnish). There are also some sheep and bunnies living on the island during the summer months. Programme and events are organized throughout the summer, and a regular moment of prayer is organized daily. 

Dogs are not allowed on the island.

6. Mustasaari island

Islands within a one-hour ferry ride

Islands right outside the downtown districts

Islands you can reach by walking

More ways to explore Helsinki's archipelago

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Four popular island destinations can be reached with a fifteen-minute ferry ride from the Helsinki downtown area. Suomenlinna is home to 900 residents, some of whom commute to work on the mainland even on a rowing boat.  ...