Helsinki is definitely at its most colourful in autumn, when the trees explode in brilliant yellow, oranges and reds. Not only does the city transform in colours but also in experiences it has to offer.

Autumn in Helsinki

From admiring the autumn foliage to the best mushroom picking spots, we got you covered.

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Hotels for Helsinki autumn vacations and staycations

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Best places to discover autumn food and treats

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Breathe in, breathe out and enjoy the outdoors

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Helsinki in autumn colours on Instagram
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Autumn tips from your local guides

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Selection of our favourite autumn spots on a map

  • 4. Töölönlahti Bay
    The park around the Töölö Bay begins in the heart of Helsinki and there's a popular walking path circling the bay. The Winter Garden, boasting hundreds of plants, is located at the north end of the bay. Wooden villas along the shores are a reminder of Helsinki's history. The Töölö Bay is a treasure especially for bird watchers. Töölönlahti park is a new oasis for culture and city events that has been developed along the southern shoreline.
    5. Little Finlandia
    A new pavilion-like venue, Little Finlandia. Offers a unique, matchless venue for meetings, congresses and other events.
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    6. Oodi, Helsinki Central Library
    Oodi is Helsinki's new Central Library and a living meeting place in the city centre on the Kansalaistori Square. Oodi is a venue for events, a house of reading and a diverse urban experience. It will provide its users with knowledge, new skills and stories, and will be an easy place to access for learning, story immersion, work and relaxation. Oodi is a library of a new era, a living and functional meeting place open for all.
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  • 7. Hakaniemi Market Square
    Traditional market treats and atmosphere. Next to the market square is also the Hakaniemi Market Hall. Sunday market usually on the first Sunday of each month.
    8. Helsinki Zoo
    Helsinki Zoo is home to more than 150 animal species and almost 1000 plant species that show the diversity of nature. Helsinki Zoo is one of the few zoos located on an island. The zoo was established in 1889 which makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world. Helsinki Zoo also participates in the work to protect the habitats in the original homes of the various species. The rhino sign will take you to the animals that belong to the zoos' shared protection programme. On the island you'll also find a souvenir shop and cafés & restaurants.
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    9. Mustikkamaa
    Mustikkamaa is located south of Kulosaari, about 5 km from city centre. Mustikkamaa is a popular outdoor recreation area with eg. a beach, kiosk, café and restaurants and tennis courts as well as a summer theatre. Since 1964 a bridge has connected Mustikkamaa to Kulosaari. In 2016 a pedestrians bridge, Isoisänsilta, was opened from the new Kalasatama residential area to Mustikkamaa. The way to Helsinki zoo, Korkeasaari, is also through Mustikkamaa.
  • 10. The National Library of Finland
    The National Library of Finland is not just a library, it is also a sight and a cultural destination where exhibitions and cultural events take place.
    11. Hietaranta beach
    Hietaranta (also called Hietsu) offers a shallow and safe swimming area and is very popular on hot summer days.
    12. Hietalahti Market Square
    At Hietalahti market square at the far end of Bulevardi you'll find an, especially in summertime popular outdoor flea market. The market is open all year though with weather permition. The Hietalahti Market Hall is situated next to the square.
  • 13. Uutela Nature Trail
    Uutela is the largest and most naturally diversified recreational area in East Helsinki. It includes rugged glaciated rock formations, coastal scenes bordered by flood meadows and alder trees, forest and marshland, old summer houses, and the historically important features and grazing lands of Skata Farm. The nature trail at Uutela consists of two walking tours of differing length forming a figure 8 pattern. There are two cooking shelters and a toilet for visitors to use.
    14. Rikhardinkatu Library
    Rikhardinkatu Library, the main public library of Helsinki until 1986, was designed by architect Theodor Höijer in 1881.
    15. Riviera Kallio
    An independent movie theatre and bar in Kallio.
  • 16. Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden
    The Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden is one of Helsinki's most popular visitor attractions. The garden is situated very close to the city centre, and its glasshouses and surrounding grounds offer nature lovers a unique experience all year round. The glasshouses of the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden bring a tropical breeze into the routines of the week. The lush Rainforest House presents the coffee bush and the strangler fig, and in the Palm House, the visitor can see not only the world's biggest seed, but also an impressive collection of orchids. The outdoor garden attracts the visitor to experience the world of plants. In summertime, perhaps the most attractive part of the grounds is the central garden, an open area with ponds and flowers, bordered by the glasshouses and rose bushes. There are also events with different themes organized at the Kaisaniemi botanical garden. There are no free entrance days in 2021.
    17. Seurasaari Island
    The Seurasaari island provides a nice setting for outdoor recreation, sun worshippers and walkers. The tame ducks, swans and geese swarming around the bridge welcome everybody. Having crossed the white wooden bridge a visitor can't help running into the happy little squirrels of the island.
    18. Nuuksio National Park
    Within easy reach of the Finnish capital you can escape into wild natural settings and enjoy typically Finnish scenery at the Nuuksio National Park.
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Hello darkness, my old friend - the cosy season is approaching

In the autumn Helsinki is colourful but at the same time the city is getting ready for winter