Top tips for enjoying spring in HelsinkiTop tips for enjoying spring in Helsinki
Helsinki's annual rhythms: SpringRead more
In the spring, Helsinki sheds its winter coat. When the snow melts and the temperatures rise, the city starts to fill with sunlight and bustle. So head to terraces, markets, coastal paths, parks, and numerous events.
Spring in Helsinki
From seaside strolls to annual festivities, we got you covered.
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Breathe in, breathe out and enjoy the outdoors
Spring tips from your local guides
Selection of our favourite spring spots on a map
- 1. Suomenlinna Sea FortressSuomenlinna sea fortress is a Unesco World Heritage Site located on the coast of Helsinki, and also a suburb of Helsinki with around 800 residents.Sustainable service2. LammassaariLammassaari is a recreational island close to Vanhankaupunginkoski rapids near Arabianranta, next to Kuusiluoto. Accessible duckboards (a path made of wooden planks) begin from Pornaistenniemi. Together with the nature trail Lap of Nature, the duckboards form an accessible recreational path of approx. 3,5km. Lammassaari is part of the Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti nature reserve. All visitors should respect the peace of nature both inside the nature protection area as well as in the surrounding green areas. Lammassaari is a perfect place for nature hikes and bird watching while there are thousands of migrating birds in the area every spring and autumn. Please notice that there are private cottages in the area and walking in the area should be on marked paths only. Though the name Lammassaari, meaning "sheep island" in Finnish, sheep can't be found here but on the nearby Kuusiluoto island instead (in summertime).3. Market SquareLocated at the South Harbour at one end of the Esplanade Park, the Market Square is Helsinki's most international and famous market. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. There are also heated café tents where you can comfortably have a steaming hot coffee even on the coldest days in winter. The Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, one of the oldest ongoing event traditions in Finland, is arranged here every October. It has been held since 1743. There's a ferry connection to Suomenlinna Fortress island from the Market Square year round, and in summer it is possible to catch eg. a ferry to Korkeasaari Zoo, hop on one of the archipelago sightseeing cruises or take a boat trip to Porvoo. The Stone of the Empress', in the middle of the Market Square, is the oldest public memorial in Helsinki. It was erected to commemorate the Empress Alexandra's (the German-born wife of Nicholas I), first visit to Helsinki. On the west side of the Market Square, close to the Esplanade park, stands the Havis Amanda fountain, by Ville Vallgren (1908), one of the best known statues in Helsinki.
- 4. Pihlajasaari IslandPihlajasaari is a former villa island that is now a versatile outdoor recreation area.5. Vanhankaupunginlahti bay areaVanhankaupunginlahti bay area is a unique nature-, culture- and recreational area close to Helsinki city centre. The bay area reeds are, also internationally, significant bird nesting and watching areas. Several endangered eg. bird-, insect-, bat- and polypore species live in the surrounding nature and especially the surrounding woods. There are bird watching towers and shelters in the area for nature enthusiasts. The wide trail network consists of eg. hiking trails, duck boards and cycling paths. A part of the trails are accessible with wheelchairs and such.6. Helsinki City Winter GardenNo matter what season it is, the elaborate oasis of exotic plants invites you to take a tour of the greenery.
- 7. Kaisaniemi Botanic GardenThe 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 2021.8. Hakaniemi Market SquareTraditional 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.9. Helsinki ZooHelsinki 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.Sustainable service
- 10. MustikkamaaMustikkamaa 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.11. Hietaranta beachHietaranta (also called Hietsu) offers a shallow and safe swimming area and is very popular on hot summer days.12. Hietalahti Market SquareAt 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. Linnanmäki Amusement ParkLinnanmäki Amusement Park has entertained fun loving people since 1950.Sustainable service14. Kaivopuisto ParkHelsinki's oldest and best known park is surrounded by embassies and villas. The nearby sea, rock cliffs and green lawns offer many opportunities to relax and enjoy the outdoors. During winter, if the snow situation permits, the park is popular for sledding. At the highest point of the park is the Ursa Observatory. There are also several cafées and restaurants along the shore and on the islands.15. Haagan Alppiruusupuisto - Rhododendron Park in HaagaRhododendron Park in Haaga is a true gem that deserves to be seen by all visitors to Helsinki when the plants are in bloom. The grounds serve as both a public park and a university research garden. The park has two parts: the evergreen rhododendrons grow in the southern section, while the seasonal park azaleas grow on the other side of the power lines in the northern section. The peak blooming season for both the rhododendrons and the azaleas is early June. The azaleas bloom first and sometimes longer than the rhododendrons, even after midsummer. The splendour of the flowers varies with each year; generally a good year is followed by a more modest one. Pine trees create a canopy for the flowering plants. Thousands of Helsinki residents and gardening enthusiasts visit the park each year to witness the spectacle.
- 16. Kumpula Botanic GardenKumpula Botanic Garden situates on a historical lands of Kumpula mansion.
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