Glorious icebreakers and fan mail

Urho, Kontio, Sisu, and Voima are giant icebreakers docked year-round at Merikasarmi Quay in Katajanokka. While they may venture out to sea during winter, at least some are usually in port. The sheer size of these vessels is awe-inspiring, and the experience becomes even more special when you drop fan mail or a drawing into the colourful postboxes located by the ships. The quay is also home to the boat police pier and a playground. For a different perspective, you can admire the icebreakers from the sea by hopping on ferry no. 17 from Meritullintori towards Kruunuvuorenranta.

Merikasarmi Quay, Katajanokka

Lammassaari and Kuusiluoto sheep

Lammassaari is an island in Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay, accessible year-round via wheelchair-friendly boardwalks. Nestled among tall reeds, it’s a serene escape just a stone’s throw from the city’s hustle and bustle. The journey along the boardwalks is an experience in itself, offering a rare adventure in a capital city. On the adjacent Kuusiluoto Island, sheep graze freely from June to October, playing a vital role in maintaining the landscape. Visitors are reminded to close the gates to prevent any daring escapes! Even when the sheep aren’t there, Kuusiluoto’s southern cliffs provide stunning views of Kalasatama’s skyscrapers and the urban rhythm. Newly renovated in summer 2024, the boardwalks to Kuusiluoto are accessible year-round.

Kuusiluoto: Accessible via the boardwalks leading to Lammassaari.

As you arrive at Lammassaari, Kuusiluoto is located to the right of the island, approximately 150 metres from the plank trail.

Pukkisaari Iron Age village

Midway across the Seurasaari pedestrian bridge, a sign points to Pukkisaari. Here you’ll find a reconstructed Iron Age trading village, offering a unique and historical adventure. The boardwalks to the village are not accessible, so strollers can be left on the neighbouring island while you continue on foot. The Läntinen (Western) Pukkisaari is small in size and easy to navigate. Managed by a non-profit association, Läntinen Pukkisaari is a public recreational area, open to visitors at any time. The trading village also hosts public events in the spring and autumn.

From Pukkisaari, it’s worth continuing to Seurasaari to marvel at the city’s friendliest squirrels and explore historic buildings from various eras relocated to the island from across Finland. Seurasaari also features a beach and a barbecue area.

Roihuvuori Japanese-style garden

Amid apartment buildings, you’ll find the tranquil Japanese-style garden of Roihuvuori. Complete with Japan-inspired bridges, plantings, and traditional garden structures, it’s most stunning during cherry blossom season but remains charming year-round. Nearby, you’ll also find the Tuhkimo playground.

Meilahti Arboretum and Rose Garden

Fancy a trip to a secret garden? Meilahti Arboretum and Rose Garden is one of Helsinki’s hidden gems for a picnic or adventure. With garden tables, intriguing plants, and plenty of space to explore, it’s a fantastic retreat. In late summer, hundreds of roses bloom, creating a spectacular display.

Myllykallio birdwatching tower

Just a short walk from the Lauttasaari metro station, you can go birdwatching and enjoy stunning city views from above. The Myllykallio birdwatching tower is an exciting spot right in the middle of the city and makes for a great excursion. However, the site is not accessible, and the steps leading to the tower are steep. The adventure to the birdwatching tower is best suited for slightly older children. Nearby, you’ll find several playgrounds, including a large play ship at Kasinonranta and the Lahnalahti playground.

Fun public art around the city 

See Helsinki from a new perspective and discover the Wise Mouse sculpture (National Archives staircase, visible only during the National Archives’ opening hours), a young elk bending over (Kaisaniemi Park), water-spraying sea lions (Havis Amanda fountain at the Market Square), a giant seagull (north end canopy of Tennis Palace), and the colourful Siberian Jay (Kalasatama). These are just a few examples from Helsinki Art Museum HAM’s public art collection. Helsinki is full of fascinating animal sculptures and statues that are fun to hunt for while adventuring around the city with children!

A list and map of Helsinki’s public art can be found on HAM Helsinki’s website.

Suomenlinna dry dock

The Suomenlinna dry dock is the oldest in Finland and one of the oldest still-operational dry docks in the world. This rare site can be viewed from the observation platform on Susisaari Island, near the Ehrensvärd Museum. From October to late April or May, old wooden heritage ships spend the winter at the dock. In spring, the dock is filled with water, and some ships remain for summer repairs, so there’s always something to see. The dry dock is a lively spot showcasing maritime history.

Enchanting Kruunuvuorenlampi pond

Just a few kilometres from the Helsinki Cathedral as the crow flies, you’ll find Helsinki’s best-kept secret: the enchanting Kruunuvuorenlampi pond. With water lilies, birdsong, old trees, rugged rocks, and a rich history, Kruunuvuorenlampi is now even easier to access thanks to new boardwalks and marked trails encircling the nature reserve. Signs detail the area’s history as a villa zone, and the viewpoint offers a memorable glimpse of the massive Kruunusillat bridge construction site. The area is dotted with excellent picnic spots and offers plenty to see and experience. The unique Kruunuvuorenlampi pond sits above sea level. Time seems to stand still here, and it is easy to imagine fairies dancing on the water’s surface as the city lights shimmer on the horizon. In spring, the area comes alive with birdsong, and the south-facing open rocks are a warming spot for basking snakes.

An accessible route to the pond starts from Kultakruununkaari, while more challenging paths can be accessed from Päätie road. The location is also easily reachable from Helsinki city centre via ferry number 17 leaving from Meritullintori.

A secret island

Sisä-Hattu, a hidden island at the southern tip of Lauttasaari, lies in the middle of the sea. During low tide, it’s possible to walk along shallow water to the island almost dry-footed from the eastern edge of Lauttasaari’s recreational area. On the island, you can discover old rock carvings, watch passing cruise ships, or listen to waves crashing against the rocky shores. Sisä-Hattu offers a unique island adventure and a chance to see the city from a new perspective. Waterproof footwear is a good recommendation, as the waves sometimes wash up sharp stones on the path. This secret island adventure is best suited for exploring with older children.