Solar System in Pajamäki

In the Pajamäki district you will find the centre of our solar system. An exact model of our solar system has been erected, presenting the sun and all the planets a billion times smaller than their actual size but in the correct proportions and distances relative to each other. In other words, one millimetre in the model is equal to a thousand kilometres. You can explore the sun and nearby planets on foot, but to see the entire solar system it is better to take a bike. You should also bring a pair of binoculars with you, as you can see the sun from all of the outer planets.
Patterimäki Park, Pajamäki (Sun), Coordinates: 60.221, 24.8554

Ravine in Kaivopuisto

Amid the beauty of Kaivopuisto, one of Helsinki’s most beloved parks, lies a narrow ravine. The natural monument can be found close to the observatory, yet most people walk past without even noticing it. The width of the ravine is between 50 and 70 centimetres, so it is just wide enough for an adult to walk through. Steps have been made in the base of the ravine, so you can climb up through the gap between the rocks to get to the observatory. What makes this place even more special is that the ravine was the first protected natural monument in Finland, holding thus both historical and geological significance.
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Photo Beatrice Bucht

Rose Garden in Meilahti

For a fragrant escape, head to the Meilahti Arboretum and its stunning rose garden. The Meilahti Rosarium has over a hundred species of Finnish shrub roses and European historic roses. The best time to visit is in July, when most of the roses are in bloom, but visitors can still enjoy the blooms and scents of early summer in June or late blossoms in August. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to explore both the rosarium and the arboretum.
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Waterfall in Strömberg Park

Few people, locals included, know that there is a real waterfall located in Helsinki. The biggest natural waterfall in the entire metropolitan area can be found in Strömberg Park in the PItäjänmäki district. The waterfall has a drop of three metres and can be found in the middle of what is considered one of the prettiest parks in Helsinki. You can climb up stone steps to get to the top of the waterfall, and there is a bridge at the bottom where you can stand and admire the view. The sight is even more spectacular in wintertime, when the ice forms beautiful natural shapes across the falls.
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Giant’s Kettles in Pihlajamäki

Millennia ago the forces of nature carved out two deep holes in the granite in what is now the Pihlajamäki district. Referred to as “giant’s kettles”, the holes in Pihlajamäki are even more remarkable than most other giant’s kettles, since they were formed much earlier than the last Ice Age – at least 50,000 years ago and perhaps even 100,000 years ago! The bigger of the two giant’s kettles in Pihlajamäki is 8.45 metres deep and the smaller one 3.2 metres deep.

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Rhododendrons in Haaga

Rhododendron Park in Haaga is already popular among locals, but it’s a place that others too, even from far away, should definitely visit. Covering an area of eight hectares, the park is full of enormous rhododendron bushes, creating an otherworldly sight when they blossom in early June. At other times of the year too, the park offers wonderful scents and a unique atmosphere – like a slice of the rain forest in the heart of the city.
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Photo Ninni West

Kasakallio – A glimpse into ancient times

 If you’re looking for a place in Helsinki that feels wild and ancient, head east to Kasakallio. Known by some as “Helsinki’s own Koli,” this rocky hilltop was once a vantage point for watch fires and even served as a site for an optical telegraph. Today, you can still sense history’s lingering presence as you explore its rugged landscape of gnarled pines, lichens, and granite cliffs. At the summit, you’ll discover a Bronze Age burial cairn that has watched over these shores for millennia. Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views towards the city and the sea, and imagine how this spot looked a thousand years ago.
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Take some time to explore these special places, and see a whole new side of Helsinki!