Helsinki Islands

The islands around Helsinki.

The archipelago of Helsinki consists of around 330 islands, providing a great gateway to lush green forests, sandy beaches and coastal nature that could fool you into believing you’ve travelled further afield. But unlike the outer archipelago, the Helsinki islands mix all the best amenities of a city – cafes, bars, restaurants – with the feeling of being in the archipelago.
Only a 10-minute trip from southern Helsinki, Pihlajasaari is the most popular island among Helsinkians to spend a sunny summer’s day. The island is famous for its picturesque sandy beaches and rocks, offering great spots for sunbathers and swimmers. There is a protected grove on Läntinen Pihlajasaari, nestled between the rocks. The island also features a coastal meadow and boasts a range of bird species. A good way to explore the islands’ nature and history is the two-kilometre-long nature trail. The island is perfect for day-long picnics but, if you want a day off from the kitchen, then you can enjoy the delicacies of the restaurant Pihlajasaari.
Vartiosaari is in the inner archipelago of Eastern Helsinki, between Laajasalo and Tammisalo. Vartiosaari’s history is intriguing: it’s believed that the island was used as a guard ground to warn locals of imminent attacks during the Viking Age. A warning fire was lit on a rocky hill soaring to 32 meters above sea level. A thousand years later, the island become a popular site among Helsinki’s bourgeoisie who built villas there. Nowadays, the abundant berry and mushroom crops attract visitors during the summer and autumn months. On the island, there's a 2,5-kilometre nature trail, along which you'll find traces of the ice-age: a glacial block and glacial pothole – the latter also known as a giant's kettle.
Reaching Kaunissaari is easy: you can jump on a ferry at Vuosaari. The island is situated on the crest of the sea and provides amazing views. In fact, Kaunissaari is one of the farthest islands from the city, with the ferry trip lasting around 40 minutes. The island is known for its long beaches and rich fishing grounds. The diversity of flora and fauna is also impressive and many campers head to the island to enjoy them. The island has cooking shelters and cabins up for rent. There’s a restaurant where you can get smoked salmon soup and book a sauna. Heads up
- there’s another Kaunissaari in Kotka region. Both beautiful but different islands.
Take a trip to the string of islands that make up Helsinki’s famous sea fortress for an immersive historical experience that still promises plenty of nature. Head to the western and southern ends of the Susisaari island where miniature paradises have formed between boulders and in the tiny coves. Many migratory birds stop to graze or nest at Suomenlinna, such as white-fronted geese and swans. Getting there is easy – you can use a public transport ticket and take the municipal ferry from the Market Square.

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