Few capitals in the world offer such a unique combination of urban culture, fascinating history, and beautiful maritime nature as Helsinki. Just a short distance from the city’s lively streets lies a stunning archipelago where you can spend a summer day on sandy beaches, in historic fortresses, charming restaurants, or surrounded by peaceful nature.
Helsinki’s archipelago consists of hundreds of islands, each with its own atmosphere and story. Many of the islands were once military areas. Most destinations can easily be reached by boat from Helsinki, and the sea journey itself is already part of the experience.
Suomenlinna – A World Heritage Site in the Middle of the Sea
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and Helsinki’s best-known island destination. Besides being one of Finland’s most popular attractions, Suomenlinna is also a residential district of Helsinki and home to around 800 residents.
This versatile island offers a beautiful church, museums, cafés and restaurants, stunning sea views, and above all, historic sea fortifications. Suomenlinna has developed through different historical eras as part of the defense systems of Sweden, Russia, and Finland. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the old ramparts and exciting tunnels that transport you centuries back in time.
Guided tours for groups are available in several languages, and with a guide, the island’s fascinating history truly comes alive.
Pihlajasaari – Helsinki’s Summer Paradise of Villas
Pihlajasaari is a favorite summer destination among locals. Once a villa island, it is now a diverse outdoor recreation area. Some old villas still remain, and the island’s nature consists of forests, groves, rocky shores, and sandy beaches.
Pihlajasaari is perfect for a sunny summer day, a picnic, or a swimming trip. Its excellent location, good services, nature trails, and beautiful sea views make it a fantastic destination.
Wild Vallisaari
Vallisaari is one of Helsinki’s most fascinating islands, located just off the coast of the city. Closed to the public for decades, the island opened in 2016 and now offers visitors unique nature, historic fortification structures, and breathtaking maritime scenery.
Vallisaari is especially ideal for nature lovers and those who enjoy peaceful walking trails. The island has developed into a wild and natural environment, offering visitors plenty to admire. It is home to Finland’s unique linden tree avenue and wild meadows inhabited by more than 1,000 butterfly species.
History enthusiasts will also find much to explore, and visitors can even swim at the sandy cove on nearby Kuninkaansaari Island, although it is not an official beach. Kuninkaansaari can be reached from Vallisaari via a narrow causeway-like path. Visitors explore the islands along marked routes, including the three-kilometer Alexander Trail and the two-and-a-half-kilometer Kuninkaansaari Trail. The islands offer cafés, restaurants, guide services for groups, drinking water points, and restroom facilities.
Seurasaari – A Journey Into Finland’s Past
Seurasaari, located on the western side of Helsinki, combines beautiful nature with Finnish history. An open-air museum was established on the island in 1909, covering about one-third of the island. Before that, the island had already been designated as a public park in 1890. In the middle of beautiful seaside nature, the open-air museum features impressive old wooden buildings that were transported from different parts of Finland. Thanks to its charming atmosphere, Seurasaari is truly unique.
Seurasaari is definitely worth visiting and can be reached year-round by walking or cycling across the bridge connecting it to the mainland. Besides the museum, the island is known for its rich nature and wildlife. The island’s tame squirrels are especially famous.
Visitors are asked to avoid the southern shore during spring and early summer to protect nesting birds. Seurasaari is also well known for its traditional Midsummer celebrations and bonfires, which can also be enjoyed on Royal Line’s Midsummer cruises.
Lonna – A Small Island With a Unique Atmosphere
Lonna is a charming little island located next to Suomenlinna, only a 10-minute boat ride from central Helsinki. Among Helsinki’s islands, Lonna is a relatively new tourism and recreation destination. It opened to the public in 2014, having previously belonged to the Finnish Defence Forces. Lonna has a colorful history as a secret military island where gunpowder and naval mines were once stored. Today, the island is especially known for its cozy restaurant, summer terrace, and relaxed atmosphere.
The island also has a small museum that tells the story of the island and its former ship demagnetization station, where ships were protected from naval mines using electricity.
Lonna is a perfect stop for a summer day — easy to reach, yet far away from the city’s busy pace.
A Summer Trip to Kuivasaari – Like Jules Verne’s “The Mysterious Island”
Kuivasaari is one of the outermost islands off the coast of Helsinki. It lies about ten kilometers south of Market Square along the shipping route near Harmaja Lighthouse. Like Isosaari, Kuivasaari is part of Helsinki’s historic coastal defense chain and was previously actively used by the Finnish Defence Forces. The island is known for its massive Obuhov twin gun turret and other coastal artillery equipment. Although the Defence Forces’ daily operations ended in 2012, the island still remains a military area and may only be accessed with permission.
Today, Kuivasaari functions as a museum island maintained by volunteers from the Suomenlinna Coastal Artillery Guild. Public excursions are organized there, and maintenance is largely funded through guided tour ticket sales.
In addition to its colorful military history, Kuivasaari is also a remarkable nature destination with especially rich bird and butterfly populations. Much of the island’s nature has remained unchanged for centuries. Maritime trade and old ballast cargoes have also influenced the island’s vegetation over time. Explore to Kuivasaari Day trip here
Archipelago Cruises Are Highlights of Helsinki’s Summer
An island excursion with guided tours is an excellent program option for a Royal Line private cruise. Read more about private cruise options here.
Sightseeing cruises offer a completely new perspective of Helsinki: historic and modern waterfronts, lush archipelago scenery, and lively maritime traffic. You can relax on the ship’s deck while listening to stories about the city’s history and life in the archipelago, enjoying Helsinki’s unique maritime atmosphere.
