Suomenlinna, Kaivopuisto and Seurasaari Helsinki is one of the most greenest metropolises in the world. Over one third of the city is covered with parks and other green areas. Helsinki is truly a hiker’s dream. For many tourists, it may come as a surprise that you can walk several kilometres in the heart of the nature on the way to the city center. Suomenlinna Take a day trip to Suomenlinna, which is one of the world’s largest sea fortresses. This UNESCO World Heritage site is open throughout the year. Suomenlinna is also the home of 800 Finns. This is one of the reasons the services on the island are versatile. You can find several restaurants and a brewery in Suomenlinna. The construction work of Suomenlinna started in the middle of the 18th century, when Finland was still a part of Sweden. Today, the ancient fortress, the museums, the restaurants and the happenings offer you an unforgettable visit. You can reach Suomenlinna with a ferry, which departs from the east side of the Market Square, opposite the Presidential Palace. The ferry accepts all the HSL (Helsinki local traffic) tickets. Kaivopuisto If you don’t want to go too far away from the city center, Kaivopuisto park is the perfect choice for you. It is only a half an hour’s walk to the park from the Kamppi bus terminal. Located by the sea, Kaivopuisto park is one of the most beautiful parks in Helsinki. Along your walk, it is impossible not to notice the beautiful villas of the area and the embassies of different countries. Near Kaivopuisto, you can also visit a cosy coffee shop or restaurants with a view of the Gulf of Finland. You can even climb up to Ullanlinnanmäki Hill. If there’s snow, you will find one of Helsinki’s most popular sledding hills there. Kaivopuisto is a nice setting for different events. The most traditional event is Vappu, the 1st of May, when thousands of people head to the park for picnic, enjoying spring, delicacies and sparkling wine. Seurasaari The popular recreational island Seurasaari is open throughout the year. The island is located just five kilometers from Kamppi, and you can take a bus there from the Helsinki bus station. Seurasaari island is the perfect place for a picnic and outdoor activities. You can even bring your own packed lunch or use the common barbeque at the Festival Grounds. Serving customers year-round, there is also a kiosk on the island. There are many tame squirrels on the island, just waiting for visitors to feed them. The Seurasaari outdoor museum is a collection of historical, wooden buildings. Some of the buildings were transported to the island from other locations in Finland and the oldest buildings are 400 years old. You can e.g. visit the Iisalmi rural municipality old vicarage. The Seurasaari island is open every day and the entrance is free of charge.
