The Helsinki archipelago includes more than 300 islands. Fortress history, nature and urban architecture take different forms here: Suomenlinna is a district of Helsinki and stretches across six islands; Korkeasaari Zoo is located on an island in the Baltic Sea, not far from the city centre. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you would like to focus mainly on historic sites, wildlife observation or architecture.

Suomenlinna: Fortress and Ferry Connection

Suomenlinna Fortress covers 210 hectares and includes 200 buildings and six kilometres of defensive walls. It stretches across six separate islands. As a structure, it is an outstanding example of general fortification principles from the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly the bastion system, while also featuring distinctive individual characteristics.

An HSL ferry runs year-round from Market Square to Suomenlinna’s main pier; the sea crossing takes about 15 minutes. As timetables can change, check the departure times before travelling. Guided walking tours visit historic sites and provide insights into the fortress’s past and present. Their schedules vary by season.

Korkeasaari offers a different island perspective: the zoo is home to more than 150 animal species. This number may change as the collections develop. You can therefore treat a visit there as a separate focus alongside the history of the fortress.

Seurasaari: Nature, Museum and Seasonal Activities

Seurasaari is connected to the mainland by a pedestrian bridge year-round. Its shores and small islands serve as nesting sites for various bird species; the southern shore and the small islands form a nature reserve. The landscape includes coastal forests, herb-rich forests with valuable flora, ponds, smooth rocks and a coastal meadow that is a protected habitat type. Seurasaari is also considered Helsinki’s most diverse habitat for bats.

In this peaceful recreation area with its old trees, you can observe birds and squirrels up close; sightings vary. The circular route is about 3.1 kilometres long, and the stairs can be avoided if needed.

The activities also vary by season: in summer, you can swim in the sea at the rocky, sandy beach. In winter, the bathing area is used for winter swimming and maintained by the Seurasaari Swimmers’ Association. Bathing conditions and seasonal operations may change; check the latest information before your visit. Seurasaari is also known for its Midsummer celebrations.

The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum was founded in 1909 and comprises 88 buildings representative of different regions, dating from the late 17th to the 20th century. It is open from mid-May to mid-September. This means there is a clear distinction for seasonal planning between the museum’s opening period and the seasonal bathing activities.

Architecture and Urban Green Spaces

The Oodi Central Library combines successful service design with contemporary Finnish architecture. It is also an event venue and a versatile urban meeting place for reading, learning, working and relaxing. Helsinki Cathedral, formerly known as St. Nicholas Church and the Great Cathedral, was completed in 1852 as the present-day main church of the Diocese of Helsinki. It is part of Helsinki’s Empire-era city centre.

Central Park offers a different landscape: this forest area stretches for about ten kilometres, from Töölönlahti Bay in the south to Haltiala on the northern city boundary. The contrast between this forest area and Seurasaari’s coastal and island habitats offers a practical way to compare nature experiences in Helsinki.

For further guidance on the city’s neighbourhoods, MyHelsinki’s neighbourhood collection offers practical travel guides, suggested routes and background stories about Kamppi, Kallio and Lauttasaari. Individual listings may change.

Discover more destinations: Espoo, Vihti, Kirkkonummi, Lohja, Kerava, Ingå, Klaukkala, Pernå

For the broader travel overview: Uusimaa.