How to Navigate the Helsinki Archipelago During Summer?

Helsinki Archipelago: A Summer Explorer’s Paradise

The Helsinki archipelago is a summer gem that offers unforgettable experiences for both locals and tourists alike. Just a short ferry ride away from the pulse of the city opens up an entirely different world: maritime Helsinki with its over 300 islands. Here, history, nature, and fresh sea breezes meet in a unique way.

The charm of the archipelago lies in its diversity. You can find historical fortresses, sandy beaches, rocky islands, as well as restaurants and cafés. In summer, the archipelago’s nature is at its best – lush vegetation, the sparkle of the sea, and birdsong create a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Maritime Helsinki offers refreshment for many tastes: swimming, picnics, exploring history, cycling, kayaking, or simply relaxing in the marine environment. In the archipelago, you can experience Helsinki from a unique perspective, where the city’s silhouette draws against the horizon while you enjoy the peace of nature.

How Do I Reach the Archipelago Using Public Transportation?

The Helsinki archipelago is effortlessly accessible thanks to an extensive water transportation network. HSL’s route ferries and water buses offer regular connections to most popular islands throughout the summer season, typically from May to September.

The HSL ferry to Suomenlinna runs from Market Square year-round, with increased frequency during the summer. The journey takes only 15-20 minutes, and you can use the same HSL ticket as for other public transportation. Pihlajasaari can be reached by water bus departing from Merisatamanranta (near Kaivopuisto) and Ruoholahti.

JT-Line operates water buses to destinations including Vallisaari and Lonna from Market Square. IHA-Lines offers water bus connections to many smaller islands, such as Vartiosaari and Seurasaari. Tickets for these operators are usually purchased at the departure piers, but you can check up-to-date schedules and prices on the companies’ websites.

Combining public transportation and water transportation is convenient, as most departure piers are centrally located and easily accessible by tram or bus. Market Square is the main hub for water routes and is easily reached by tram. During the summer season, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and during nice weather – arrive at the pier in good time!

What Are the Most Popular Archipelago Destinations in Helsinki?

Suomenlinna is the crown jewel of the Helsinki archipelago and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historical sea fortress offers a full day of attractions: museums, tunnels, cannons, cafés and restaurants, as well as spectacular sea views. Suomenlinna is suitable for anyone interested in history, architecture, and maritime landscapes.

Pihlajasaari is a recreational island popular among Helsinki residents, featuring beautiful sandy beaches, rocky areas, restaurants, and saunas. The island also has a naturist beach, making it especially suitable for sunbathers and swimmers. Korkeasaari, on the other hand, is known for its zoo, which is an excellent destination especially for families with children. Here you can get acquainted with animals from around the world in a maritime environment.

Vallisaari is one of the newest additions to our archipelago as a tourist destination. Having served as a military island for a long time, it opened to the public only in 2016 and now offers magnificent nature trails, historical fortifications, and breathtaking views. Lonna is a small and charming island that houses an atmospheric restaurant, sauna, and events. It’s a perfect destination for a more peaceful island excursion.

It’s worth allocating enough time for different island destinations: a full day for Suomenlinna, at least half a day for Pihlajasaari, 3-5 hours for Korkeasaari. For Vallisaari and Lonna, 2-4 hours is sufficient for most visitors. Korkeasaari and Suomenlinna are best suited for families with children, Suomenlinna and Vallisaari for history enthusiasts, and Pihlajasaari for beach holidaymakers.

What Should I Pack for an Island Trip?

The key to a successful island trip is careful preparation. Weather-appropriate clothing is essential – be prepared for both sunny and windy conditions, as the weather at sea can change rapidly. During summer, a light windbreaker, sun hat, and comfortable walking shoes are basic equipment.

Snacks are an essential part of an island trip, although many islands do have cafés and restaurants. Drinking water should be brought along, as not all destinations have drinking water points. Opt for easily transportable and non-perishable snacks such as sandwiches, fruits, and nuts. For picnics, it’s also good to pack a picnic blanket and a garbage bag.

Sun protection is essential for summer trips – sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A camera or phone for photos, a map (or downloaded offline map to your phone), and cash are good to have with you, as payment terminals may not work at all destinations. Many islands have limited or no electrical outlets, so a fully charged phone is necessary.

In the archipelago, it’s important to remember nature conservation. Don’t leave trash in the terrain; bring it back with you. Respect nature and other explorers by staying on marked paths and avoiding noise. Also note that services may be limited and vary from island to island – check in advance what time the last ferry leaves back to the mainland!

Where to Stay When Exploring the Helsinki Archipelago?

The best accommodation option for archipelago trips is a city center hotel that offers a short distance to ferry ports. Although a few islands have accommodation options, most islands are day-trip destinations, so staying in the city center provides an easy base for multiple island visits.

Omena hotels in Helsinki are located in central locations on Lönnrotinkatu and Yrjönkatu, just a short walk from Market Square and other ferry piers. Our rooms have everything necessary for archipelago explorers: comfortable domestic quality beds after a long day, a cool cabinet for storing snacks, and a bathroom where you can freshen up after the day.

Thanks to our self-service concept, you can come and go exactly when you want – no need to queue at reception. This flexibility is perfect for active archipelago tourism: you can leave early in the morning for the first ferries and return late without worrying about the hotel closing.

Between excursion days, it’s pleasant to relax in a central location where you can easily find restaurants, shops, and other services. In the hotel room, you can plan your route for the next day and recharge your batteries (literally – both your devices and yourself).

Get inspired by the Helsinki archipelago and book an affordable stay at Omena Hotel! Our city center hotels offer the perfect base for diverse archipelago adventures. Book your room now on our website and enjoy maritime Helsinki during the summer!

Omena offers affordable accommodation in several of Finland’s largest cities. In addition to Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku, Omena serves travelers in Jyväskylä, Pori and Vaasa, Joensuu and Hanko.