How to Travel in the Helsinki Archipelago During Summer?

Helsinki Archipelago as 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. During summer, the archipelago’s nature is at its best – lush vegetation, the shimmer of the sea, and birdsong create a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Maritime Helsinki offers recreation 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 is drawn against the horizon while you enjoy the peace of nature.

How to Access the Archipelago Using Public Transportation?

The Helsinki archipelago is easily accessible thanks to an extensive water transportation network. HSL 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 summer. The journey takes only 15-20 minutes, and you can use the same HSL ticket as for other public transportation. To reach Pihlajasaari, you can take a water bus from Merisatamanranta (near Kaivopuisto) or Ruoholahti.

JT-Line operates water buses to places like Vallisaari and Lonna from Market Square. IHA-Lines provides 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 with water transportation is convenient, as most departure piers are centrally located and easily accessible by trams or buses. Market Square is the main hub for water routes and can be 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 Helsinki’s archipelago and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historical sea fortress offers attractions for a full day: museums, tunnels, cannons, cafés and restaurants, and magnificent sea views. Suomenlinna is suitable for anyone interested in history, architecture, and maritime landscapes.

Pihlajasaari is a recreational island favored by 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 is known for its zoo, which is an excellent destination particularly for families with children. Here you can explore 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 with an atmospheric restaurant, sauna, and events. It’s a perfect destination for a more peaceful island visit.

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 lovers.

What to 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 weather, as conditions at sea can change quickly. During summer, a light windbreaker, sun hat, and comfortable walking shoes are basic equipment.

Food is an essential part of an island trip, although many islands have cafés and restaurants. It’s advisable to bring drinking water, as not all destinations have drinking water points. Favor easily transportable and preservable foods such as sandwiches, fruits, and nuts. For picnics, it’s also good to pack a picnic blanket and a trash bag.

Sun protection is essential for summer trips – sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A camera or phone for pictures, 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 locations. Many islands have limited or no electrical outlets, so a fully charged phone is necessary.

In the archipelago, it’s important to remember environmental protection. Don’t leave trash in the environment; instead, 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 Helsinki’s Archipelago?

The best accommodation option for archipelago trips is a downtown hotel with a short distance to the ferry ports. Although a few islands offer accommodation possibilities, most islands are day-trip destinations, so staying downtown 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 an archipelago explorer needs: comfortable domestic quality beds after a long day, a cooler for storing food, and a bathroom where you can wash up after the day.

Thanks to our self-service concept, you can come and go whenever 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 next day’s route and recharge your batteries (literally – both your devices and yourself).

Get inspired by Helsinki’s archipelago and book an affordable stay at Omena Hotel! Our downtown hotels offer the perfect base for diverse archipelago adventures. Book your room now on our website and enjoy maritime Helsinki in the summertime!

Omena offers affordable accommodation in several of Finland’s largest cities. In addition to Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku, you can also stay cheaply in hotels in northern Finland: Omena serves travelers in Jyväskylä, Pori and Vaasa, Joensuu and Hanko.