Things to do in Helsinki in summer? Head to the archipelago – Vallisaari.
Helsinki is at its best in summer when experienced from the water – maritime Helsinki has with good reason become one of our defining national landscapes. The city is surrounded by dozens of islands, but one is a true hidden gem: Vallisaari, a former military island right next to Suomenlinna, opened to the public only in 2016. It’s still a well-kept secret – even for many Helsinki residents – and that is precisely what makes it so special.
Just 20 minutes by ferry from Market Square, you’ll find wild nature, centuries of military history, breathtaking viewpoints and a peaceful atmosphere rarely found this close to the capital.
How to get to Vallisaari?
Vallisaari is served by a ferry from Helsinki’s Market Square from May through September. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and the vessel has an open upper deck for taking in the scenery.
Operator: JT-Line
Departure: Market Square, Kolera-allas pier
Season: May–September
Ticket price: approx. €9.80 return for adults; discounted fares for children, students, pensioners, conscripts, civil-service personnel and the unemployed – a season pass is also available
Important: HSL public transport tickets are not valid – purchase a separate ticket online or onboard
By private boat or kayak: Guest marina at Torpedolahti on the island’s eastern side
Tip: Buy your ticket in advance online during busy periods – the ferry can sell out on popular summer days.
What to do on Vallisaari?
Walk the Aleksanteri Circuit – 3 km, easy, suitable for everyone
The island’s main route is the Aleksanteri Circuit, a well-marked trail of roughly three kilometres winding through the island’s finest viewpoints and historic sites.
Along the route you will reach:
Aleksanterinpatteri (Alexander Battery) – the highest point on the island. The views across the archipelago, Suomenlinna and the mainland city skyline are simply breathtaking.
Linden Avenue (Lehmuskuja) – a rare tunnel-like tree alley with no equivalent anywhere else in Finland
Pilot House (Luotsitalo) – a historic building that housed the island’s maritime pilots from the 18th century onwards
Death Valley (Kuolemanlaakso) – the site of a catastrophic 1937 explosion heard across the city, which now serves as café space for visitors
The island ponds – crystal-clear lily-pad ponds that make a perfect picnic stop on a summer day – note that swimming in the ponds is prohibited for safety reasons
Explore Kuninkaansaari Circuit – 2.5 km
From Vallisaari you can walk to the neighbouring island of Kuninkaansaari via a stone causeway. Kuninkaansaari has its own trail through artillery fortifications and a sandy cove where you can swim. Please note this is not an official designated swimming beach.
Eating and drinking on the island
Saarella on useita ravintoloita ja kahviloita – testaa esimerkiksi Iisin kuuluisa kalakeitto tai Jäätelökahvila Pajan omat jäätelöt, aikuisten makuja unohtamatta!
Café IISI – café with a wonderful terrace! Wine tastings with a sommelier on weekends, plus a varied programme of events.
IISI Bistro – the bistro at Torpedolahti is especially celebrated for its salmon soup (Google rating 4.7/5).
Ice-cream Parlour Paja – ice cream, café treats, live music, stand-up comedy, craft beer – whatever you need to make a summer day complete!
The Pier harbour café – a great spot to pause after arriving by private boat or before heading back to the mainland.
Kustaanmiekka Terrace, Lanson Linnake – a true oasis at Kustaanmiekka. Spectacular sea views from the terrace.
You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic – sheltered tables and picnic spots are dotted along the trail.
Why Vallisaari is, in our view, the best day trip destination in Helsinki
Suomenlinna is magnificent – but it’s on everyone’s itinerary. Vallisaari offers something rarer: an authentic, untamed archipelago where nature has been free to evolve undisturbed for decades. Where Suomenlinna keeps you for an hour, Vallisaari holds you easily for a whole day.
Vallisaari | Suomenlinna | |
Distance from Market Square | 20 min | 15 min |
Nature | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
History | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
Peace & quiet | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
Families with children | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
Events | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
Practical information before you go
Season: May–September
Car-free island
Trail lengths: Aleksanteri Circuit 3 km, Kuninkaansaari Circuit 2.5 km
Time to allow: a minimum of 3–4 hours; a full day is even better
Dogs welcome – must be kept on a leash at all times
Stay on marked trails – part of the island is restricted due to unexploded ordnance from 1937
Open fires and camping are prohibited
Packing list:
Good walking shoes (trails vary)
Layered clothing (sea air is cooler than on the mainland)
Make use of the island’s services or bring your own food and water
Sun protection
When is the best time to visit Vallisaari?
The best time to visit is June through August. June is still relatively quiet; July weekends can get busy. August, on the other hand, lets you enjoy the slowly darkening evenings by the sea.
Helsinki Biennial is held on Vallisaari every two years – bringing international contemporary art installations along the trails, into the fortifications and the island’s cellars. The event is free to visitors, though the ferry ticket is at your own expense.
Plan your perfect Helsinki island day
Suggested initiary:
Morning: Ferry from Market Square – enjoy the views from the upper deck
Late morning: Walk the Aleksanteri Circuit at your own pace (3 km, approx. 2 hrs) and treat yourself to ice cream at Ice-cream Café Paja
Lunch: At IISI Bistro or a picnic by the ponds
Afternoon: Kuninkaansaari Circuit and a swim in the sandy cove
Evening: A glass of something at IISI’s terrace as the sun sets before the return ferry
Frequently asked questions about Vallisaari
Is there an entrance fee to Vallisaari? The island is free to enter – you only pay for the ferry ticket (under €10 return).
Can I reach Vallisaari by private boat? Yes. The island has a guest marina at Torpedolahti.
Is Vallisaari suitable for families with children? Very much so. The main trails are well-maintained and pushchair-friendly for most of the route.
Can you stay overnight on Vallisaari? Yes! The island offers a range of unique summer accommodation: tree-suspended tents, luxury igloos and other experience stays.