Helsinki: Islands, Nature and Architecture

Helsinki can be experienced in many different ways: Suomenlinna is centred on an extensive fortress complex and its history, while Seurasaari combines nature, an open-air museum and seasonal bathing opportunities. There is also Korkeasaari Zoo and distinctive architecture across the city. When choosing your holiday apartment, consider which of these sides of Helsinki you want to shape your trip most.

Suomenlinna: A fortress on six islands

Suomenlinna is a district of Helsinki. The fortress extends across six separate islands and covers 210 hectares, with 200 buildings and six kilometres of defensive walls. Its scale makes it a destination in its own right for anyone interested in historic sites and their architecture. Suomenlinna is considered an outstanding example of general fortification principles from the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly the bastion system, while also displaying distinctive features of its own.

An HSL ferry runs year-round from Helsinki Market Square to Suomenlinna’s main quay. The sea crossing takes about 15 minutes. You can take this connection into account when planning your day if the fortress is one of the main destinations on your trip.

Seurasaari: Open-air museum and island nature

Seurasaari is connected to mainland Helsinki by a pedestrian bridge year-round. The open-air museum was founded in 1909 and includes 88 buildings typical of different regions from the late 17th to the 20th century. Those interested in architectural styles and regional history will find a different way to explore the past here than at Suomenlinna’s defensive structures.

Seurasaari’s landscape is also varied: the island features natural coastal forests, herb-rich woodlands, ponds, smooth rocks and a protected coastal meadow. Seurasaari’s southern shore and its islets form a nature reserve. Seurasaari is also Helsinki’s most diverse habitat for bats. Nature watching and cultural-historical impressions together shape the character of a visit here.

Seasonal experiences include the well-known Midsummer celebrations. In summer, you can swim in the sea at the rocky, sandy beach; in winter, the bathing area is used for winter swimming. There is also a public barbecue area at the festival ground, where visitors can grill their own food. The city regularly provides firewood; you should bring your own matches.

Wildlife and architecture in Helsinki

Korkeasaari Zoo is home to more than 150 animal species. It is located on an island in the Baltic Sea near Helsinki city centre. This offers a wildlife experience alongside islands shaped by fortifications, museums or natural landscapes.

Architecture enthusiasts can also find points of interest in buildings around the city. Oodi Central Library successfully combines service design with contemporary Finnish architecture. Helsinki Cathedral is part of the city’s Empire-style centre and was completed in 1852. It provides a historical note alongside Oodi’s contemporary architectural approach.

Which focus suits your trip?

If you are mainly interested in history and fortification architecture, you can make Suomenlinna the centrepiece of your trip and take the ferry connection into account when planning. Seurasaari combines a museum with nature and bathing experiences; Oodi and the Cathedral add different architectural perspectives.

You can also consider these places when planning your trip: Vantaa, Klaukkala, Skuru, Lohja, Svartå, Vihti, Mäntsälä and Savijoki.

For the broader travel overview: Uusimaa.