Kruunuvuori Villa Area in Laajasalo

Published 4.10.2017

The Kruunuvuori villa area is located in Kaitalahtipuisto in Laajasalo. The area gets its informal name from the wooden villas built in the early 20th century, unfortunately almost all of which have been destroyed. From the summit of Kruunuvuori, spectacular views open up to Suomenlinna, the city center and downtown skyline, Korkeasaari, Mustikkamaa, and numerous other islands and well-known landmarks.

The terrain is dense, overgrown, and unkempt deciduous forest with rocky ground, steep ascents, and ravines. The route is quite difficult to walk and for small children it's worth bringing a backpack carrier and leaving strollers at home. Due to the difficult terrain, the area cannot be recommended for those taking their first walks in the forest, but for small and large adventurers, Kruunuvuori is all the more fantastic a hiking destination. You can reach Kruunuvuorenranta by bus number 88 from Herttoniemi. A nice cycling route to the area runs from Herttoniemi along the shore through Tullisaari Park.

First Destination: Kruunuvuori Lake

We set our first goal to find a lake from the center of the villa area. We set out from Kaitalahti, following a fairly wide path from the end of the Main Road that led up a steep slope. At this point it was clear that strollers have no business here. The path winding through dense forest is occasionally rocky and at other times completely muddy in the forest, so rubber boots or water-resistant hiking boots are a good choice here, if not a requirement. After walking for a while, we came to a crossroads from which we could see the lake peeking through the trees in the autumn sun. The secret lake had been found!

[caption id=“attachment_1592” align=“alignnone” width=“2000”] Kruunuvuori villa area lake[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_1593” align=“alignnone” width=“2000”] Even a grumpy four-year-old sat down to admire the views.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_1595” align=“alignnone” width=“2000”] Water lilies grow in Kruunuvuori lake.[/caption]

Through the dense deciduous forest surrounding the water lily-covered lake, the clear autumn sun shone through, illuminating the area with golden light that even made the moody four-year-old pause for a moment. The dark, humus-rich water creates a wonderful contrast to the surrounding deciduous trees. The lake is not without reason called one of Helsinki’s most beautiful secrets.

After resting for a while, we headed towards our next destination: the summit of Kruunuvuori.

Towards the Summit of Kruunuvuori

The Kruunuvuori rocks have given their name to the area and are located right on the western edge of the villa area. From Kruunuvuori, spectacular views open up to Suomenlinna, the city center, Korkeasaari, and Mustikkamaa. Two clear routes lead to the summit of Kruunuvuori. The easiest and absolutely recommended route starts from the end of Haakonlahdentie, next to the future Kruunesilta construction site. This route leads up a fairly steep and rocky path where especially small children should be careful with their steps. At the time of writing, the area was not yet closed, but when the Kruunesilta are eventually built, the situation may change and the route may be cut off.

The other route we perhaps mistakenly chose runs directly west from the villa area lake as viewed, following the shoreline. This route is already extremely challenging with children and you need to be careful with each step. Along the way, we saw the ruins of former villas. Unfortunately, the fate of the old villas in the area has been harsh and some of Finland’s cultural heritage has been lost.

Regardless of which route you choose, you know you’re on the right path when you’re heading upwards towards the sea. When you arrive, you realize the climb was worth all the effort. Indescribably beautiful views of Helsinki and its archipelago open up in front of you and even the most experienced adventurer is left speechless.

[caption id=“attachment_1596” align=“alignnone” width=“2000”] View from Kruunuvuori to the west, in front Kruunuvuorenselkä, behind which Katajanokka and Helsinki city center.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_1598” align=“alignnone” width=“1333”] View from Kruunuvuori to the south. Oil Tank 468 in the background.[/caption]

Once at the summit, we sat down to enjoy our picnic, admire the views, and spot boats and landmarks. Among other things, the Cathedral’s bell tower, the silhouettes of Linnanmäki’s rides, Suomenlinna, and large cruise ships can be seen clearly from here.

For the return journey, we chose the easiest route down towards Haakonlahdentie, which runs past another former tank. The barren appearance of the unfinished road and bridge construction site is a stark contrast to the wild-grown forest and lake landscape of the villa area, but this route is clearly safer and above all easier to walk.

[caption id=“attachment_1597” align=“alignnone” width=“1333”] Abandoned oil tank on the summit of Kruunuvuori[/caption]

The Kruunuvuorenranta villa area is full of secrets, of which we have found only a fraction. The villas are already destroyed, but the magic of the place has been preserved. For children, the place offers a genuine archipelago forest experience and wonderful settings for adventure. This is a place we will definitely return to many more times!