This article was a commercial collaboration with JT-Line in summer 2021
and the island route information is partially outdated.

Published 27.5.2021

Helsinki's marine areas have several different island destinations that you can reach by scheduled boat services during the summer season. Pientenhelsinki compiled Helsinki's island routes and island hopping on one page and offers tips on what you can experience on islands accessible by sea from Helsinki. The article was sponsored in summer 2021 by JT-Line, whose vessels transport passengers this summer to Helsinki's beautiful island destinations.

Scheduled boat services to Helsinki's islands are paid services and tickets as well as any seat reservations should always be checked on the website of the company operating the line. Access to the islands is free, but some islands charge a dock fee from private boats.

Island Hopping to Helsinki Islands

Island hopping is a great way to explore and visit several different islands off Helsinki in one day. Island hopping is offered by at least JT-Line, whose day ticket gives you access to four island destinations as well as the new Kruunuvuorenranta residential area and, for example, the beautiful Kruunuvuorenlamp.

JT-Line's island hopping route runs from Hakaniemi via Kruunuvuorenranta to Vasikkasaari, Vallisaari to Luotsipihala and Torpedolahti, and Lonna and from there back to Hakaniemi via Kruunuvuorenranta. The vessel makes a complete circuit of the stops mentioned above five times in a day. 1- and 2-day day tickets are sold for island hopping, so sailing on M/s Amiraali between ports is easy. With a day ticket, you can travel unlimited times on the vessel on the Hakaniemi route during the ticket's validity period. Information about departure piers can be found on JT-Line's website.

You can reach Suomenlinna from Kruunuvuorenranta with the same island hopping ticket by changing ferries at Lonna. The ferry stops in Suomenlinna at Tykistölahti and Kuninkaanportti piers. Note. Lonna is currently closed on Sundays. However, changing routes at Lonna to Kauppatori or Suomenlinna is possible by arranging this with the vessel's crew.

Views from Kruunuvuori towards Oil Tank 468 and Suomenlinna.

Harakka

Harakka Island off Kaivopuisto is a wonderful nature destination where you can experience diverse marine nature. An island adventure with children is a wonderful experience and the nature center offers rentals such as magnifying glasses and nets for your own investigations. The island also has a campfire site for your own food. A ferry to Harakka departs from Kaivopuisto beach at the end of the long pier, near Cafe Ursula. The route is operated by Merenkävijät.

Isosaari

Isosaari is the outermost of Helsinki's currently open island destinations. Isosaari was opened to the public from military use in 2017. Located in the outer archipelago, Isosaari is a wonderful nature destination full of other interesting things to see. The swimming beaches of Isosaari, located in the outer archipelago, have been spared from blue-green algae in recent years, so swimming here is often possible throughout the summer. The scheduled vessel to Isosaari departs from Market Square and the journey to the island takes just over half an hour. In windy weather, rough seas may prevent the scheduled vessel from traveling. The route is operated by Finnish Archipelago Transport.

Kaunissaari

Located in Sipoo's outer archipelago, ten kilometers east of Aurinkolahti, Kaunissaari is a City of Helsinki-owned island destination with, among other things, rental cottages, rental sauna, a swimming beach, and cooking shelters. You can also camp on Kaunissaari (for a fee). The journey from Aurinkolahti to Kaunissaari takes 50-60 minutes. A ferry to the island departs from Vuosaari's Aurinkolahti. The route is operated by Pörtö Line.

Lonna

Lonna is a small island next to Suomenlinna with a restaurant and rental saunas.
A ferry to Lonna departs from Market Square (journey time 10 minutes) as well as from Hakaniemi and Kruunuvuorenranta (island hopping route). The route is operated by JT-Line.

Mustasaari

Mustasaari, the summer island of the Helsinki parish federation in Seurasaarenlahti, is a nice outing destination. Mustasaari is open to the public during the summer season from 8.6. to 15.8.2021. A ferry to Mustasaari departs from next to Hietaniemi swimming beach, from Taivallahti boat harbor at Hiekkarannantie 5. The journey time to Mustasaari is 15 minutes.
Read more about Mustasaari in Pientenhelsinki's Hot Day at Mustasaari article.
The route is operated by JT-Line.

At Mustasaari ferry pier.

Pihlajasaari

A true summer paradise, Pihlajasaari calls you to relax on rocky shores, swim on sandy beaches, and explore shaded forest trails. Pihlajasaari's shores are also good for spotting passing boats and ships. Camping is also allowed on Pihlajasaari. A ferry to Pihlajasaari departs from Ruoholahti and from Merisatama beach behind Cafe Carousel, and the journey time is about 10 minutes. The route is operated by JT-Line.

Rocky shores of Pihlajasaari.

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is accessible by ferry year-round and this UNESCO World Heritage Site can also be visited outside the summer season. During summer, Suomenlinna is a versatile destination: history, culture, picnics, restaurant visits, or simply enjoying the sunshine and sea breeze. Suomenlinna's uniqueness always surprises, so it's worth visiting more than once. JT-Line's ferry to Suomenlinna via Lonna departs from Market Square. Journey time approximately 15 minutes. HSL also operates services to Suomenlinna from Market Square.
Read more about Suomenlinna with children in Pientenhelsinki's article.

Suomenlinna can be explored from different perspectives: cave exploring, marveling at attractions, picnicking on rocky shores, or even through diverse dining options.

Uunisaari

Uunisaari, located off Kaivopuisto, can be reached by pontoon bridge in winter, and in summer the bridge is removed for boat traffic and the island is accessed by a scheduled boat. The vessel to Uunisaari still departs from Kompassiaukio at Kaivopuisto and the journey from the mainland to the island is short. The route is operated by Aava Lines Oy.

Uunisaari swimming beach.

Vallisaari

Vallisaari is a former Finnish military island destination that opened to the public in the 2010s. Old caves, stunning views and beaches, and island services are reasons to stop at the island. The ferry journey from Market Square to Vallisaari takes about 20 minutes.
Vallisaari is served by JT-Line from Hakaniemi and Kruunuvuorenranta, and by Finnish Archipelago Transport from Market Square.

In summer 2021 (12.6.–26.9.2021) Vallisaari will also host Helsinki Biennial, a visual art event.

At Vallisaari ferry pier.

Vasikkasaari

Vasikkasaari is a public recreation and leisure area owned by the City of Helsinki.
Vasikkasaari is served by City Cruisers from Market Square and by JT-Line from Hakaniemi and Kruunuvuorenranta (Island Hopping route).

Vartiosaari

Vartiosaari is a wonderful nature destination off Laajasalo. The Aurinko ferry to Vartiosaari runs during the summer months from the end of Reposalmentie, near Laajasalo swimming beach. During the summer season, sheep live on Vartiosaari and there is much to see and experience for independent hikers. The ferry runs on demand during opening hours. The ferry trip to Vartiosaari takes about five minutes. The route is operated by Reposalmen ferrymasters.

Island destinations on map

Island route departure ports and island destination locations on a map. The map opens in its own window from this link.