Pienten Helsingissä is launching a new urban tourism concept as hospitality management student Heidi Säynätkari creates city walks for families in Helsinki neighborhoods as her thesis project.

Despite its industrial reputation, Pitäjänmäki is a green and vibrant neighborhood with diverse nature and one of Helsinki's most charming single-family home areas. Pitäjänmäki is located at the intersection of many bus lines and is easily accessible by train Line A.

Spend your morning at one of Helsinki's loveliest playgrounds, enjoy delicious Vietnamese lunch, take a walk to the picturesque Marttila neighborhood, explore the trenches at Patterimäki, and treat yourself to afternoon coffee at the charming Pausa café.

PHO17

Pitäjänmäentie 17
Traditional Vietnamese cuisine. You can enjoy lunch in a cozy restaurant or take food to go. Vegetarian options available.

WINE CAFÉ PAUSA

Pitäjänmäentie 19
Pausa is the neighborhood residents' charming living room. Despite its name, children are very welcome and books are available for their entertainment. Pausa serves tasty savory snacks and delicious cakes. Pausa is open from afternoon until late evening. Vegetarian options available.

PLAYPARK NUOLI

Nuolitie 5
A playpark nestled in the forest inviting children of various ages. The park features swings for babies and older children, a large climbing frame, two sandboxes, a slide, and an inviting forest area. During rainy weather, the indoor facilities of the playpark are available. Weekday mornings offer guided activities, and in summer the park has a canteen.

PITÄJÄNMÄKI LIBRARY

Jousipolku 1
Pitäjänmäki Library is located near Nuoli Park. The library features a play corner and a spacious nursing room.
Note: Pitäjänmäki Library is under renovation until 25.11.2019.

MARTTILA

Partiotie, Mottitie, Viestitie, Korsutie
Marttila is a charming and green wooden house neighborhood built in the 1950s. In summer, gardens fill with apple trees and the scent of flowers. In autumn, apple baskets appear at mailboxes, offering passing visitors snacks to take along. Take a walk through the area and enjoy the peace in the middle of the city.

HEAVENLY SCENT BASEMENT CAFÉ AND FARM ANIMALS

Korsutie 20
In the heart of Marttila sits a small farm with animals and a basement café open on weekends (note: check opening hours online). The backyard is home to chickens, roosters, rabbits, and occasionally sheep and goats. The basement café sells baked goods and beautiful handcrafts.

PATTERIMÄKI TRENCHES

Patterimäki Park
A true adventurer's dream! The area features trenches, small ruins, an Ursa solar system model, and a small playpark. The trenches are at their best in spring, before plants have taken them over.

Photo: Heidi Säynätkari