Pienten Helsinki
Helsinki's Secrets Through Children's Eyes
The Helsinki's Secrets story introduces unique places, experiences, and things you can only experience in Helsinki. Many of these secrets are things few people know about or that guarantee an unforgettable experience. The story offers tips for family-friendly secrets all around Helsinki!
Fan Mailboxes for Icebreakers
The harbor home of the large icebreakers Urho, Kontio, Sisu, and Voima is located in Katajanokka, and you can admire the ships from behind the fence at the harbor. But did you know you can leave fan mail for the icebreakers in Katajanokka? There are four fun mailboxes by the harbor pier where you can leave drawings of the ships, for example. Near the icebreaker pier, you'll also find a coast guard station and a playground.
Extra tip! The ferry connection from Merisatamantori to Kruunuvuorenranta runs directly past the icebreakers and Korkeasaari. You can board with an HSL ticket, and children under 7 and those traveling with strollers go free. The journey takes about 15 minutes one way.
Merikasarmi Pier, Katajanokka
near Merikasarmi Pier.
The Nordic Library
12.2.2026: The Nordic Library is closed for renovations and will reopen during 2026.
The Nordic Library has books and other materials in all Nordic languages. The library also has its own children's and youth section, as well as a comprehensive selection of children's books and films in Finnish, for example. You need your own Nordic Library card to enter the library, which you can get for free with an ID. You can find the library's current opening hours on their website. The library often closes in July.
The Nordic Library, Kaisaniemenkatu 9
Art Through Children's Eyes
A wise mouse at the National Archives' landing (visible only during the Archives' opening hours!), a mooing moose in Kaisaniemi Park, a huge seagull on the north end of the Tennis Palace, and a colorful Kuukkeli in Kalasatama. These are examples from HAM Helsinki's public art collection, which includes numerous artworks that appeal to children. Public artworks spread throughout the city invite exploration and discovery of various animal statues, fountains, and public art through children's eyes. The collection is very diverse, and some works you might not have noticed even if you'd walked past them many times before.
A list and map of Helsinki's public art with artist information can be found on HAM Helsinki's website.
Magical Kruunuvuoren Pond
Helsinki's only pond is located in Laajasalo, in the Kruunuvuorenranta neighborhood, and offers a wonderful experience in the midst of ancient forest. In summer, water lilies bloom on this magical pond, and in winter, you can often skate on the ice. Around the forest pond, you'll find good picnic spots and beautiful viewpoint cliffs, which offer views of Helsinki's center and Kalasatama's tower buildings, as well as the Kruunusilta construction site. It's hard to believe that few other world capitals have such a place just a few kilometers away from the center. In spring, you can hear numerous birds singing in the pond's surroundings, catch glimpses of deer or foxes, spot grass snakes basking in the spring sun on the shore, or see frogs or duck families swimming. Kruunuvuoren Pond is also known for its old villas, though sadly only overgrown gardens and stone foundation remnants and shore pier structures remain. The pond sits several meters above sea level, and the area is partly a nature reserve.
The path to the pond starts at Päätie 41; an accessible route starts from Kultakruununkaar near the Skanska construction site.
Also read: Pienten Helsinki's article about Kruunuvuoren Pond
Slåttmossen Nature Reserve
Located in Jakomäki, Slåttmossen is a nearly eight-hectare wetland area and Helsinki's largest peat-focused nature reserve. The easy-to-access and fairly short trail network with boardwalks is excellent for nature adventures with children. Here you can sense a hint of Lapland's wilderness atmosphere just a stone's throw from the capital's center.
Somerikkotie, 00770 Helsinki; the nearest parking lot is near Jakomäki's dog park
Secret Island Sisä-Hattu in Lauttasaari
In Lauttasaari, at the eastern edge of Särkiniemi in the middle of the sea, you'll find a real secret island: a small rocky island Sisä-Hattu. You may be able to walk to the island with dry feet during low water, and very often by wading. Sisä-Hattu is reached from the east side of Särkiniemi via what seems like an underwater path that emerges from the sea at low tide. Besides enjoying the scenery, from Sisä-Hattu you can admire large cruise ships passing nearby and enjoy beautiful views of Helsinki's center. This is definitely an excellent adventure destination and a truly unforgettable experience. When wading to the secret island, the Pienten Helsinki team recommends packing sandals or other water-resistant shoes—wading on rocky terrain is much more comfortable with shoes. From time to time, especially in spring and autumn during low water, the secret island is accessible even in sneakers with dry feet. One of the island's secrets is the old carvings on the rocky shores, of which there are several!
Sisä-Hattu, Lauttasaari's outdoor recreation park—starting point near the dog park
Kuusiluoto and the Sheep of Kuusiluoto
On Kuusiluoto, the neighboring island of Lammassaari (Sheep Island), you can meet sheep roaming freely in summer and fall. These summer visitors, which work on landscape maintenance in the area, can be spotted in different parts of the island, and you'll see their tracks throughout. The sheep's feeding area is located at the end of the path that leads to the right when entering the island. When arriving at Kuusiluoto, remember to close the gate leading to the island, as the sheep roam the area freely. Don't feed the sheep, but you can pet them gently if they're in the mood and you approach carefully. Kuusiluoto is a wonderful natural site year-round, with or without sheep, and its urban views toward Helsinki's center are unique. The paths to Kuusiluoto are narrow boardwalks, so unfortunately the site is not accessible with strollers. During high water, the boardwalks may be submerged. For example, when sea water levels are below +20 cm, you can reach Kuusiluoto in sneakers.
Kuusiluoto, accessed via the accessible boardwalks leading to Lammassaari. When arriving at Lammassaari, turn right and walk about 150 meters, then you'll find the narrower boardwalks leading to Kuusiluoto.
Also read: Helsinki's Islands: Lammassaari and Kuusiluoto
Pukkisaari's Iron Age Trading Post
From Seurasaari's neighbor, halfway along the walking bridge to the island, on the right side coming from the mainland, you'll find a small island. By turning onto the path leading to the island, you'll find yourself shortly on the footbridges of Pukkisaari and Lähtisen Pukkisaari's Iron Age trading post. The trading post features buildings mimicking medieval architecture and other interesting sights. Western Pukkisaari, maintained by an association, is a public recreation area where you can visit anytime. From time to time, public events are also held in the area.
Pukkisaari, on the right side of Seurasaari Bridge
The Iron Age trading post is maintained by Sommelo ry.
Mustavuori Nature Reserve
The Mustavuori Nature Reserve in eastern Helsinki invites adventures: peering into caves, walking through forests, jumping on rocks, and marveling at nature and animals. In autumn, blueberries and mushrooms also grow here. The route through Mustavuori continues all the way to Talosaaari, making it suitable as a somewhat more challenging biking destination. The site is accessible by public transportation.
Mustavuori Nature Reserve, Vuosaari, along the Itä Highway near the border of Mellunkylä and Falbacka.
Read more: Mustavuori Nature Reserve
Suomenlinna's Dry Dock
From Suomenlinna, at the beginning of Susisaari near the Ehrensvärd Museum, there is Suomenlinna's dry dock (listed on maps as Viapori Shipyard) and its viewing platform. Traditional ships spend their winters docked here, and when spring arrives in late April and May, the dock basin is filled with water and the ships are released into the summer waves. Similar dry docks are rare worldwide, making this a truly unique experience! During summer, some ships remain on the dock for repairs, so the dock basin may be empty even in summer.
Read more: History of Suomenlinna's Dry Dock
Uutela's Secret Beach
From the Uutela outdoor recreation area, a small forest path leads to a wonderful natural swimming beach with beautiful archipelago views. The beach across from Skataniemi is partly rocky and partly covered with soft sand, a small beach that few know about. Under the water there are some rocks, like typical archipelago beaches, so water shoes come in handy, especially for young swimmers. On warm summer days, the atmosphere is like being in the outer archipelago, and the views are unique. This beach is not accessible without assistance. During berry season, picnic treats can be found along the path. You may also see snakes and lizards in the area.
The forest path to Uutela's secret beach starts near the Halkullaniemi parking lot.
Roihuvuori's Japanese-Style Garden
The Japanese-style garden at Roihuvuori along Roihuvuorentie is a fascinating small park with Japanese-inspired bridges, plantings, and other garden structures. The place isn't large, but it's worth stopping by during a walk or having a picnic during cherry blossom season. Children are particularly enchanted by the bubbling water features and the animal themes throughout the park.
Roihuvuori's Japanese-style garden, Roihuvuorentie 10
in May.
Malminkartano Apple Orchard
It's worth planning a trip to the Malminkartano apple orchard in May-June, when hundreds of apple trees bloom in the orchard. During harvest season, you can pick apples for your own use from the orchard. A wonderful and surprising place, like a secret garden.
Malminkartano Apple Orchard, Kartanonkaari 29, Helsinki
Read more: Malminkartano Fruit Garden
Meilahti Arboretum and Rose Garden
Meilahti's rose garden is one of Helsinki's best and most secret picnic destinations! Various garden beds, a diverse and surprising garden, great adventure spots in a place rarely visited. This secret garden near Seurasaari is often overlooked on picnic lists! In late summer, hundreds of roses bloom here.
Meilahti Arboretum, Johannesbergintie 7, Helsinki
Read more: Meilahti Arboretum
Kumpula School Garden
A secret garden hidden behind a thick spruce fence is an unknown place for many. At the Kumpula School Garden, school-age children and families can rent garden plots, and all Helsinkians can enjoy the garden's beauty. The school garden also hosts occasional events perfect for children and harvest sales when produce is being picked. This place is a piece of old Helsinki where time stands still! The school garden has been operating next to Kumpula's allotment gardens since 1928. Also in summer 2023, Café Raparperimeri operates at the school garden!
Kumpula School Garden, Vähänkyröntie 3-6
Read more: Kumpula School Garden
Matosaari
Located in Jolli, Matosaari is a forgotten secret: ruins from the Crimean War, stone foundations from a long-burned house, and remnants of a beautiful garden, wonderful views of the eastern archipelago and Villinki, as well as peace and sea breezes. The site also hosts a base for the Helsinki Sea Rescue Association, so you can spot rescue vessels at the dock. Matosaari is now accessible on foot from Matosaari Path. A trip to Matosaari works with strollers, but it's best to leave the stroller at the island's entrance, making exploration of the small island much easier.
Matosaari, Jolli. Bus 85 brings you from Herttoniemi to just over a kilometer and a half from Matosaari. The nearest parking lots are found near Jollas 89 and at Mesaanipolulla near the Puuskankukka playground (Nuorisopuisto Tallbergin at the corner of Puistotie and Mesaanipolu).
Also read: Pienten Helsinki's article about Matosaari
Kaivokallio's Old Mines and Nature Reserve
Boardwalks are being built on Kaivokallio's paths in summer 2025, so the route may be temporarily closed!
Head to Laajasalo, Kruunuvuorenranta, for a different nature adventure! The old iron mines of Kaivokallio Nature Reserve offer a unique adventure in Helsinki with convenient access. Along forest paths and in rock cavities, you can see old, water-filled mines, climb stairs up a tall cliff, hear woodpeckers calling, and ponder what life was once like here. Kaivokallio is an adventure spot for older children and more challenging terrain, so bringing strollers isn't recommended. Bus 88/88B also goes to the site from Herttoniemi metro station. The place is also known as Stansviki Iron Mines.
For those seeking a park experience nearby are two beautiful parks: Stansvik Manor Park and Tullisaari, the latter also featuring a small playground.
Kaivokallio Nature Reserve / Stansviki Iron Mines, near the intersection of Koirasaarentie and Stansvikintie, on the right side of the road when coming from Herttoniemi, behind old villas.
Fishing-Friendly Pier in Vuosaari
On the shore of Pikku Kallahti, on Kalkkihiekanpolu near Villa Ullas, there is the city's relatively new pier, which is excellent for a fishing trip. Beautiful views, a sheltered bay, and Villa Ullas treats (check opening hours!) guarantee a great fishing outing. Nearby are Kallahti swimming beaches and numerous Vuosaari playgrounds.
Pikku Kallahti, Kalkkihiekanpolu's Kallahti side
By Metro to the Bird Tower
In Lauttasaari, from the bird tower on Myllykallion, you can admire birds as well as Helsinki's scenery.
The location is on a rocky hill, so reaching the very top with strollers can be challenging, but for walking toddlers and older adventurers, it's an exciting destination. There are several playgrounds nearby (including Lahnalahti playground, Nuorisopuisto Tallberg at the corner of Puistotie and Särkiniementie, and Kasinoranta swimming beach's play ship). The nearest metro entrance is on Gyldéninintie in Lauttasaari, and for adventure seekers, Koivusaari station. The stairs to the bird tower are steep; keep this in mind when visiting with small children or if you're afraid of heights.
Myllykallion Bird Tower, Myllykallio, Lauttasaari
Helsinki Observatory
If your little one is interested in astronomy and space, take them to the University of Helsinki's Observatory to marvel at stars and space phenomena. Contrary to what many think, the Observatory is open to the public (check opening hours!). The magnificent building, designed by architect C. L. Engel and astronomy professor F. W. A. Argelander, was completed in 1834. There is a small entrance fee to the Observatory; children under 7 enter free.
Helsinki Observatory, Tähtitorninvuoren Park, Kopernikuksentie 1
Read more: Helsinki Observatory
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