10 Things to Do in Helsinki in Summer

Summer in Helsinki is full of life and is the most eagerly awaited season, especially for those who love the outdoors and want to enjoy the best local activities. With pleasant temperatures ranging from 9° to 21°, the city kicks off the high season. Of course, you can't expect extremely warm water in the middle of one of the coldest countries in Europe, but you can take advantage of the special feature of the famous white nights. This is a phenomenon that occurs around the summer solstice, causing it to never get completely dark in the city.

You'll hardly get bored as the fun is provided by boat trips and trips to the main local islands. If you want to take in the sights, enjoy the seasonal sightseeing bus tour which is only available from May to October. Of course you can attend the colourful seasonal festivals and spend the afternoon in the typical Lippakioski summer cafes. Want to make the most of your holiday in Helsinki, let me guide you through the summer in Helsinki!

A speedboat ride in Helsinki is an ideal way to start the summer. This exciting activity will take you along the coastline of the archipelago and show you iconic sights. Be prepared to get a glimpse of the maritime fortress of Suomenlinna, from a perspective that allows you to appreciate its star-shaped wall.

It's impossible to remain indifferent to the city's seascape, especially when wonders like the Finnish submarine Vesikko and the award-winning Silo 648 appear before your eyes. The cool water of the waves and the constant jumping of the boat will quicken your pulse, keeping your adrenaline pumping.

Keep in mind that this is an adventure at your own risk, so choose certified and reliable companies, and avoid setting sail when the waves are rough or the wind is strong. Also, make sure that the experience includes a flotation suit, buoyancy waistcoat and speed goggles, which are essential survival equipment.

This experience can be combined with a helicopter ride over Helsinki, in case you want to see the city from different perspectives, to see the sights from land and sea and enjoy the unobstructed views.

Helsinki basks in its privileged geographical location in the middle of the Baltic Sea, where the coastline is dominated by medieval landscapes. Some of them even have small pebble beaches or soft sandy beaches that wrap around your feet, offering a relaxing experience - check out the most paradisiacal ones for this season!

Vartiosaari

Vartiosaari is an ancient island in the southeast with an interesting history, featuring Viking-era anecdotes hidden in its forests, villas and gardens. It's only a short distance away and can be reached by the twice-daily Suomen Saaristokuljetus ferry. Specifically, in summer it leaves every day, but if you plan to visit Helsinki in winter you can only do so on weekends.

The unique landscaping of this location is embellished during the summer, with the arrival of the Haltiala farm sheep, which can be spotted feeding in the island's fields. Vartiosaari Day is celebrated at the end of the season with children's areas, live entertainment and cultural activities. Additionally, at this time of year you can go hiking on the well-marked trails or:

• Take a refreshing dip in the cliffs, which by the way, are surrounded by birds, bats and other local animals.
• Pick berries and mushrooms, which are plentiful in summer and autumn.
• Climb the Vartiokallio lookout point which offers views of the archipelago and nearby towns such as Porvoo.

Kaunissaari

Kaunissaari is an island in the Sipoo archipelago, the attraction of which is its location in the open sea. You can take a boat trip around Helsinki to the marina and then follow the network of trails that interconnect the island. This coastal area has a beach, but it's not safe to swim beyond the shore. There are other idyllic options such as fishing or paddle boarding to watch the birds that nest in June.

This island is known for its local gastronomy, whose restaurants allow you to book a sauna experience, either cold or warm. Another local attraction is the search for the famous orak, a protected endangered species. If you're still looking for entertainment, you can camp out in the open, but be aware that there are no toilets and it's a wilderness experience that can only be done in marked areas.

If you plan to join the best excursions from Helsinki, you'll be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the island between 23:00 and 7:00, when there aren't many tourists hanging around. During this time avoid clandestine trails and respect nature.

Seurasaari

A nearby island that offers a pleasant environment with a variety of outdoor entertainment options, as well as a trip back in time to the archipelago's past. Here you can unwind on the beautiful beaches, enjoy a performance at the open-air theatre and take a tour of one of Helsinki' s best museums with exhibits from the 18th and 20th centuries preserving old farms, mills, sheds and houses.

The most special thing during the summer is that you will see squirrels, which are shameless, fun-loving and always ready to play. Of course, you should keep a safe distance as a precaution, but you can feed them according to the instructions given by the rangers.

Suomenlinna

A trip to Suomenlinna is a must during your stay in Helsinki, especially in summer. You can get there in less than 15 minutes on the ferry, which runs from 10am to 6pm. The beach here is the best plan for a relaxing summer holiday, although it's only a small, private cove where you can spend some time splashing around. I recommend that you don't limit yourself, the island has a lot to offer. Starting with the Suomenlinna Museum, where the model of the last Finnish submarine is kept.

Another more relaxed possibility is to take a boat trip around Helsinki, to see the island from the sea. You can also enjoy a picnic on the shore and explore the beauty of the fortress, whose history, immortalised behind the walls and cannons, will leave you captivated. In addition, the island hosts cultural events in the summer which can vary from year to year and most attractions are only open during this season.

Helsinki Design Week or Helsinki Design Week is an annual event that features the city' s best activities in the summer season. Specifically, it usually takes place in September in late summer and early autumn. You can explore iconic abandoned buildings, as well as learn about the recovery and refurbishment process of some of them. Their story is interesting and somewhat poignant, as since 2005 they have reclaimed spaces such as the former customs warehouse Tulli-ja pakkahuone and the old port warehouse Jätkäsaari.

This local programme has become an iconic cultural activity, which takes you on an interesting search for forgotten buildings around the city. In fact, it offers around 250 events in different parts of Helsinki - not for nothing is it the largest design festival in the Nordic countries. Note that some require registration and it's advisable to combine it with a guided tour of the local architecture to see the most iconic landmarks that might catch your eye during the festival.

The Helsinki sightseeing bus tour is an activity not to be missed this season, as it is a seasonal tour that only runs from May to October. If you are one of those travellers who love to get lost in the streets of an unknown city, don't hesitate to take advantage of the good weather and the longer days in the Finnish capital. On board this enigmatic double-decker transport you can discover places of interest and take advantage of the 360° views that will not leave you indifferent.

In addition, you can enjoy around 19 free stops, where you can hop on and off for as long as the ticket is active. Generally, you can choose between 24 or 48 hours validity to move comfortably at your own pace. Other advantages of this tour include free WiFi, an audio guide to help you get to know the city and air-conditioning so you don't swelter in the heat. Note that it is ideal if you plan to be in Helsinki for at least 3 days and can be combined with the local boat tours.

Here are some of the sights you can see:

• Government Palace, the official residence of the President of Finland.
• Swedish Theatre, a beautiful theatre with different cultural programmes offered in Swedish, Finnish and English.
• Kiasma Museum: one of the best museums in Helsinki with contemporary art collections. Admission is included in the Helsinki Card, which gives you access to different attractions in the capital.

The city takes on a unique look and feel during the summer, so many people rent bikes to explore the city. There are apps that offer audio guides or coveted routes, as well as a real-time map so you won't miss a thing. In general, the experience allows you to take advantage of the special cycling lanes and enjoy the fresh air that characterises the Nordic countries.

In summer it can be a great way to make the most of the good weather and the extra sunlight that gives you the option to cycle for longer. Of course, you can also explore urban trails and keep moving during your holiday. In addition, Finns are fond of motor sports and eco-friendly transport, something you'll discover during your visit.

This tour is seasonal and can be enjoyed from April to October at affordable prices. You'll be able to explore the cities, islands, forests and coastal areas. You can enjoy a Helsinki cycling holiday on your own, but if you want a carefully planned itinerary, you can join the best local tours. A personalised tour can be a good option to benefit from the privacy, exclusivity and knowledge of a professional guide.

For balmy summer days, there's nothing better than the great outdoors. There are options for all tastes and ages, where you will be surrounded by natural beauty and the best activities in Helsinki. Here are the must-visit options for this season:

• Art District: Helsinki's vibrant energy is heightened in the colourful streets of this area, which brings art to life and is filled with murals, art galleries and eye-catching exhibitions.
• Helsinki Zoo in Korkeasaari: This zoo is a must-see, as the money from the entrance fees is used to protect endangered species. Here you can see animals by continent and conservation centres. Admission starts at 20 euros.
• Kaisaniem Botanical Garden: it stands out for the fresh air you can breathe among its plants and flowers, and sometimes open-air concerts and festivals are organised.
• Helsinki Canal Cruise: a relaxing activity that allows you to sail around Korkeasaari Island, Hevossalmi Strait, Villinki Island, Vartiosaari Island, the Suomenlinna sea fortress and the Degerö Canal, built at the end of the 19th century. On board, the audio guide commentary enriches the experience.

Summer colours are contrasted with energetic events, so it's no surprise that the range of festivals and outdoor activities increases considerably during this season. Most of the events that take place during this time of year revolve around music, including:

• Art Festival or Helsinki Festival: Held every year at the end of the season, the cheers include performances by the local orchestra, contemporary music shows and other cultural events.
• Flow Festival: From folk to indie, you can enjoy different genres of music and a varied artistic programme.
• World Village Festival: This free festival takes place between May and June in the villages of Helsinki.

Midsummer is an annual astronomical event, which takes place on 21 June throughout Finland. It takes place when the sun is at its highest point and there is more light than any other day of the year, and is even believed to be a gateway to nature that brings about new beginnings.

You'll find plenty of activities and a lively atmosphere in the capital. However, the highlight is Midsummer's Day in Finland. It used to take place on 23 June but has long since been unified to create one big celebration.

On this day it doesn't get dark at all, which gives the festival a special charm and makes it one of the best things to do in Helsinki to kick off the summer. Generally, bonfires or kokko are lit to ward off evil spirits, while others choose to relax in the typical saunas and wait for the midnight sun.

Also, prepare your best suit because you may find yourself at a wedding. Many couples choose to get married in both public and private ceremonies, to take advantage of the magic of the solstice.

In summer, the famous summer cafés or Lippakioski sprout up, characterised by small kiosks that have been a tradition since the 1920s. They can be identified because they are wooden stands selling traditional sweets and soft drinks. You will find them in different picturesque areas such as Arabia, Hakaniemi and Harju. There are at least 19 options in the city, so there is no excuse not to make a quick stop and explore the local traditions.

This is one of the best things to do in Helsinki this season, as other kiosk formats have emerged in recent years. For example, the R-kioski which is a national chain that retains the old format and sells mostly newspapers, food and drinks.

There are also food kiosks where I recommend you try the Grillimakkara sausages or bakery kiosks to try the famous Korvapuusti cinnamon rolls. If you prefer to stay somewhere a little cosier and with places to sit, the Moomin themed cafes are ideal, as they are inspired by Finnish writer Tove Jansson's comic book.

Linnanmäki is a popular summer amusement park, which is only open from April to September. Its legacy has spanned almost a century, with tempting offerings for all ages. Enjoy the adrenaline rush on its carousels, train rides, turbulent roller coasters and interactive zones for kids. Other entertainment options include shows, theatrical performances, shooting games and souvenir stalls.

In September you can take advantage of the iik!week Horror Festival whose haunted atmosphere is suitable for the over 15s. I recommend you wear fancy dress to stick to the theme, and bear in mind that entrance fees start from 47 euros.