Summer in Helsinki – The Ultimate Guide
Summer in Helsinki is one of a kind: If you’re looking to combine breathtaking views with delicious cuisine, the islands around Helsinki offer some truly unforgettable dining experiences, or if you prefer the mainland, the many kilometres of shoreline will not leave you hanging either. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Finnish dishes or fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone among these picturesque restaurants, cafés and islands to visit.
Beyond the restaurant spots, the islands themselves are of pure natural beauty and cultural experiences, from the open-air museums and historic fortress islands, to everything in between – this is all you need to know for your summer in Helsinki!
Make the best of Finnish summers, and explore the rich flavours and stunning vistas of Helsinki’s archipelago—your taste buds and your soul will thank you!
Table of Contents
Summer Restaurants in Helsinki
Saari
Website: www.ravintolasaari.fi
A classic among island restaurants, Saari is just a few minutes away by boat. With views of the open sea, you can watch sailing students practicing while enjoying traditional Finnish cuisine with modern influences.
Lonna
Website: www.lonna.fi
The island restaurant of Lonna is open from May to the end of September, offering high-quality, seasonal dishes with a refined twist. The focus is on Finnish, organic, and locally grown ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to wind down after a sauna visit next door. If you have to pick only one of these for your summer in Helsinki, make it this one.
Café Kobben
Website: www.katajanokanluoto.fi
This tiny island, Katajanokanluoto, has only been open to the public for a few years and is just a stone’s throw from the mainland. You can visit the old pilot house from 1876, though there’s not much else here. But what you will find: pizza. Grab a bench or a rock and enjoy.
Liuskasaari & Skiffer
Website: www.skiffer.fi
Liuskasaari, just off the coast of Kaivopuisto, is home to Skiffer, a trendy summer restaurant known for its delicious Liuska, which some people might call similar to a pizza. The short boat ride adds a bit of extra excitement to an already lovely time out.
Saaristo
Website: www.ravintolasaaristo.fi
Right in front of the city, on the island of Klippan, lies Saaristo. The impressive wooden villa, built in 1899, has a fascinating history and is on the verge of a new chapter. 2024 is its last season before the city sells the building, so now is your chance to enjoy a classic Finnish fish dinner in a unique setting.
Restaurant Paven
Website: www.paven.fi
On the island of Pentala near Espoo, a trip to Paven feels like a real vacation. Whether you arrive by your own boat or take the transfer from the mainland, the museum island is easy to reach.
Adlerfelt
Website: www.adlerfelt.fi
The fortress island of Suomenlinna isn’t just a must for history and sightseeing buffs but also for food lovers. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy a drink on the terrace or dinner in a 250-year-old building.
Summer cafés in Helsinki
Uunisaari
Website: www.uunisaari.com
Once reserved for the rich and famous, this island is now a favorite spot for everyone. Accessible by boat in summer or by a temporary bridge in winter, you can relax on the beach, visit the sauna, or enjoy delicious treats or a fresh salmon soup at the café.
Mellsten
Website: www.mellstencafe.fi
Mellsten Beach is a local favorite in Espoo, where you can relax with your feet in the sand while enjoying casual beachside dining. The café offers light meals and pastries, perfect for a sunny day by the sea.
Nokkalan Majakka
Website: www.nokkalannmajakka.fi
Located by the Espoo waterfront, Nokkalan Majakka offers stunning views of the archipelago. The lighthouselike building serves seasonal dishes with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee or a meal while watching the boats come and go.
Kampela
Website: www.ravintolakampela.fi
Kampela is a hidden gem on the Vuosaari coast, known for its relaxed, laidback vibe and excellent seafood dishes. The small, rustic restaurant offers fish straight from the Baltic Sea, creating a cozy spot for enjoying a fresh meal by the water.
Ursula
Website: www.ursula.fi
A beloved seaside café and restaurant in Kaivopuisto, Ursula has been a Helsinki institution since 1952. Its large terrace offers panoramic views of the sea, making it a prime location for enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, especially during summer.
Paseo
Website: www.paseo.fi
Located in the beautiful Eira district, Paseo is a charming beach café right by the shore. It’s a great place to grab a coffee or light meal after a swim, with its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the Gulf of Finland.
Merenneito
Website: www.merenneito.fi
Merenneito (The Mermaid) sits on the tranquil island of Sirpalesaari, accessible by a short boat ride. This small, picturesque restaurant serves fresh seafood and traditional Finnish dishes, making it a serene escape from the city.
Mattolaituri
Famously the spot for people to come and wash their carpets and rugs in the summertime, it is also the home to this iconic café and car at what’s arguably the best seaside spot of Helsinki. Perfect for an afterwork or whenever drink, when the sun is out.
Birgitta
Website: www.birgitta.fi
Located in Hernesaari, Birgitta is a stylish, modern café and restaurant by the sea. Its large outdoor terrace and stunning wooden architecture make it a popular summer spot. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, with options ranging from gourmet burgers to fresh salads.
Kasinonranta
Website: www.kasinonranta.fi
Kasinonranta, in Espoo’s Haukilahti area, is a beautiful beachside location with a café offering relaxed dining. It’s a perfect spot for families and those looking to enjoy the sun and sea, with easy access to both swimming and dining in a picturesque setting.
Regatta
Website: www.caferegatta.fi
This tiny, red cottage by the sea in Töölö, Café Regatta is one of Helsinki’s most iconic and charming cafés. Famous for its cinnamon buns and campfire where you can roast sausages, it’s a cosy place to relax after a walk by the water, open year-round for those seeking a bit of warmth and tradition.
Islands to visit in summer in Helsinki
Kivisaari Island
Website: https://www.frs-finland.fi/kivisaari/
Kivisaari is a small, peaceful island in Helsinki’s archipelago, offering a secluded getaway from the city. Though relatively unknown, it’s a great spot for a quiet picnic or exploring the rocky shoreline. With no formal dining establishments, the island’s charm lies in its unspoiled nature and serene atmosphere.
Iso Vasikkasaari Island
Website: www.isovasikkasaari.fi
Iso Vasikkasaari, located off the coast of Espoo, is a popular destination for families and daytrippers. The island boasts beautiful nature trails, sandy beaches, and the island’s main attraction, Gula Villan, a restaurant serving seasonal dishes with a focus on Finnish and archipelago-inspired cuisine.
Pihlajasaari Island
Website: www.pihlajasaari.fi
Pihlajasaari, just a short ferry ride from Helsinki, is a favorite summer destination for locals and tourists alike. Known for its sandy beaches, rocky shores, and lush greenery, it offers both a naturist beach and familyfriendly areas. The island’s charming summer restaurant, located in an old wooden villa, serves fresh, casual dishes.
Kaunissaari
Website: www.kaunissaari.fi
The perfect destination for a day trip, Kaunissaari island is known not only for its stunning nature but also for its restaurant. The simplest things are often the best: from stuffed flatbreads with smoked salmon to pancakes with rhubarb compote from their own garden, a stop here is a must.
Harakka Island
Website: https://www.hel.fi/fi/kulttuurijavapaaaika/ulkoilupuistotjaluontokohteet/saaret/harakansaari Harakka Island, located just off Kaivopuisto, is a small and quiet nature reserve perfect for those interested in birdwatching and art. The island hosts artist studios and exhibitions during the summer, making it a tranquil spot where nature meets creativity. While there’s no restaurant, it’s ideal for a peaceful picnic with a view.
Vasikkasaari
Website: https://www.vartiosaari.fi/uudet_sivut/
Not to be confused with Iso Vasikkasaari, this Vasikkasaari is just a stone’s throw from Helsinki and has been gaining attention for its beautiful walking trails and serene picnic spots. It’s relatively undeveloped but features a few popup events during the summer, offering a peaceful retreat close to the city.
Vartiosaari
Website: https://www.vartiosaari.fi/uudet_sivut/
Vartiosaari is a hidden gem in the Helsinki archipelago, known for its old wooden villas, forested trails, and relaxed atmosphere. While less developed than some other islands, it offers a great escape for nature lovers. Occasionally, there are popup cafés and cultural events, making it a unique spot for an island adventure.
Seurasaari
Website: www.seurasaari.fi i
Seurasaari is famous for its openair museum showcasing traditional Finnish wooden buildings, and a great year-round spot – not just for summer in Helsinki. It’s a popular island for leisurely walks and picnics, and though it doesn’t have many formal restaurants, there are cafés offering light refreshments and snacks. Its cultural history and beautiful natural surroundings make it a must-visit.
Summer Saunas and Wellness in Helsinki
Löyly
Website: www.loylyhelsinki.fi
No summer in Helsinki is complete without a sauna visit: and Löyly is a design sauna that features a traditional Finnish smoke sauna alongside two wood-heated saunas, a year-round terrace, and a restaurant. With direct access to the outdoor seating area and the sea, guests can enjoy a refreshing swim throughout the year.
Allas Sea Pool
Website: www.allasseapool.fi
Allas Sea Pool is a floating sea spa and wellness hub located right in the heart of the city. It features outdoor swimming pools, Nordic design floating saunas, and upgraded facilities including lounge and cooling down areas. Visitors can indulge in a choice of five distinct saunas while enjoying breathtaking views of maritime Helsinki. After a swim, relax with a drink or meal at the restaurant.
Sompasauna
Website: https://www.sompasauna.fi/in-english
A wood-heated, self-service public sauna built and maintained by volunteers. Visitors can enjoy the sauna and sea at their own risk, as there is no lifeguard or staff on-site. The sauna is open around the clock and free for everyone to use.
Uunisaari Sauna
Website: www.uunisaari.com
Situated on a small island, this sauna combines the beauty of nature with a refreshing dip in the sea after a steamy session. This used to be the ultimate spot for a summer in Helsinki for the better situated, but nowadays they welcome everybody.
Kulttuurisauna
Website: https://kulttuurisauna.fi/
Designed by architect Tuomas Toivonen, this ecological sauna is nestled in the shadow of the sculptural Merihaka district. Open year-round, it also offers ice swimming in the winter. No admission to groups. The morning sauna accepts walk-ins, the evening shift requires pre-booking.
Lähteen Sauna
Website: https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/sauna/
Housed in an old mental hospital built in the 1880s, this collective sauna has been revitalized and is now open to everyone, with separate hours for men and women.
Laguuni
Website: www.laguunin.fi
Located in Espoo, this sauna combines modern design with a relaxing atmosphere, offering stunning views of the surrounding nature and the Keilaniemi bay. Simple and beautiful, it is my personal favourite winter sauna spot.
Löylykontti Sauna
Website: www.loylykontti.fi
Also in Espoo, Kontti is a cozy sauna in a rebuilt shipping container, known for its warm atmosphere and a great place to unwind with friends.
Kuusijärvi
Website: www.kuusijarvi.fi
Located in Vantaa, Kuusijärvi features traditional Finnish saunas and a lovely outdoor swimming area, perfect for year-round sauna fun – with the only public smoke sauna in the Greater Capital area, alongside the electric saunas. For a summer in Helsinki day trip, this is an excellent spot to combine with a hike in the forest, and then a refreshing sauna and dip in the lake.
Furuvik Beach Sauna
Website: https://saunat.fi/lippu/villa-furuvik-rantasauna
This beach sauna, once a fishing net shed, is situated next to a sheltered sandy beach. It is open all year round, allowing for dips in the sea during summer and winter thanks to a pump that keeps the water accessible.
M/Y Fortune
Website: https://www.myfortune.fi/en
A completely renovated boat offering sauna cruises, allowing guests to experience the historic Helsinki archipelago while enjoying the ship’s atmospheric lounge and magnificent sauna.
Villa Wuorio
Website: https://saarenoma.fi/villawuorio/sauna/
Located in Laajasalo, this 120-year-old villa features Villa Bergvik, a wooden-heated beach sauna, and a park. The sauna can be booked in summer on Thursdays and Sundays for €15 per person