Skip to content
Locrawl
Daytime

Summer Afternoon on Pihlajasaari

Escape the city center crowds and take the short ferry ride to Pihlajasaari, a favorite summer island for locals. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches before grabbing a cold drink at the island restaurant.

Best time: noneAbout 240 min

Timeline

  1. 13:00

    Pihlajasaari

    Take the ferry from Merisatama pier at the southern end of Kaivopuisto Park. The trip takes 10-15 minutes and costs €5.50 for a return ticket. Ferries run hourly from 09:30 to 20:30.

  2. 13:30

    Ravintola Pihlajasaari

    Walk six minutes from the pier to Ravintola Pihlajasaari. Order cold beer or cider and enjoy a snack while watching the water. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 to 20:00.

  3. 15:00

    Pihlajasaari

    Spend the next couple of hours on the island's sandy beaches. Pihlajasaari is a popular summer spot for Helsinkians, featuring both standard beaches and a mixed nude beach. It is a quiet, local alternative to the busy city center.

Local tip

The ferry is accessible by tram 3 to Kaivopuisto Park. Check the route if you are not staying nearby. The restaurant is the only place to buy food and drink on the island, so plan accordingly.

Check before you go

  • Ferry hours are 09:30 to 20:30 hourly.
  • Ravintola Pihlajasaari is open 11:30-20:00.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Helsinki (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Back to Helsinki