What to do in Helsinki in summer – 7 local tips

Summer arrives late in the capital of Finland, but when it does, the whole city seems to exhale. By June, the light barely leaves. Evenings stretch long and golden, terraces fill up, and the little lippakioskis that have dotted the city since the 1920s reopen for the season, dispensing ice creams and cold drinks to anyone passing by. 

From sweating it out in a waterfront public sauna to cycling along a river, catching a bonfire on Midsummer's Eve or losing your heart to a 1950s amusement park, here are the best things to do in Helsinki in summer. Chosen the way a local would.

There’s nothing more Helsinki than spending a summer afternoon sweating it out in a public sauna before plunging into the sea. The city’s shoreline is dotted with modern architectural gems and old-school neighbourhood saunas where locals and visitors alike come to relax, recharge and enjoy the quiet joy of simply being.

Head to Löyly, where design meets tradition in a striking wooden structure perched on the edge of the Baltic. After a steamy löyly session (that’s the gentle wave of heat that rolls off the sauna stove), cool off with a dip in the sea – no matter the temperature. If a Nordic island vibe is more your cup of tea, head to the rugged but pretty Lonna island. If you prefer a more laid-back, local feel, Kotiharjun Sauna in the Kallio district offers an authentic slice of everyday Finnish life. Here, you’ll meet chatty regulars, birch whisk experts, and probably someone offering you a fizzy lonkero afterwards. 

Bring your swimsuit (or not, depending on the sauna and your mood), a towel, and an open mind. You'll leave refreshed, slightly pink-cheeked, and just a little more Finnish than before.

For Finns, Midsummer isn’t just about getting together with family and friends; it’s also about folklore and magic. One way of joining the fun is to head to Seurasaari’s Midsummer’s Eve festivities. Held in an outdoor museum-like setting, Midsummer night in Seurasaari is an experience that’s a mix of fresh perspectives and traditional fun. It kicks off with the raising of the Midsummer pole and traditional folk dances. Then, bonfires are set all over the island, including a huge one that’s lit each year by the bridal couple of Midsummer. We recommend adding this magical side trip onto any summer journey to Helsinki.

Pihlajasaari is a beautiful island in the Finnish archipelago that’s only a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland and can be accessed by ferry from Ruoholahti or the Merisatama piers in Ullanlinna. This destination is the perfect spot to escape the hustle, bustle and heat of a Helsinki summer and offers long, sandy beaches equipped with fully-functioning camp grounds featuring kitchenettes, outdoor toilets and playgrounds. There’s also a two-kilometre marked nature trail circling the island, as well as two saunas which can be reserved. One of them, Rantasauna, is often completely booked by locals, but the other, Aalto sauna, offers day-of bookings. You can also overnight on the island on the weekends for a small fee, so bring your tent or hammock.

Every year in August, the Suvilahti area of Helsinki erupts into a party that lasts three days and nights. It’s called the Flow Festival, and it’s a weekend music event that’s full of headliners, up-and-coming local talent, and an abundance of character. Set in the industrial area near Sörnäinen and the Kallio district, Flow Festival welcomes over 80,000 visitors each year with interesting lighting, design and technology. Do what the Finns do and arrive on two wheels: Bikes can be rented from the city of Helsinki for a mere 5€ per day fee and can be returned to any station in the city. Don’t forget about the event’s afterparties, which include huge get-togethers at clubs like Post Bar and many more.

Explore all events in Helsinki at Myhelsinki.fi.

The Vantaa River runs a little more than 100 kilometres, from Lake Erkylänjärvi in Hausjärvi all the way to the Gulf of Finland at Vanhankaupunginselkä in Helsinki. While this waterway has, at times, been overlooked by visitors and locals alike, it offers a plethora of activities – and a nice ride back to town. Start by toting your bike on the train to Helsinki’s northern suburbs (like Puistola or Tikkurila), then enjoy a leisurely cycle back to the city. Bringing snacks is recommended, but there are pit stops available along the way. Sample scrumptious Chinese-fusion at China Boss in Tapanila, and finish up with a delicious treat or a meal at Annan Kartano in Tuomarinkylä Manor. Finally, continue toward Pikkukoski, the local beach adjacent to Vanhankoskenlahti, which offers the perfect resting place to enjoy the gentle waters of the Vantaa.

Can't get enough of Helsinki and summer? Here's more inspiration for your next holiday.