MUST DO in summer, Helsinki
A Finnish Summer in Helsinki: Sun, Sauna & Sisu. Events, tips and local favourites to make the most of your visit
We are officially in summer season here in Finland.
This will be my third summer in the country (moved here at the end of summer 2023) and I can honestly say that there is nowhere else I would rather spend it than here in the North. And when I say the North, I mean: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia. Summer is truly magic in this corner of the world.
The answer is simple: SUN, SAUNA, and SISU.
SUN — Even in Helsinki, Finland’s capital, the sun barely sets. It lingers in the sky well past midnight, giving way to a soft twilight rather than true darkness. By around 2:30 AM, the warm glow of dawn is already back in. Not much sleep going on in the summer here.
SAUNA — We can all understand the appeal of a sauna in winter when it’s freezing cold outside. But a sauna in the middle of summer? That is an experience entirely its own, and an absolute MUST if you’re visiting. Helsinki has many options. My personal favourites (outside of my own home) are Lähde Sauna and Allas.
SISU — That famous Finnish spirit of resilience and determination? We are all running on it through the summer months, especially those of us having trouble sleeping.
Coming up, I’ll be sharing a guide to free events and activities you can enjoy during the summer season in and around Helsinki: things to do using the city’s public transport, so no extra costs beyond the regular fare.
Tip: if you come with a child that still needs his stroller, the trip is free for you.
You'll find a mix of general events and personal favourites in this guide (think of some of them as hidden gems), especially if you're visiting for the first time. With that said, let’s commence, month by month:
June:
Rhododendron Park & Vallisaari Island - early June is the perfect time to visit the Rhododendron Park (Alppiruusupuisto): beautiful colours that signal the arrival of summer. Another early-June favourite is Vallisaari Island, where golden canola fields are in full bloom. Keep in mind that this island is only open to visitors during the summer months.
Helsinki Day (June 12th) - the most unmissable date in June is Helsinki Day, celebrated every year on June 12th since 1959. The city comes alive with events and activities for all ages, and (a bonus worth mentioning) most museums offer free entry on this day. You can browse the full programme in English (Helsinki Päivä) to plan your day.
Helsinki City Folk (June 15th) - Helsinki City Folk is a Midsummer celebration not to be overlooked. This year it takes place on June 15th at Espa Stage in Esplanadi Park: free entry, wonderful performances and festive atmosphere worth your time.
Juhannus Bonfires on Seurasaari Island (June 19th) - of all the June experiences Helsinki has to offer, witnessing the Juhannus (Midsummer) bonfires on Seurasaari Island is perhaps the most memorable. There is something deeply moving about standing by a great fire under a sky that never quite turns dark.
For those aged 22 and over, a Midsummer party cruise is a fantastic way to celebrate the longest night of the year on the water. Departures are from Market Square and you can find all the details here and here.
How does a Midsummer steam train journey sound? Board a steam train for a truly unique Finnish Midsummer experience: live music, delicious food and a festive atmosphere, culminating in Midsummer celebrations in Turku, one of Finland’s most beautiful cities. It’s the kind of experience that happens once in a lifetime. And the good news? Children are welcome too, at half the price. You can book your journey here.
A day trip to Porvoo is always a good idea: easy to reach, easy to wander. As an added bonus, at the end of June the town hosts a music festival, with most events free to attend.
For a family-friendly outing closer to the city, Nuuksio National Park is a wonderful choice, especially for the little ones, who will be delighted to see real reindeer. The park also offers hiking and cycling trails for those who want to explore further. If your trip allows, you can even stay overnight.
Porvoo
July:
July is, in many ways, a quieter month for events in Helsinki. Most Finns retreat to their mökki (summer cottage) to recharge and simply enjoy the season at a slower pace. But if you find yourself in the city in July, there is still plenty to do. A wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon is at one of these spots, most of which also serve lounas (a lunch buffet) that is, without question, a MUST-TRY experience:
You can rent your own mökki for a few days through this website and experience Finnish summer the way the locals do.
Explore the Helsinki Archipelago. With so many islands to choose from, you really can’t go wrong.
Spend a day at the beach. The water may not always be warm, but the sun makes up for it. Just remember to stay hydrated. My personal favourite beaches are Lauttasaari, Hietsu, Eira and Mustikkamaa.
Prefer a pool to the open water? Helsinki’s outdoor pools, open only during the summer months, are a real treat:
Kumpula Outdoor Swimming Pool (built for the 1952 Olympics).
Swimming Stadium (originally constructed for the 1940 Olympic Games).
Helsinki in the summer
August:
Kick off August with the Kallio Block Party: a free urban street festival held on August 1st in Kallio neighbourhood.
The Helsinki Festival, first held in May 1968, runs from August 18th to September 5th. Browse the full programme here and start planning, there will be plenty to choose from.
Sampo Festival brings international visual theatre and puppetry to Helsinki at the end of August.
The Helsinki Contemporary Opera Festival runs from late August through to September 6th, showcasing performances by freelance opera groups.
Mökki (Finnish cottage) - woods, lake, boat and sauna
Other suggestions of activities, concerts, free movies, etc:
If you’re staying for a longer period, consider enrolling your children in one of Helsinki’s kesäleiri (summer camps). It gives the little ones a structured, fun-filled day while you get to explore the city at your own pace. Read more here.
You can always go to a museum. Here you can see when the free entry days at museums are.
If you’d like a more guided experience, Museomatkat offers both day trips and package tours with a guide.
From Thursday to Saturday, until August 1st, Musiikkitalo hosts free concerts starting at 5 PM. A relaxed and enjoyable way to spend a summer evening in the city.
Free open-air cinema, by the sea, in the heart of the city. Check the programme here for all summer months and pick your evening.
One of the best ways to explore Helsinki is by bicycle. City bikes are easy to rent and get you around the city quickly, cheaply, and enjoyably.
Running throughout the summer across Helsinki and Espoo, the Urkuyo Festival is a music festival worth checking.
Helsinki is a fantastic base for short getaways. Both Stockholm and Tallinn are just a ferry ride away. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of Stockholm, whether you have 5 hours or a couple of days to spare: 5 hours or a city break in Stockholm?
Esplanadi Park’s Espa Stage hosts many free events throughout the summer. Check the schedule here and plan around your travel dates.
For the sporty visitors (or those who want to try something a little different) why not take part in a running event? There’s a trail run in June, a Twilight Run in August, and for the ambitious of you, the Helsinki Marathon on August 22nd.
Helsinki has plenty of outdoor recreation areas. Browse the full list here and find the ones that suit your pace and interests.
And finally, one of my personal favourite trails in the Helsinki area: the Lammassaari trail.
Good to know:
You can always try and book a free tour of Helsinki in english, for almost 2h. Tips are always welcomed.
You might consider purchasing the Helsinki City Pass, suitable for you. You can add the transport fee too, when you’re buying it, which is great! You need to buy one for children 6-14 years old too. With this pass, you can also have a guided tour on Suomenlinna Island.
if you’re coming in autumn or winter, please check here the MUST DO.
During the summer, you can Hop On and Off with the Helsinki Bus. Details here.
