Finnish Summer Secrets — Enjoy Helsinki and Beyond Like a Local

Originally published on Medium (2024), now updated for Vocal!

Relax on the Beach: Visit Hietaranta Beach in Helsinki.

Summer Cafes: Try Cafe Regatta or Cafe Ursula in Helsinki and Cafe Laurentius in Vantaa.

Helsinki Canal Cruise: Enjoy the city’s beauty from the water.

Day Trip to Fiskars: Explore art, craft, and nature in this historic village.

Finland transforms into a vibrant and lively place during summer, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. This guide will take you through some of the best ways to enjoy a Finnish summer like a local, from relaxing on the beaches to exploring charming summer cafes, enjoying a scenic canal cruise in Helsinki, and taking a day trip to the picturesque village of Fiskars.

Relaxing on the Beach and Swimming

Best Beaches in Helsinki

Hietaranta Beach: This is the most popular beach in Helsinki. Known for its soft sand and lively atmosphere, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports.

Pihlajasaari: Accessible by a short boat ride, this island beach offers a more tranquil setting with beautiful views and picnic spots.

Pihlajasaari used to be a villa island, but now it’s a popular outdoor recreation area in Helsinki. It has old villas, both rocky and sandy beaches, and is known for its versatile nature. The sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, and the northern part of the island is great for families and anyone who loves sandy beaches.

Tips for Beach Days

Bring a picnic: Many locals pack their food and drinks to enjoy a meal by the water.

Stay safe: Finnish waters can be chilly, even in summer. Take your time to acclimate when swimming.

Summer Cafes in Helsinki and Vantaa

Top Cafes to Visit

Cafe Regatta: Located by the sea, this quaint red cottage cafe is famous for its cinnamon buns and traditional Finnish coffee.

Cafe Regatta’s place used to belong to the famous cafe family, Paulig. It was built in 1887 as a shed for fishnets next to the family’s villa. Cafe Regatta opened in 2002, but there have been summer cafes there since 1952.

Cafe Ursula: This cafe offers stunning views of the sea and a wide selection of pastries and light meals.

In 1952, Cafe Ursula was established in Helsinki by the sea. It’s known for its great food and the beautiful sea view that keeps visitors coming back. It’s no surprise that is popular among both locals and tourists.

Cafe Laurentius in Vantaa: Situated in a historical setting right next to the Church of St. Lawrence. This medieval church dates back to 1450 and is one of the oldest buildings in the greater Helsinki area. The Cafe Laurentius is in a historic area which is the best-preserved old church village in Southern Finland.

Cafe Laurentius is an Italian family business that offers delicious homemade Italian pastries and snacks, not forgetting gelato. During the summer you can enjoy coffee and cake outdoors in a peaceful atmosphere.

Why Locals Love These Cafes

Atmosphere: All three cafes provide a cozy, relaxed environment perfect for enjoying the summer breeze.

Local Flavors: Experience traditional Finnish treats like pulla (sweet bun) and korvapuusti (cinnamon roll).

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Helsinki: Beautiful Canal Cruise

Exploring Helsinki’s Scenic Waterways

The Beautiful Canal Cruise gives you a cool way to see Helsinki from the waters. The cruise takes you through various waterways, showcasing Helsinki’s beautiful coastline, historical buildings, and many lush islands.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

Highlights: Sights include the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Korkeasaari Zoo, and the Degerö Canal.

My Experience of the Beautiful Canal Cruise: The canal cruise is one of the highlights of Helsinki summer. Sitting on the deck, feeling the cool breeze, and seeing the city from the water is a magical experience. The audio guide provides fascinating insights into Helsinki’s history and landmarks. It is interesting to hear some Helsinki history insights even for a local like me.

Captivating Views and Must-See Landmarks

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna is a sprawling fortress built across several islands. It offers historical exhibitions, picnic spots, and stunning sea views.

Korkeasaari Zoo: Located on an island, this zoo is home to numerous exotic and native animals. It’s a favorite place to visit for families.

Degerö Canal: This canal offers a peaceful and scenic route through lush greenery and charming houses.

Tips for the Cruise

Best Time to Go: Late afternoon when the sunlight creates a picturesque view.

What to Bring: A camera, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the breeze.

If you want to hop on Helsinki’s Beautiful Canal Cruise, here is a link to book your seat. Just to let you know, it’s an affiliate link, but it won’t cost you anything extra.

Day Trip to Fiskars

Discovering Fiskars

Fiskars Village, about an hour and a half drive from Helsinki, is a haven for art, design, and nature enthusiasts. The village is known for its artisan workshops, galleries, and beautiful surroundings.

History: Fiskars was established in 1649 and gained knowledge for its ironworks, laying the foundation for the globally known Fiskars Corporation. It’s known for crafting high-quality scissors and tools. Today, the village has transformed into a vibrant community of artists, designers, and craftsmen.

Activities: Visit the Fiskars Museum, explore the local shops, and enjoy walking or cycling around the Fiskars Village.

My Experience of Visiting Fiskars Village: Visiting Fiskars feels like stepping back in time. The blend of historical architecture and contemporary art is fascinating. The museum offers a great insight into the village’s history and is worth visiting, especially for first-timers. During my visit, I enjoyed wandering through the Fiskars Village, meeting local people, and listening to live music on the outdoor terrace sipping a local drink. The atmosphere in Fiskars is magical with summer vibes.

Why Fiskars is Worth the Trip

Rich History: Originally an ironworks village, Fiskars has transformed into a cultural and artistic hub.

Scenic Beauty: The lush green landscapes and serene environment make it a perfect getaway from the city.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing the best of Finnish summer feels like you are uncovering a well-kept secret. Helsinki’s beaches are perfect for lazy summer afternoons. Each cafe, like Cafe Regatta and Cafe Laurentius, offers its unique charm and a slice of local life — sipping coffee while watching the world go by is a simple pleasure. And that I cherish during easy summer days. The canal cruise, with its stunning views and hidden gems, provides an interesting perspective on the city’s beauty and history. And then there's Fiskars, where the mix of history, art, and nature makes a magical getaway for a day from buzzing Helsinki.

Thank you for taking the time to read about some of my favorite summer spots in Finland. I hope these tips inspire your adventures and let you experience the Finnish summer like a local.

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