August 5, 2025, 12:52 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, and of course Helsinki: the Nordic capitals are all the rage and highly recommended for city trips in the summer. Our author Frank Lehmann spent a week in the Finnish metropolis and took a closer look at the city.
The city on the Gulf of Finland is full of tourist attractions. In the center, you’re quickly at the hotspots: the Kauppatori market square with the old market hall, Senate Square with the cathedral, the Amos Rex art museum, or the Russian Uspenski Cathedral. Visitors swarm here by the thousands, snapping photos with their smartphones. The city’s charm is quickly captured. But is there more than what’s in the travel guide? What do the Finnish locals do in their free time? Here are ten destinations off the beaten tourist path.
Overview
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
Families with strollers, couples in love–you stroll across the white wooden bridge and find yourself on the charming island of Seurasaari. The small island is quickly reached with a 20-minute bus ride on Bus 24. Over 80 traditional wooden buildings can be discovered there. The wooden church from Karuna dates back to the 17th century. The architectural culture of all of Finland from past times is gathered here, and time flies by in the old farmhouses. If you like, you can also jump into the water from the rocks or visit the Fölison bathhouse from 1906. However, nudism is the norm here. Access is free, as is entry to the island. Only the museum requires a fee.
Organ Concerts in the Church of Kallio
The organ summer in Helsinki is legendary. In numerous churches, virtuoso Finnish organists perform. Of course, you can hear Bach concerts here, but also works by young, wild composers like Olli Saari. Among the magnificent churches, the Art Nouveau church of Kallio stands out. It not only has a high church tower, from which you can enjoy a unique view of the city after climbing 273 steps, but it also boasts a magnificent interior with wonderful acoustics. Experiencing a concert here: Wow! If you’re short on time, don’t miss the treat at 12 or 6 p.m.: The seven church bells play a piece composed by Jean Sibelius for this church.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
Scream if you can! Because the Taiga roller coaster truly takes your breath away. On the 1,104-meter-long track, there are loops you’ll never forget. For a more charming experience, hop on the old carousel from 1896 or take a ride on the historic wooden roller coaster from 1951, where brakemen still ride along. Over 42 rides are available at Linnanmäki Amusement Park, offering something for everyone. Toddlers enjoy it just as much as tattooed Finnish musclemen. It’s best to buy the wristband for 53 euros, which includes all rides. It’s worth it, and almost all visitors stay until 9 p.m. A must is the Swingi, a giant swinging ride–a blast!
Karhupuisto Park
More than a third of Helsinki’s area is covered by parks–and the residents love their parks. No litter, no graffiti, free toilets, colorful, well-maintained flower beds everywhere. Helsinki is a very green city, and you shouldn’t just visit the wonderful Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden and explore the famous Sibelius Park, but also get lost in the numerous small city parks. I recommend Karhupuisto Park in the Kallio district. Here, guitarists play in the afternoons, families picnic, tattooed scene girls bask in the sun, and amidst it all stands the stoic sculpture of the bear on the anthill. Kallio is the other, young, autonomous Helsinki–a kind of Kreuzberg of the North–and in this park, you see its full range. The Café Waybakery is also very popular there.
The Olympic Swimming Stadium
The swimming pool was completed in 1947, and the Olympic swimming competitions were held here in 1952. Today, you can swim laps in the 50-meter pool, splash in the children’s pool, or jump from the 10-meter tower. A long slide also invites you in. No wonder this swimming stadium in Helsinki is beloved. You experience the historic ambiance created by architect Jorma Järvi, enjoy an ice cream, have fun at the ping-pong tables, or play on the basketball court. There’s also a beach volleyball court, and the café offers delicious cake. Cool or rainy weather doesn’t deter visitors, as the large pool is heated to 27 degrees Celsius.
Moomin Mania
Who wrote the most important children’s books in Scandinavia? A Finn would surely not say Astrid Lindgren but rather Tove Jansson. She invented the Moomins in 1945, troll-like creatures with hippopotamus-like appearances. They live in the idyllic Moominvalley somewhere in Finland. And in Helsinki, everyone is crazy about the Moomins. People everywhere with Moomin accessories. T-shirts, mugs, shoes, socks, and now even Moomin coffee. Okay, it’s well-commercialized, but the Moomins are really sooooo cute! So, step into the next Moomin shop and become a kid again! https://www.moomin.com/en/
Oodi
In December 2018, the new central main library (large image above) near the main train station was opened, and the Finns immediately took it to heart. The reason is certainly the fantastic architecture that takes your breath away. But Oodi is more than a sweeping, round, and light-filled space. A cultural center has emerged here that goes far beyond the pleasure of reading. You can cook together here, borrow musical instruments, grab a Fender and rock in the rehearsal room. There are also gaming consoles and PC workstations. The rooftop café offers a great city panorama, is always full, and serves excellent coffee. So, step into Oodi, even if you’re not Finnish. German-language literature and newspapers are also available.
Cafe Regatta
Okay, Sibelius Park is beautiful, and the abstract monument to the composer is a must-see, but who knows the little Café Regatta? It’s located in an old fisherman’s hut from 1887, right by the park on a small bay, and offers not only great cake but also delicious sausages that you can grill over an open wood fire. But the best part is the boat rental: SUPs, kayaks, and canoes are available. So, head into the archipelago landscape. You quickly forget that you’re only a kilometer from the bustling city center of the capital–and enjoy the solitude of the island landscapes.
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Wooden Houses in Puu Vallila
Very close to the center lies the Puu Vallila district. Here, a different, deeply relaxed atmosphere awaits the visitor. The district has been built since 1910, and you can wander through small alleys and embark on a time journey. This is what Helsinki looked like everywhere 100 years ago. Many charming little houses. The Café Pikku is delightful. Run by young people and tastefully furnished; the salmon stew with potatoes is top-notch.
Alvar Aalto University
What would a visit to Helsinki be without a trip through the world of architect Alvar Aalto? He is known worldwide, and you can visit not only his private house, his studio, and especially the Finlandia Hall. However, I took the metro out to the university campus of Aalto University. It takes only 15 minutes from the center, and you’re immediately immersed in the world of the superstars of organic architecture. The “father of modernism” has left his mark here in a special way. The main building of the university looks like an ancient theater. Here, the pioneer of Finnish architecture delivered a masterpiece. Additionally, the relaxed atmosphere at the university is also worth a visit. It is considered an elite university, yet everything feels very laid-back.