Helsinki’s beaches are a tempting place to spend a summer’s day

Helsinki’s 29 public beaches make an inviting place for swimmers throughout the swimming season until the end of August.

The Gulf of Finland and the Vantaa River guarantee that a good number of swimming beaches can be found in Helsinki, both for sunbathing and swimming. Now is the time to dust off those cobwebs and head towards the city’s beaches!

A variety of beaches for all tastes
The most well-known of Helsinki’s beaches is Hietaniemi beach, or ‘Hietsu’ as the locals call it. On hot summer days, the beach will be bustling to the sound of happy sunbathers and swimmers, and a peaceful holiday atmosphere. Beachgoers at Hietsu can also play basketball or try out their skills on the beach-volley field.

There are other beaches close to the centre in addition to Hietaniemi, including the beaches at Seurasaari, Mustikkamaa and Munkkiniemi. Thanks to its location, visitors to Mustikkamaa beach can easily combine a swimming trip with a day at Helsinki Zoo.

There is no shortage of beaches in eastern Helsinki, too. Many decide to head towards the east in search of beautiful ridges and more peaceful beaches. The beaches at Kallahti, for example, make a beautiful setting to spend a summer’s day. Laajasalo beach is also a good choice, especially for those seeking more spacious beaches and views of the archipelago.

Sun worshippers seeking an all-round tan can sunbathe on Helsinki’s two nudist beaches. There is a common nudist beach for both sexes at the eastern side of Pihlajasaari island, while Seurasaari nudist beach has separate fenced areas for men and women.

It is worth remembering that Helsinki’s beaches are not only confined to the seashore. There are at least four beaches along the Vantaa River, of which at least Pikkukoski beach is supervised.

Dogs are not allowed on public beaches, but swimming places are also available in the city for four-legged friends – for instance at Tervasaari island.

Water quality at beaches can be checked on the Internet
Helsinki has 29 beaches, four of which are located along the Vantaa River and the rest on the seashore. There are 13 large public beaches in the city and it is estimated that they attract over 100 swimmers every day.

Helsinki Environment Centre regularly monitors the water quality at Helsinki’s 29 beaches during the swimming season. The amount of blue-green algae is also measured at Aurinkolahti, Hietaniemi and Munkkiniemi beaches together with the temperature of the surface water at hourly intervals. Beachgoers can check the information online before heading to the beach!

Linkit:

Helsinki’s beaches Beach water quality monitoring Blue-green algae monitoring stations at beaches in Helsinki (in Finnish)

Text: Sanna Hellstedt
Photo: Photograph archives of the City of Helsinki / Mika Lappalainen

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