Pihlajasaari Island
Pihlajasaari: Helsinki's vibrant summer island paradise with sandy beaches, pine forests, and a relaxed vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy the sun
Pihlajasaari Island
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy the sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pihlajasaari: Helsinki's vibrant summer island paradise with sandy beaches, pine forests, and a relaxed vibe.
"A lovely escape from the city, offering fine sand beaches and a true island experience."
🚢 Ferry Smart
Ferries run hourly in summer. Check the schedule to plan your trip and avoid long waits. :ferry:
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic! Cafes are available, but bringing your own food enhances the island experience. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pihlajasaari Beaches
Various locations on the island
Golden sand beaches perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the Baltic Sea.
Island Trails & Nature
Throughout Pihlajasaari
Explore wooded areas, rocky shores, and charming old villas.
Sauna & Nude Swimming
Designated areas
Experience a traditional Finnish sauna and designated areas for nude swimming.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Escape: Ferry & Timing
Pack for Paradise: Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry Smart
Ferries run hourly in summer. Check the schedule to plan your trip and avoid long waits. :ferry:
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic! Cafes are available, but bringing your own food enhances the island experience. :sandwich:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Explore diverse terrain; comfortable shoes are a must for hiking and exploring.
☀️ Sun Protection
Helsinki summers can be sunny. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for a comfortable day. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry Smart
Ferries run hourly in summer. Check the schedule to plan your trip and avoid long waits. :ferry:
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic! Cafes are available, but bringing your own food enhances the island experience. :sandwich:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Explore diverse terrain; comfortable shoes are a must for hiking and exploring.
☀️ Sun Protection
Helsinki summers can be sunny. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for a comfortable day. :sunwithface:
🌬️ Mind the Wind
The island can be breezy, especially by the water. A light jacket might be useful. :windblowingface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pihlajasaari is widely praised as a beautiful and peaceful island escape, just a short ferry ride from Helsinki. Visitors love its sandy beaches, natural beauty, and recreational facilities like saunas and barbecue spots. Some note that ferry schedules can be infrequent, and the island can get busy on peak summer days.
"Great place.
Just 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city, complete peace.
The water bus have a cafe and a liquor license."
Juhana Hilpo
"Lovely escape from the city. Ferry goes ounce per hour"
C. B.
"In summertime, it is a great paradise for people to enjoy a near-city island excursion. The beach has fine sand with great quality. Helsinki pays big effort to maintain the quality of facilities there. Several bridges interconnect the isles that form the whole of the pihljasaari. Sauna, swimming, even nude swimming, camping and barbecue are possible on the island."
jian gu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pihlajasaari is easily accessible by a short ferry ride from Helsinki. Ferries depart from Merisatamanranta (near Cafe Carusel) and Ruoholahti. The journey takes about 15 minutes. +1
During the summer season, ferries typically run once per hour. It's best to check the official Helsinki ferry schedule for exact times and dates of operation.
Parking in Helsinki can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport to reach the ferry departure points.
While public ferries are the primary way to access the island, some visitors may have private boats. However, information on private boat docking is limited.
Yes, you can reach the ferry terminals via Helsinki's excellent public transport network (trams, buses, metro).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is usually a small fee for the ferry ride to Pihlajasaari, which is considered affordable. Entry to the island itself is free. :ticket:
For most of the summer season, you can purchase ferry tickets directly at the departure point. Booking in advance is generally not required unless specified for special events. :ticket:
No, the island itself is a public recreation area and does not have an entrance fee. The cost is associated with the ferry transport. :ticket:
Pihlajasaari is accessible during daylight hours throughout the summer season. The ferry service dictates the operational times. :clock1:
Yes, Pihlajasaari has a designated camping area. It's a popular spot for those wanting to extend their island experience. :tent:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing on the sandy beaches, hiking, picnicking, barbecuing, and visiting the island's cafes and sauna. :beachwithumbrella:
Yes, Pihlajasaari boasts beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for a summer day out.
Indeed, there is a sauna available on the island, offering a classic Finnish experience. :sauna:
Absolutely! The island is known for its swimming opportunities, including designated areas for nude swimming. :swimmer:
Yes, Pihlajasaari is a great destination for families, offering beaches, open spaces, and a relaxed atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Pihlajasaari has cafes where you can purchase refreshments and snacks. The ferry itself may also have a cafe. :coffee:
The island provides designated barbecue spots, making it ideal for a picnic with grilled food. :barbecue:
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a popular and recommended way to enjoy the island. :pizza:
Cafes typically offer light snacks, coffee, and beverages. For a full meal, bringing your own picnic is advised. :ice_cream:
Some sources mention that the ferry may have a liquor license, but it's best to confirm current offerings. Bringing your own is also an option. :wine_glass:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the sandy beaches, lush greenery, charming old villas, and scenic sea views. The colorful island vibe is very photogenic.
Yes, the combination of sea, trees, and varied terrain offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides beautiful light for photography, especially along the coast.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and permissions before flying a drone over the island. :airplane:
The colorful villas and the picturesque beaches are often featured in photos, giving the island its unique charm.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Packing a picnic is highly recommended, as it allows for flexible meal times and caters to picky eaters. The island's open spaces and easy-to-navigate paths make it enjoyable for strollers and little legs alike. Consider bringing beach toys and extra towels for a complete family beach experience. :child:
💰 Budget Travelers
This makes it an ideal destination for a low-cost day trip from Helsinki, providing beautiful natural scenery and recreational activities without a hefty price tag. :moneywithwings:
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds. The sauna provides an extra layer of relaxation, and the opportunity for nude swimming can be a liberating experience for solo travelers looking to embrace Finnish culture. :personinlotus_position:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Island Hopping from Helsinki
Unlike more historical islands like Suomenlinna, Pihlajasaari is primarily an outdoor recreation area. It was formerly a villa island, and remnants of that past can still be seen among the natural landscape. This blend of nature and history provides a unique atmosphere for visitors.
When planning your island adventure, consider the ferry schedules carefully. They are the lifeline to these beautiful natural escapes and are crucial for a smooth visit.
The Pihlajasaari Experience: Beaches, Saunas, and Relaxation
A quintessential Finnish experience awaits with the island's sauna facilities. This offers a chance to unwind and immerse yourself in local culture. For those seeking ultimate freedom, Pihlajasaari also has designated areas for nude swimming, a practice common in Finnish saunas and bathing culture.
Beyond the water activities, the island invites exploration. Wander through its wooded areas, discover hidden coves, and enjoy the tranquility. It’s a place to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature.
Practicalities: Getting Around and Services
While Pihlajasaari is a natural paradise, it is equipped with essential services to enhance your visit. There are cafes available for refreshments and snacks, and designated areas for barbecuing, making it ideal for picnics.
For overnight stays, camping facilities are provided, allowing visitors to extend their island retreat. Remember to check the ferry schedules for return trips, as they are the only way to get back to the mainland.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit