Beyond Helsinki
The archipelago: the back story
The back story
About The archipelago: the back story
Helsinki’s islands begin at the edge of the Market Square: Suomenlinna and its neighbours Lonna and Vallisaari, the recreational island of Pihlajasaari off the western shore, and Seurasaari, reached by a footbridge.
Fortress islands
Suomenlinna is served all year by HSL’s ferry; Lonna and Vallisaari by summer boats.
Summer islands
Pihlajasaari and Seurasaari are favourite places for swimming and picnics.
Most island boats run in summer only: check before you go.
Our advice: go early on a weekday in summer.
Why it's on our list
- Fortress islands
- Summer islands
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The archipelago: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from The archipelago: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Uspenski Cathedral4.4 kmCycle 17 minCar or taxi 16 min
- Löyly4.4 kmCycle 18 minCar or taxi 16 min
- Market Square4.5 kmCycle 18 minCar or taxi 16 min
- Esplanadi Park4.7 kmCycle 19 minCar or taxi 17 min
- Helsinki Cathedral4.8 kmCycle 19 minCar or taxi 17 min
- Ateneum5.0 kmCycle 20 minCar or taxi 18 min
- Amos Rex5.3 kmCycle 21 minCar or taxi 19 min
- Oodi5.5 kmCycle 22 minCar or taxi 19 min
- Temppeliaukio Church5.9 kmCycle 24 minCar or taxi 20 min
- Helsinki Airport21 kmCar or taxi 61 min
Main railway stations
- Helsinki Central5.3 kmCycle 21 minCar or taxi 18 min
- Pasila8.0 kmCycle 32 minCar or taxi 26 min