Five tips for an urban Midsummer

Spending Midsummer in Helsinki?

 
Check out our five tips for an urban Midsummer!
 

1. Witness the huge Seurasaari bonfire
 

The island of Seurasaari has been ‘the’ place to spend Midsummer for more than 60  years. Every year, the famous bonfire is lit by a newlywed couple at 22:00. Talented folk musicians set the mood for dancing until the early hours! The Seurasaari Midsummer festivities are a family-friendly way to celebrate and learn about Finnish Midsummer traditions.

Photo: Marcia Villalba / Helsinki Marketing

2. Take a Midsummer Cruise from the Market Square
 

Celebrate Midsummer in Helsinki with a magical evening aboard one of Stromma’s Midsummer Cruises through the city’s stunning archipelago. On June 20, 2025, you can choose from three charming vessels—m/s Diana, m/s Sofia, or m/s Victoria—for a three-hour cruise departing from Market Square. As you glide through the calm waters under the glow of the White Night, enjoy the festive atmosphere, cozy indoor seating or open sun decks, and - weather permitting - perhaps even catch a glimpse of traditional bonfires along the shoreline. With a café and bar onboard, it’s a relaxing and memorable way to experience one of Finland’s most cherished traditions.

Remember to book your cruise in advance to secure a seat!

Photo: Stromma Finland

3. See the city without crowds and timetables 
 

Midsummer is the best time to tour downtown Helsinki and to explore the city without any crowds. The City Sightseeing Hop On-Hop Off buses offer the easiest transport to all the sights. The ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours according to your choice, meaning you get to set the pace. Hop off at the Kaivopuisto stop (stop no. 4), have a picnic at the park and hop back on whenever you feel like it. Your next stop might be the huge waterfront terrace of Löyly (stop no. 9) or the Market Square (stop no. 12), where you'll find delicious Finnish tastes to tickle your culinary nerves.

The Hop On-Hop Off tours run from the Senate Square between 10:00 and 16:00, every 30-40 min.

Bonus tip: the tour is FREE with Helsinki Card!

Photo: Stromma Finland

4. Midsummer fun with kids
 

Many of the Helsinki sights, such as Helsinki Zoo and Linnanmäki amusement park, are open at Midsummer, making sure even the youngest in the family can have a great time. Throughout the Midsummer weekend, families can enjoy the various events and activities in Linnanmäki and admire the animals in Helsinki Zoo. Get a discount on Zoo tickets and the JT-Line waterbus to the Zoo from Market Square using your Helsinki Card!

Photo: Stromma Finland

5. Explore the arcipelgao with the Beautiful Canal Cruise

Midsummer is one of the most magical times of the year, when long, bright nights are filled with festive celebrations, floral crowns, and joyful gatherings. What better way to embrace the season than by gliding through Helsinki’s stunning waterways on Stromma's Beautiful Canal Cruise? Witness the beauty of Finland’s summer scenery, from lush greenery to charming historic sights such as the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress from the sea point of view!

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Header photo: Helsinki Marketing