Main photo: Jussi Hellsten/Helsinki Partners
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is bustling in August! The long summer days with warm, dark evenings, pleasant weather, and lively atmosphere make it an ideal destination for travellers. Let’s explore the best activities and attractions in Helsinki during this delightful month!
Photo: Esko Jämsä/Helsinki Partners
Take a short ferry ride to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a 15 minutes ferry ride away from the Market Square. This historic sea fortress offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea and picturesque picnic spots. Explore the tunnels, visit the museums, and learn about Finland’s fascinating history.
Tip: Most of the museums, the public transport ferry ride to the fortress, a walking tour and the Restaurant Adlerfelt located in Suomenlinna are all included in the Helsinki Card, offering varying benefits and free or discounted entrances.
August is the perfect time to hit Helsinki’s beaches. There are several beaches to choose from, here are just a couple of the options:
Hietaranta Beach (locally known as “Hietsu”) in Hietaniemi is a popular choice. Sunbathe, swim, or play beach volleyball. Pack a picnic and soak up the sun—it’s a local favorite.
If you are feeling more adventurous, take a water bus ride to Pihlajasaari. Here you get a relaxing island experience with nature trails and a beach.
Photo: Jussi Hellsten/Helsinki Partners
August is festival season in Helsinki.
Don’t forget to check our Weekly Info, where we gather information not only on our current tour schedules, but also on interesting events and exhibitions!
If you are looking for a short break from a busy day of sightseeing, pop in the Esplanade Park and check what’s going on at the Espa Stage. Concerts and performances in various styles are for you to enjoy free of charge in the afternoons and early evenings. The Espa Stage is located just across the street from our Hop On-Hop Off stop 12/Market Square.
The end of July and the beginning of August bring jazz music to the Espa stage. The annual Jazz-Espa festival is a summer tradition! Concerts at the Espa Stage are free of charge.
Jazz enthusiasts are pampered again in the end of August, when the Viapori Jazz festival brings jazz artists to perform in the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.
Early August is the time for the Etno-Espa festival. This festival presents modern folk music from various cultural communities – both local and international. Concerts are free of charge.
Kallio Block Party is a one-day non-profit neighborhood culture festival that takes over the streets of Kallio in the beginning of August.
The Flow Festival, arranged in Suvilahti, a short metro ride away from the city center, is a huge urban music and art event with a varying selection of artists.
Visiting Helsinki in late August? You definitively must check out the Helsinki Festival, featuring music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. And don’t miss the opening celebration of the festival, the Night of the Arts around mid August! On the Night of the Arts the city comes alive with street performances, exhibitions, and open galleries and the programme includes something for every taste and age group.
Embrace Finnish culture by visiting a traditional sauna! You will find a sauna in most hotels in Helsinki as well as in public swimming halls. Here are listed a few sauna options worth checking out!
Tip: Would you like to learn more about the Finnish sauna culture? Check our Practical Information package and it’s sauna paragraph!
Löyly, located by the waterfront, offers a modern twist on this ancient tradition. Enjoy a steamy session followed by a refreshing dip in the sea. You’ll find Löyly at the Hop On-Hop Off stop 9.
Allas Sea Pool offers an unforgettable sauna experience right in the city center, next to the Market Square. There are even swimming pools available, both heated and with sea water temperature.
Kulttuurisauna is a public sauna located in Hakaniemenranta, a short walking distance from the Hakaniemi market square. The sauna is heated with wood and wood pellets. Remember to book in advance!
Visit the bustling Market Square (Kauppatori) to sample local delicacies, buy fresh berries, and browse handicrafts. Next door, explore the Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli) for more food stalls and charming ambiance.
Escape the city and venture into Nuuksio National Park in Espoo. Hike through lush forests, spot wildlife, and enjoy serene lakes. Pack a picnic and savor the tranquility of nature. In Nuuksio you’ll find also the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia where you can learn about Finnish forests, national parks and wildlife. The entrance to Haltia is included in the Helsinki Card.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with the Finnish Everyman’s rights! These rights allow you for example to pick berries in the Finnish forests. How about some fresh blueberries for a snack during your hike in Nuuksio?
Photo: Stromma Finland
How to best enjoy the warm, dark, August evenings in Helsinki? Head to the archipelago! The Pizza Cruise and the Evening Cruise offer the perfect way to spend a relaxing evening at sea while enjoying the views of the bustling shorelines of Helsinki.
Visiting Helsinki on a tight schedule? Check here for best ideas of things to do on a one day visit!
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