Biking in Helsinki – Finding the Nature of Finland’s Capital

Outer capital cities are usually a residential sprawl, but biking in Helsinki shows a trove of vast green and conservation areas.

Helsinki is an attractive, contemporary and super stylish city; an easy to navigate collection of pretty architecture and fashionable outlets, broken up by parkland and a boat port which can transport you to the neighbouring islands, such as Seurasaari, in a matter of minutes.

Compact in size but not short on attractions, city wandering is a must, yet it’s all too easy to focus on the centre of a capital city and forget about the wider area that surrounds it. In some capitals, the outer city is just a mash and sprawl of residential areas, but Helsinki conceals a treasure trove of green areas, tucked away parkland and vast conservation areas. Biking in Helsinki is a great way to find them. 

Helsinki isn’t your average overcrowded, polluted and traffic-jammed city, but Finland’s National Heritage Services has noted an unfamiliarity of urban residents with nature, especially in Helsinki. Tourists too, gravitate towards the city centre.

How to Start Biking in Helsinki – Find a Bike Tour

Luckily, just a few kilometres away is an outer green belt of the city, which visitors can easily access alongside the locals. Being able to cycle over 22km outside of this much loved Scandinavian capital meant embarking on a proper adventure.

It only takes a few kilometres and an active few hours to see an entirely new persona of a capital city. The trip I took with Happy Guide Helsinki, as part of my ‘Outdoors Finland’ adventure with Visit Finland, was a slight variation of the Green Trail Ride tour that they currently offer, except we finished at the Vuosaari Paddling Center to embark on some midnight kayaking, instead of returning to the city.

Visiting Halkolaituri and Merihaka

Our meeting point was Luotsikatu street, not far from Kauppatori Market Square where you’ll find the fish market and tourist boat docks. From here we cycled around an area of Helsinki city centre that’s a little hidden and easily missed, stopping at Halkolaituri to see the longships and the ice breakers.

We then continued then to an area called Merihaka, which is well known as the spot where people wash and dry their giant rugs. This area also attracts a young and hip crowd who can be found chilling on the small wooden decks, hosting small gatherings, some of which are known for their parties!

Cycling the Kivinokka Nature Path

Not many people outside of local circles know about the Kivinokka nature trail, but this tree-lined environmental haven lined with cycle paths and walkways makes you feel like you are miles away from the city.

Hilly, narrow pathways with an air of untouched mystery lead to a viewing point of the Viikki nature reserve, overlooking fields of grain and a large expanse of water. This is a must-visit spot for wildlife and bird watching enthusiasts.

Helsinki Woodland in the Herttoniemi Neighborhood

I don’t come from a country where you find a ski jumping ramp in the middle of wood swooping down into a field flanked by neighbourhoods and leisurely parkland. But this is Finland, and all manner of outdoors activities are easily accessible and deemed completely normal.

Sadly, we missed some people testing their skills, but still climbed this creaking wooden structure to test our bravery with the sheer height and take a peek at the adrenalin-fuelled journey down! The storm soon dashed our daredevil endeavours and we had to quickly get down, which left us even more pumped with adrenalin! And to think I grew up thinking swings and roundabouts were outrageously fun!

Helsinki Beach – Getting to Marjaniemi 

Helsinki has a beach. Really – a small, sandy one with smooth rocks to climb all over. Marjaniemi beach is one of the tucked away corners of Eastern Helsinki and is a great resting spot with views looking out across the Helsinki archipelago. Go and find this scenic residential hideout.

One of the most popular spots on Hailuoto, it was the perfect place to rest up as we looked out to sea. If you have more time, you can stroll. Karri from Bike Tours Helsinki even gives you biscuits to fuel up. 

Vuosaari Paddling Center

The outdoors lifestyle is at the heart of the Finnish ethos, so if you think the day is done after cycling, you are not doing it right. The summertime is perfect for exploring the waterways of Helsinki, and with Natura Viva Vuosaari Paddling Center we embarked on a night tour of the surrounding archipelago, leaving the mainland at around 10 pm.

This was a magical experience, kayaking in the moonlight, with no sounds except the pull of the paddles in the calm waters, our giggles of excitement, and whispers in the dark. With our head torches (and expert leader) guiding the way, we stopped on one of the islands to indulge in some Finnish snacks and treats, before returning to our starting point around 2 am the next morning.

Helsinki Biking Trail Map