Helsinki, the sustainable capital of Finland, is a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands and great green urban areas. Helsinki marches to a wonderful and unique beat of its own with dynamic food, design, architecture – and sauna! – scenes. Helsinki and its Nordic culture are made by the locals. The capital's most central location, next to the Market Square, is one of the best reasons to come and enjoy a summer holiday in Hotel Haven.

Whether you're enjoying summer with family, a partner or friends, you can wake up in the morning to the most beautiful breakfast scene in town with sea views at Restaurant Haven, and forget about everyday life for a moment as you relax in Haven's soft sheets and enjoy the adventures and atmosphere of one the most beautiful seasons in the city.

See our tips for a seaside Helsinki summer, from Tall Ships Races to Lonna and Suomenlinna Islands, and many other summer adventures.

The Tall Ships Races

The Tall Ships Races are races for sail training "tall ships", or sailing ships, designed to encourage international friendship and training for young people in the art of sailing. They bring together people of different nationalities, religions and cultures and visit a range of international ports, promoting international friendship and understanding.

Helsinki last hosted The Tall Ships Races in 2013 and will welcome the fleet for the fifth time in 2024 – and Hotel Haven is delighted to be an official partner. With a perfect location to enjoy the festival spirit and stunning sailing ships in the South Harbour, Hotel Haven serves as a wonderful place to stay during the Helsinki leg from 4 to 7 July, 2024.

More information on Hotel Haven events during the Tall Ships Races 2024 coming soon.

Lonna Island & Restaurant

Just 150 metres long, the cute little island of Lonna is part of the Suomenlinna district and is located between the Market Square and Suomenlinna. The distance from the mainland is only 1.5 kilometres and the trip to Lonna can be covered by the FRS Finland water bus in about 10 minutes. You can hop on the water bus from the Lyypek pier on the Market Square, just a couple of minutes' walk from Hotel Haven.

Lonna invites you to spend your summer days and evenings enjoying sauna, good food, events and stunning sea views.

As partner of Hotel Haven, Restaurant in Lonna offers -20 % off their menu for our hotel guests. Read more here.

Market Square

Kauppatori Market Square is Helsinki's most international and famous marketplace. It is located at the end of the Esplanade Park in Eteläsatama. The Market Square is not only a place for selling and buying souvenirs and food, but also a casual place to stop for a coffee and a doughnut. The heated tent café is a great place to stop for a hot cup of coffee, even in the middle of a bitter frost. The Market Square is home to Helsinki's oldest public monument, a red granite obelisk designed by C.L. Engel, which commemorates the capital's historic floors. On the edge of the Market Square are the Helsinki City Hall, the Swedish Embassy and the Presidential Palace.

Open daily.

Old Market Hall

Helsinki's Old Market Hall has been serving its customers since 1889. The traders' selection includes cheese, fish, seafood, meat, vegetables, fruit, spices, coffee and tea, not forgetting delicacies. The traders also handle special orders if required. In addition, the fishmongers can also arrange special orders. The hall also houses Finland's smallest Alko, and several cafés and restaurants.

See more info and opening hours: vanhakauppahalli.fi

Senate Square

The area around the Senate Square is a unique neoclassical complex. It is dominated by four buildings designed by C. L. Engel (1778-1840). In the centre of the square is a statue of Alexander II (1894). The Cathedral Church is perhaps the most photographed and most famous building in Finland. The city's oldest stone building, the Sederholm House, is located in the south-east corner of the Senate Square. The house is now the City Museum. The lively Market Square and the pleasant Esplanade Park are located close to the Senate Square.

The market is open every day; free of charge. Senate Square, Kruununhaka

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress & Restaurant Adlerfelt

The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular places to visit in Finland. The fortress is a district of Helsinki, home to around 800 inhabitants. The fortress has six kilometres of walls, a hundred cannons, exciting tunnels and beautiful parks. Suomenlinna also has museums, guided tours, restaurants and events to suit all tastes. For information on guided tours, see the opening hours and events calendar on the Suomenlinna website. Suomenlinna is located off the coast of Helsinki and is easily accessible all year round by HSL ferry from Kauppatori in just 15 minutes.

Suomenlinna is also home to a hidden gem, Restaurant Adlerfelt. In restaurant Adlerfelt local food traditions and seasons are constantly researched, getting inspired by the ingredients associated with them. Creating modern food culture respecting Suomenlinna, understanding its different eras.

As partner of Hotel Haven, Restaurant Adlerfelt in Suomenlinna offers -20 % off their menu for our hotel guests. Read more here.

Löyly

Designed by Ville Hara and Anu Puustinen and opened in 2016, Löyly is unique in both location and architecture. The building houses a restaurant, a terrace and three saunas. All three saunas are wood-fired: a continuously heated sauna, a single-heated sauna and Helsinki's only smoke sauna open to the public. You can experience all the traditional types of sauna in one visit. Between the saunas there is a fireplace room where you can relax while taking a sauna. You can swim in the sea, also in winter. Men and women have their own changing rooms and showers, but the saunas and lounges are shared.

Check sauna times and services: loylyhelsinki.fi. Hernesaarenranta 4

Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool is a seaside spa and urban oasis located next to the Market Square. The pool offers new ways to enjoy the Baltic Sea in the city's most central location. The Sea Pool is open all year round and offers experiences and recreational opportunities for city dwellers and tourists alike. The pool has three saunas, two heated freshwater pools and one saltwater pool with a temperature that matches that of the sea. The pool also offers an outdoor gym, a restaurant and café, guided exercise and wellness facilities and cultural activities.

Check the events and opening times for summer swimming and services here. Katajanokanlaituri 2a

(Sources: www.myhelsinki.fi)