Tervasaari, Espoo Travel Guide

Tervasaari, meaning "Tar Island," offers a peaceful retreat from Helsinki's urban bustle. The island's name originates from its historical use as a storage location for tar merchants, dating back to the 17th century. The island appeared on maps as early as the 1640s as Tiäruholmen, with the name Tervasaari becoming established in the late 19th century. In 1805, a tar granary was built on the island by plank merchant Petter Heidenstrauch; this granary is the only building on the island to survive to this day. The island's location was chosen due to the high risk of fire in the city, where buildings were primarily constructed of wood.Today, Tervasaari is a landscaped park providing stunning views of Helsinki's skyline, including the Uspenski Cathedral and icebreaker boats. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and sunbathing during the summer months. The island features a children's play park, a dog park with a designated swimming area, and a pier for washing mats. The summer restaurant Savu, specializing in smoked Finnish delicacies, is located in the last remaining wooden tar storehouse. Tervasaari is connected to the mainland by the Tervasaarenkannas causeway, built in 1939, making it easily accessible from Pohjoisranta.