Tervasaari: Helsinki's Tranquil Tar Island

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Escape to Tervasaari: Helsinki's island oasis offering tranquil nature, city views, and a rich history just a short walk from the city center.

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Tervasaari

Tervasaari, or Tar Island, is a charming and easily accessible island escape in Helsinki, Finland, connected to the mainland by a causeway. Once a storage site for flammable tar, it has transformed into a popular recreational area with walking trails, a dog park, and scenic views of the city and the Uspenski Cathedral.

A brief summary to Tervasaari

Helsinki, FI

Local tips

Visit during the late afternoon for the best light for photography and a peaceful atmosphere.
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, as there are several lovely spots to sit and relax.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the paths can be uneven in some areas.
Check the weather beforehand and bring a light jacket, as it can get breezy near the water.

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Getting There

Walking

Tervasaari is easily accessible by foot from the city center. From the eastern edge of the city center, walk along Pohjoisranta street. The island is connected to the mainland by the Tervasaarenkannas causeway. The walk from the city center takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport

To reach Tervasaari via public transportation, take a train, bus, metro, or tram to the city center. From the central bus station or central railway station, take tram line 2 or 3 towards the city center. Get off at the 'Kauppatori' stop, which is close to the waterfront. From Kauppatori, it is a short walk to the causeway leading to Tervasaari. A single tram ticket costs approximately €3-€4.
Car

If driving, head towards the South Harbor of Helsinki and follow signs for the city center. Navigate towards the waterfront area. Parking is available near the island, but it can be limited and may incur fees. After parking, walk to Tervasaari via the causeway. Parking fees in the city center vary, but expect to pay around €2-€4 per hour.

Discover more about Tervasaari

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.