Harakka, Helsinki Archipelago Travel Guide

4.5 (22)

Discover Helsinki's archipelago gem: Harakka Island offers nature trails, art, and history just minutes from the city center.

Harakka Island, a former military island, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and artistic expression just a short ferry ride from Helsinki's Kaivopuisto Park. Explore diverse flora and fauna, discover the island's past through its protected buildings, and immerse yourself in art exhibitions and nature displays at the Harakka Nature Centre.

A brief summary to Harakka

Helsinki, FI

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Harakka.

Visit the Harakka Nature Centre (open May-September) to learn about the island's unique ecosystem and history.
Follow the nature trail to explore the island's diverse landscapes and observe local flora and fauna.
Check out art exhibitions and events hosted by the island's resident artists, especially during the summer months.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as Harakka is home to a wide variety of seabirds.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Vanhankaupunginkoski

Storehouses from Western Finland

Silence (Sculpture)

Tähtitorninvuori

Largest Spruce on Seurasaari

Explore Harakka on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Harakka, mapped for you.

Getting There

Ferry

The primary access to Harakka Island is via a ferry that operates from Ullanlinna pier in Kaivopuisto Park. The pier is located next to Café Ursula (Ehrenströmintie 3, 00140 Helsinki). The ferry typically runs from April to October. Check the operator's website for the most up-to-date schedule. A one way ticket costs €8.
Public Transport

To reach the Ullanlinna pier in Kaivopuisto Park using Helsinki's public transportation, take tram lines that service the area. Check the HSL app for the best route from your location. A single AB zone ticket, valid for 80 minutes, costs €3.20 and allows transfers between trams, buses, and the metro. From the nearest tram stop, walk through Kaivopuisto Park to the Ullanlinna pier.
Walking

From the Market Square (Kauppatori), walk south along the waterfront, passing the Uspenski Cathedral. Continue along the shoreline through Kaivopuisto Park to reach the Ullanlinna pier. The walk is approximately 2 kilometers and takes around 30-40 minutes.

Discover more about Harakka

Harakka Island, nestled off the coast of Helsinki near Kaivopuisto Park, presents a captivating escape into nature, history, and art. Once a military island used by the Finnish Defence Forces, it opened to the public in 1989 and has since become a beloved recreational area. The island's atmosphere reflects both the city's proximity and the allure of the outer archipelago.Visitors can explore the island's diverse landscapes, from alder groves and coastal meadows to rocky grasslands and marshy ponds. Harakka boasts a rich variety of plant and birdlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The island's history is palpable in its protected buildings, some dating back to the era when Finland was under Russian rule.The Harakka Nature Centre, housed in a former Russian barracks built in 1908, offers insights into the Baltic Sea, archipelago nature, and sustainable living. Explore exhibitions detailing the island's history, nature, and the underwater world of the Baltic. The island also hosts studios for artists and artisans, with art exhibitions often held during the summer. A nature trail guides visitors through the island, providing information about its unique environment and history. From the observation platform in the middle of the island you can admire both the island itself and the spectacular view of the sea, stretching out in many directions.Note that dogs are not allowed on the island, and making fires or camping is prohibited.