Halkolaituri, Helsinki Travel Guide

Explore Helsinki's maritime history at Halkolaituri, a charming pier showcasing beautifully preserved historical wooden ships.

Halkolaituri, also known as Vedkajen or "Firewood Pier," is a historic pier in Helsinki, Finland, located on Pohjoisranta. Once a bustling import harbor for wood, it now serves as a picturesque home for beautifully maintained historical wooden ships, offering a glimpse into Helsinki's maritime past.

A brief summary to Halkolaituri

Helsinki, FI

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Know before you go

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Take a walk along Pohjoisranta to admire the beautifully maintained historical wooden ships and the stunning architecture.
Visit Halkolaituri during different times of the day to experience the pier in varying light and atmosphere.
Check out the nearby island of Tervasaari, accessible via a causeway from Pohjoisranta, for a pleasant outdoor experience.

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Getting There

Walking

Halkolaituri is easily accessible by foot from many central Helsinki locations. From Senate Square, walk northeast along Aleksanterinkatu, then turn left onto Kirkkokatu. Continue onto Snellmaninkatu, then turn right onto Pohjoisranta. The pier will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.
Public Transport

Several public transportation options can get you close to Halkolaituri. Tram 6T stops nearby. You can also take the metro to the University of Helsinki station and walk approximately 10 minutes to the pier. Numerous bus lines also stop near Halkolaituri, including lines 16, 61, and 65. A single AB ticket, valid for 80 minutes, costs €3.20.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Helsinki. A short taxi ride from the city center to Halkolaituri will typically cost between €10-€15.

Discover more about Halkolaituri

Halkolaituri, nestled on Pohjoisranta (the eastern shore of Kruununhaka) in Helsinki, carries a rich maritime history within its modest structure. The pier, whose name translates to "Firewood Pier" (Vedkajen in Swedish), harkens back to a time when the entire Pohjoisranta pier was the primary import harbor for wood. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the port of Helsinki was entirely located in Pohjoisranta.Constructed between 1889 and 1891, Halkolaituri stretches over 200 meters along the embankment. It was a vital point for ships bringing essential goods like wine, salt, and fruit to Helsinki. Over the years, the berths underwent several repairs and reinforcements, including the addition of reinforced concrete and port cranes.As ships grew in size, the need for railway access for cargo operations became apparent. However, by that time, Pohjoisranta had evolved into one of Helsinki's most prestigious residential areas, making the construction of railway tracks impossible. In the late 1970s, the pier received its last merchant ship and was subsequently abandoned, leading to gradual disrepair.Today, Halkolaituri has been revitalized as a unique "parking lot" for classic sailing ships. Some of these vessels are rare originals, while others are modern replicas of ships from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The ornate homes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries add to the area's beauty. A stroll along Pohjoisranta offers a chance to admire both the lovingly maintained ships and the stunning architecture that lines the shore.