Five tips for an urban Midsummer

Spending Midsummer in Helsinki?

 
Check out our five tips for an urban Midsummer! The list of the Midsummer opening hours available in the end of this article.
 

1. Witness the huge Seurasaari bonfire from the sea
 

Ministery on the Interior has announced on June 20, 2019, that the Bonfires are not to be lightened at all due to the weather conditions. No bonfires on Seurasaari.

The island of Seurasaari has been ‘the’ place to spend Midsummer for more than 60  years. Every year, the famous bonfire is lit by a newlywed couple at 22:00. Talented folk musicians set the mood for dancing until the early hours! For the best view of the spectacular Seurasaari bonfire, hop on one of the Stromma cruise boats. You can find them under the yellow flags at the Market Square. After a tour of the archipelago, the boat takes you to Seurasaari where you can admire the bonfire from the sea. Remember to spot all the other, smaller bonfires on the way! The boat’s café/bar serves snacks and drinks throughout the cruise. We recommend buying your tickets in advance as the cruises are sold out every year.

Midsummer Cruise departs from Market Square (by the yellow flags) on Friday June 21, 2019 at 20:00 and 20:45. Read more and book your Midsummer cruise

2. Head over to the idyllic Old Town of Porvoo
 

A half-day tour to Porvoo Old Town is one of the most atmospheric ways of spending your Midsummer. The trip starts on Midsummer Eve at 10:30 at Esplanade park and ends at 15:00. See the picturesque, summery Porvoo at its best! The lush nature, idyllic wooden buildings and narrow cobblestone streets create a unique atmosphere. The tour includes a guided walking tour in English, transport and a chance to explore the Old Town on your own. Buy your tickets in advance and make sure to use the online discount! 

'Old Wooden Town of Porvoo' tour departures from Esplanade Park (Fabianinkatu) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30. 

If you have Helsinki Card, you'll get 50% discount on the half-day trip to Porvoo!

3. See the city without crowds and timetables 
 

Midsummer is the best time to tour downtown Helsinki and to explore the city without any crowds. The City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off buses offer the easiest transport to all the sights. The ticket is valid for 24 hours, meaning you get to set the pace. Hop off at the Kaivopuisto stop, have a picnic at the park and hop back on whenever you feel like it. Your next stop might be the huge waterfront terrace of Löyly or the Linnanmäki amusement park, which is open throughout the Midsummer weekend.

If you are looking for a peaceful and easy way to spend your Midsummer, take a comfortable position on the soft seats of the air-conditioned bus and enjoy a tour of Helsinki and its history. The Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing tour runs every day, including Midsummer Eve. The double-decker bus offers excellent views of Midsummer in the city, and the guided tour for headphones is available in 10 languages.

The Hop On Hop Off tours run from the Senate Square between 10:00 and 16:00, every 20-30 min – learn more and buy tickets here >>

The Panorama Sightseeing tour starts at Esplanade park (Fabianinkatu) at 11:00.

Both tours are FREE with Helsinki Card!

4. Midsummer fun with kids
 

Many of the Helsinki sights, such as Helsinki Zoo and Linnanmäki amusement park, are open at Midsummer, making sure even the youngest in the family can have a great time. Throughout the Midsummer weekend, families can enjoy the various events and activities in Linnanmäki and admire the animals in Helsinki Zoo. Get a discount on Zoo tickets using your Helsinki Card, and use the fun Hop On Hop Off bus to ride to Linnanmäki. 

City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off departures from Senate Square daily at 10:00-16:00, every 20-30 min. 

5. Explore the outdoors just in time for Midsummer
 

Midsummer is the celebration of nature and summer. Finnish nature shows its best side in June when the flowers are blooming and the leaves are still bright green and lush. The breathtaking forests of Nuuksio offer tranquility and beauty to fill all your senses. Hop on one of the Helsinki Excursions buses in downtown Helsinki for a half-day tour in nature. The tour includes bus trips to Nuuksio and back as well as a guided nature walking tour in English. The tour’s timetable includes some time to explore the Nature Centre.

If you have a Helsinki Card, you'll get 50% discount with your Helsinki Card as well as free-of-charge admission to the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia in Nuuksio!

Photos:
Header: Helsinki Marketing
1: Marcia Villalba / Helsinki Marketing
2: Visit Porvoo
3 & 4: Strömma Finland Oy Ab
5: J-P Ronkainen