Tours & tickets

Helsinki Islands

Blending nature, historical sights, and Finnish fare, the sightseeing cruise journeys through Helsinki’s extensive archipelago of islands. The boat ventures past UNESCO’s fortress Suomenlinna while you cruise along the waterways and taste local dishes. After departing from Market Square in the city center, the cruise will head towards Helsinki’s historical parts and continue along the capital’s shore to neighboring islands. The voyage will let you contrast the urban landscape with the wilderness of more than 300 islands and 130km of shoreline. This cruise is a chance to go beyond the city center and discover the intricate archipelago of islands and nature reserves. A snippet into the Finnish seaside lifestyle, the island neighborhoods boast summer cottages, groves, boulders, and tiny coves that can be seen along the shore. The tour will then make its way to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous sea fortress of islands bursting with nature and history. Refreshing drinks are available to purchase during the tour from the bar. Sundeck seats included in the ticket are non-covered space outdoors. Finally, take in the unique sights while you sit back and delight in some local delicacies. Book a table in advance, table booking is subject to availability.

Frs Finland brings you to the fortress island of Suomenlinna which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the number 1 must see tourist attraction of Finland with its historical sea fortress and lovely museums and restaurants. Vessels leave from Helsinki Market Square, next to the Korkeasaari zoo ferry. Watch out for our Frs Finland-signs and choose the priority queue. Please note: there is only one queue available at the islands. Many flexible departures per day and snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard. Enjoy a cup of coffee or cold beer on our sun deck and let yourself be pampered by our friendly staff. The duration of the ferry ride is about 20-25 minutes and there are several departures per hour. Exact schedule available at https://www.frs-finland.fi/suomenlinna-lonna/ - Maximum departure frequency from the Market Square and the island: 30 minutes. In addition the restaurant island of Lonna can be visited with the same ferry. Our waterbus has a cafe, WC, indoor and outdoor spaces onboard. FRS Finland is dedicated to sustainability standards. We are certified with Eco Compass and we own Sustainable Travel Finland label.

Try a unique experience on your visit to Helsinki as you float on top of the water's surface in a survival suit. Slip in a neoprene survival suit and feel totally warm and dry in the water. Learn about sea rescue and what to do in a real survival situation with qualified instructors. Learn about hypothermia and the benefits of starting winter bathing. Relax while floating on the water or try jumping around the ice rafts during the frozen sea season. During the open water season you can learn more about rescue at sea and enjoy a relaxing meditative experience. We have ice in Helsinki during the months December to April. During the summer period May to November we focus on floating around, relaxing and rescue at sea. Close your eyes, breathe, and lose yourself in the silence, even in the heart of Helsinki.

Meet our crew at Café Marina Bay, Kanavaranta 4, 00160 Helsinki. After a short safety briefing, depart by rigid inflatable boat for a boat trip along the coastline of Helsinki. Admire the most beautiful parts of Helsinki from the sea, including the Presidential Palace, the City Town Hall, the Market Square, the Uspenski Cathedral, and the Allas Sea Pools. Listen to your guide as they tell you about the city and its history. Continue to pass by the ferries to Sweden, the 19th-century villas of the Valkosaari yacht club, and the residential area of Kaivopuisto, where many of the embassies are located. Then you will be able to see the islands of Harakka, Särkkä, Uunisaari, and Liuskasaari. Travel past the Kaivopuisto Boulevard with its boat marina, yacht club, and seaside cafés. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot locals cleaning their carpets, a true Finnish summer tradition. Cross the small bay and make a stop near the new public sauna and the Löyly restaurant, with its award-winning design. See locals dressed in swimming suits jumping into the water, along with casual coffee drinkers sitting on the terrace. You will also see some of the old Hernesaari shipyard, where Finnish icebreaker ships are built. After leaving the city limits that have a speed limit, the driver will go full-throttle so you can experience the true power of a rigid inflatable speed boat. The Helsinki archipelago with its 300 islands will then start to appear in front of you. We make a stop in a beautiful bay on this boat trip. Pass through the passage between Vallisaari and Suomenlinna. Spot the historical dry dock of the old shipyard, the submarine Vesikko, and the King's Gate. Continue past the islands of Vasikkasaari, Koivusaari, and Saunasaari. Admire views of summer cottages, saunas, and the military island of Santahamina. From here the boat tour will cross the bay of Kruunuvuorenselkä and head for the fleet of icebreaker ships on their summer holiday. Learn about why Finland is so well-known for its icebreakers, how the ships work, and where they are being operated. Drop off is at the same spot we started from.

With this ticket you can visit Vallisaari island. Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are enchanting destinations for outings, next to the Suomenlinna fortress, just 20 minutes by boat from the Market Square in Helsinki. These two islands have served as the home and workplace of hundreds of people and as the place of military service for thousands of soldiers. Fortifications, buildings, and a record-breaking range of species tell a tale of coexistence between humans and wild nature. Just take a trip to these mysterious islands on which time seems to stand still. Vallisaari is a key destination for Helsinki Biennial in 2025. Come to explore contemporary art with us. Suitable for the entire family. While the islands are accessible for prams, the trails are not unobstructed, as the terrain is uneven and the uphill sections are steep. Tourists at Vallisaari can use the islands' water points, toilets, the excursion harbour, café, and tour guide services during summer season. The natural environment of Vallisaari is highly sensitive. Please stay on the marked trails. Vessels leave from Helsinki Market Square Keisariluodonlaituri-pier next to the Korkeasaari zoo ferry. Watch out for our Frs Finland-signs. Many flexible departures per day and snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard. Enjoy a cup of coffee or cold beer on our sun deck and let yourself be pampered by our friendly staff. Duration of trip is around 25 minutes and the frequency is 30-60 minutes depending on the season. The schedule can be found here: https://www.frs-finland.fi/vallisaari-en/ The vessel is equipped with cafe, WC, outdoor space and sun deck. FRS Finland is dedicated to sustainable values, we are certified with ECO Compass and we own a Sustainable Travel Finland label.

Meet our crew at Café Marina Bay, Kanavaranta 4, 00160 Helsinki. Depart after full passenger equipments and explore the vast archipelago located east of the capital. Discover some of the 170,000 islands by boat as your guide provides more information about local nature and wildlife. See the beautiful islands as we cruise and speed into the archipelago. Near the outskirts of the archipelago, reach the recreational island where you will disembark the boat and go ashore. Explore the island on a short walking tour and learn more about local flora and fauna. Overlooking the sea, hear more about how the archipelago developed after the last ice age. Then, enjoy a snack lunch outdoors if the weather allows. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore the island. Visit the public sauna for a bath, swim in the sea, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings. Finally, hop back on the boat for the journey back to Helsinki. Drop-off is at the same location from where we started.

Discover Helsinki's Enchanting Archipelago under the Midnight Sun! Experience the magic of a Finnish summer night with our Midnight Magic Kayak Tour amidst the serene beauty of the Helsinki archipelago. You'll find yourself paddling beneath the glow of the midnight sun, a natural phenomenon that illuminates the sky with breathtaking hues of pink, orange, and gold. Midway through the tour, we stop at one of the islands, where a small fire will be lit as dusk begins to settle in. We warm up by the fire, and enjoy our snacks in peaceful marine surroundings. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart or a traveler seeking a tranquil escape, this tour offers an unforgettable way to connect with Finland's unique natural beauty. Discover the Beauty of the Helsinki Archipelago The Eastern Helsinki archipelago is a hidden gem beloved by the locals. On this tour, you’ll get to see why. We paddle at a relaxed pace and your guide will take you around the islands. You can learn about the area, local nature and Finnish outdoor culture. The highlight of the tour is experiencing the famous midnight sun, a phenomenon unique to northern regions in the summer months. Occasionally, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a seal lounging on the rocks or swimming nearby—a rare and magical sight that adds to the enchantment of the tour. Guided tour suitable for everyone The tour is designed to be accessible to most travelers, regardless of prior kayaking experience. While a basic familiarity with outdoor activities is helpful, our professional guides will ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. You’ll be provided with all the necessary gear, including beginner-friendly kayaks, spray skirts, PDFs and extra gear in case of rain.

Savor the Nordic Flavors on Helsinki’s best summer island! Join us on a leisurely excursion around Pihlajasaari, just off mainland Helsinki. This island is a local favorite, known for its beaches, flourishing coastlines, and natural beauty. Enjoy a delightful Finnish tasting experience on this adventure. This tour starts at 10:15 A.M. front of Cafe Carusel in Helsinki, meet the guide and take a short ferry ride to Pihlajasaari. After arrival on the island, the tour begins with a walk around the island led by your guide. Exploring the sandy beaches, rocky shores, coastal forest will give insight into why Finnish people are some of the happiest on the planet. After the nature walk around the island, treat yourself with a delightful Finnish Tasting Experience, a distinctive part of our tour. Immerse yourself in a curated selection of 'sapas' (Finnish tapas) featuring local and authentic flavors of reindeer, fish, and various Finnish bread. Conclude the tasting with a Finnish dessert and organic blueberry juice. Please, let us know if you have any dietary restrictions beforehand the tour. We'll leave the island on the 13:15 ferry, returning to the mainland by 13:30. If you have enjoyed your stay on Pihlajasaari, you can choose to remain on the island and take the later ferry back to Helsinki. This excursion is the perfect blend of Finnish flavors and happiness!

With this ticket you can visit Vallisaari island. Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are enchanting destinations for outings, next to the Suomenlinna fortress, just 20 minutes by boat from the Market Square in Helsinki. These two islands have served as the home and workplace of hundreds of people and as the place of military service for thousands of soldiers. Fortifications, buildings, and a record-breaking range of species tell a tale of coexistence between humans and wild nature. Just take a trip to these mysterious islands on which time seems to stand still. Vallisaari is a key destination for Helsinki Biennial in 2025. Come to explore contemporary art with us from 8 June to 21 September 2025. The art exhibition on the island is for free and open from Tuesday to Sunday 11-18, but a lot of art work is located outside and also accessible on Mondays. Suitable for the entire family. While the islands are accessible for prams, the trails are not unobstructed, as the terrain is uneven and the uphill sections are steep. Tourists at Vallisaari can use the islands' water points, toilets, the excursion harbour, café, and tour guide services during summer season. The natural environment of Vallisaari is highly sensitive. Please stay on the marked trails. Vessels leave from Helsinki Market Square Keisariluodonlaituri-pier next to the Korkeasaari zoo ferry. Watch out for our Frs Finland-signs. Many flexible departures per day and snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard. Enjoy a cup of coffee or cold beer on our sun deck and let yourself be pampered by our friendly staff. Duration of trip is around 25 minutes and the frequency is 30-60 minutes depending on the season. The schedule can be found here: https://www.frs-finland.fi/vallisaari-en/ The vessel is equipped with cafe, WC, outdoor space and sun deck. FRS Finland is dedicated to sustainable values, we are certified with ECO Compass and we own a Sustainable Travel Finland label.