Helsinki’s summer offerings highlight wellness
Visitors to Helsinki this summer can enjoy being pampered beside the sea at the Löyly design sauna in Hernesaari and Allas Sea Pool by the Market Square. The number of archipelago destinations will also increase when the recreational island of Vallisaari opens to the public.
Photo: Kalle Kataila
Vallisaari
The recreational island of Vallisaari between Santahamina and Suomenlinna will open up to the public in May. Visitors will be able to enjoy an outing to see the unspoilt nature and well preserved historic fortifications.
In its first year Vallisaari can be explored along marked trails. The Alexander Trail is 3 kilometres long and the King’s Island Trail is 2.5 kilometres long. The trails can also be combined to make one long trail.
A café will open in the spring, and information boards, rest areas and dry toilets are also planned. A guest harbour for 48 boats will open by the beginning of summer.
For families, strollers and prams can be used on the island, but the trails are not fully accessible due to the rough terrain and steep climbs. The trails are not lighted or maintained in wintertime. Visitors should stick to the paths, as there are many cliffs and other dangerous spots on the island. Services are also only just being introduced to the island. Hiking boots and water bottles are recommended.
A ferry connection from the Market Square will begin operating on 14 May 2016. Camping overnight on the island is not permitted. The island is maintained by Metsähallitus, South Finland Nature Services.
www.facebook.com/Vallisaari, www.metsa.fi/vallisaari and www.luontoon.fi/vallisaari
Further information: Minttu Perttula, +358 40 7683644
minttu.perttula@metsa.fi
Löyly
The Löyly design sauna will open in late May 2016 in Hernesaari on the southern tip of the Helsinki peninsula. In addition to a choice of saunas, the modern complex will also offer Finnish food culture that visitors can experience while admiring the stunning views from the large terrace that stretches out over the sea. The impressive building will also be a real design attraction as an example of contemporary wooden architecture. Löyly is situated just a couple of kilometres from the city centre.
Photos: Avanto Architects / Triidii
Further information: Tiina Ropponen, +358 40 156 7070
tiina.roppinen@royalravintolat.com
Allas Sea Pool
Allas Sea Pool is a new kind of spa complex that is being developed by the Market Square in Katajanokka. The first parts of the complex, including a sandy beach, terrace café and exercise facilities, should open to the public during the Midsummer holidays in June. The saunas and sea pool itself will then open in early August.
At the same time, the Cleantech Finland showroom will open presenting technological solutions and services promoting sustainable development and reducing environmental loads. Allas Sea Pool will be open year round with the exception of holidays. The price of admission is 9 euros for adults and 6 euros for children.
http://www.korjaamo.fi/fi/allas
Further information: press officer Heidi Välkkilä, +358 41 437 6357
heidi.valkkila@helsinkiallas.fi
“Island Hopping” – Visit three historical fortress islands with one ferry ticket: Lonna, Suomenlinna and Vallisaari
In summer 2016 visitors can see and experience three historical fortress islands – Lonna, Suomenlinna and Vallisaari – for the price of just one return ticket. Visitors can discover the nature on Vallisaari in the morning, explore Suomenlinna and enjoy lunch or coffees in the middle of the day, and end the day with dinner or a drink on Lonna. The ferry ticket costs 7 euros for adults and 3.50 euros for children.
www.jt-line.fi/suomenlinna-vallisaari-lonna/saaristohyppely
Further information: JT-Line Oy 09 534806, info@jt-line.fi
New Natura Viva Paddling Centre in Vuosaari
A new Natura Viva Paddling Centre has opened in the Vuosaari district this spring. The centre includes storage and maintenance facilities for up to a hundred kayaks. Between the buildings is an open terrace with a summer café. The centre is open daily in summertime from 10am to 10pm.
www.naturaviva.fi
Further information:
Ilkka Lariola, +358 50 3768855
ilkka@naturaviva.fi
New “Day in Helsinki” illustrated map published by Visit Helsinki
Visit Helsinki has published a new Day in Helsinki illustrated map. The map has been published in seven languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian, Japan, China and Korean. The map will be handed out to cruise visitors at the harbours, to stopover visitors at Helsinki Airport and to congress visitors arriving in Helsinki.
Further information:
Marketing communications manager Tia Hallanoro, Visit Helsinki, +358 40 8263130
tia.hallanoro@hel.fi
Visit Helsinki is a marketing name used by Helsinki Marketing Ltd, a city-owned company that is responsible for the city’s marketing operations.
