Helsinki's Islands is a series of easy island destinations to visit with children. The series introduces favorites from the Little Helsinki background team around Helsinki. Uunisaari is a small rocky island in front of Kaivopuisto.

This article was first published in 2023.

Update November 2025:
A pontoon bridge for pedestrians will be installed again from Merisatama wharf to Northern
Uunisaari on Monday 17.11.2025 (the bridge will be in use by Monday at the latest at 2 PM) and will be removed on 15.4.2026.

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Uunisaari in front of Kaivopuisto is an easily accessible excursion destination from autumn to spring (November-April), when a pontoon bridge runs from Merisatamanranta on Ehrenströmintie to Uunisaari. The walking bridge is removed around mid-April so that boat traffic from Kaivopuisto can pass by the island. During the summer season, Uunisaari is accessible a short boat ride away, and a shuttle service between the island and mainland charges a small fee for the journey. Visiting Uunisaari is also possible and worthwhile in summer, as the island has beautiful rocky shores perfect for picnicking, as well as a municipally maintained swimming beach. The beach also has some playground equipment for children, though its condition and quantity decrease year after year.

On Uunisaari's south shore during the ice break-up in March 2022.

Uunisaari is the favorite spot of the Little Helsinki background team in autumn for spotting storm waves and in spring for watching the first signs of spring. On the southern rocky shores of Uunisaari, it feels like you're in the Finnish archipelago. On clear days, you can see Harmaja lighthouse as well as the lights of Tallinn and migratory bird flocks approaching Finland.

Waves crash against the rocky shores of Uunisaari's south coast in April 2021.

It has been the tradition of the young Little Helsinki background team to make a trip to Uunisaari in March-April to watch the signs of spring, and so we did in March 2022, on a day when the sun made the weather feel like spring but a cold wind and icy walkways still reminded us of winter. It was wonderful to watch the dance of the ice on the rocky shores of the southern part of Uunisaari, as in just a few days only memories would remain. The young team found ice floes and layered snow formations on the swimming beach that kept them entertained for a long time jumping and playing. On the partially thawed beach, snow doughnuts and ice flags had formed, and the summer sandy beach was already peeking through in places. The windy weather required a warming break, and fortunately, the Uunisaari café is open on weekends during winter. During summer season, picnic provisions are available on weekdays as well.

Despite its name, Uunisaari consists of two islands separated by a narrow strait. The strait is crossed via a wooden bridge, almost like the one where Snufkin plays the harmonica in the Moomins. From the southern Uunisaari, you can also walk to the neighboring Liuskesaari via a bridge. For a trip to Uunisaari, it's worth dressing warmly, as it's often windy and cold at least in spring and autumn.
Uunisaari has several good picnic spots, and besides the rocky shores, you can eat your packed lunch at picnic tables or on a bench. Moving around the island is possible with strollers, although in places the terrain is natural and uneven.

Access from Uunisaari to Liuskesaari in April 2021.
The strait separating Uunisaari in March 2022. In the background, the bridge connecting the islands.
View towards Kruunuvuorenta from the bridge at Uunisaari's strait in March 2022.

Our trip to Uunisaari continued to the playground below the Kaivopuisto rocks. In early March, the playground was very icy, so it's not worth going there just for that yet. From the playground, the journey continued to Kaivopuisto and climbing the fallen large old oak trunk, which has been left in place in front of the Kaivohuone restaurant. On that windy Sunday, in Kaivopuisto, you could also have gone for a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, this paid service has often been available in Kaivopuisto at least on weekends. In summer, horse-drawn carriage rides are available (unfortunately, there is no detailed information or schedule for this service anywhere).

On top of the Kaivopuisto rocks, you can also find a real observatory, which holds public stargazing shows almost weekly. More information about times and admission fees can be found on Ursa's website.

The fallen large tree in Kaivopuisto now also serves as a climbing tree. Photo taken in March 2022.
Sleigh rides in Kaivopuisto in March 2022.
Kaivopuisto is known for its excellent sledding hills. Photo taken in March 2022.

A trip to Uunisaari in spring should also include a visit to the Meripuisto playground and a visit to the smaller playground in Kaivopuisto's arms, already mentioned in the story, where you'll find at least a really long slide for slightly older adventurers and some other playground equipment. The maritime-themed Meripuisto playground is better suited for younger children than the Kaivopuisto playground, but climbing enthusiasts of all ages also enjoy it there. On summer evenings, you can also see hot air balloons rising from the adjacent grass field from the Meripuisto playground.

The Kaivopuisto playground can be found on the west side of the park at the foot of the rocks. Photo taken in April 2021.
Playground in Meripuisto between Merikatu and Merisatamantie has play areas for small and slightly older children.
Photo from summer 2020.

Uunisaari is a relaxing weekend excursion destination, and Kaivopuisto is a classic with activities and adventures for children of many ages.

Other parts of the Helsinki's Islands article series

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