Midsummer in Helsinki 2022

What to do and where to go with children during midsummer in Helsinki and the greater Helsinki area?

What to do or where to go during midsummer in Helsinki? Where are the midsummer bonfires lit?
During midsummer, many travel to the countryside to celebrate midsummer, and quieter Helsinki brings its own charm to celebrating midsummer in the city. Pienten Helsinki's tips for celebrating midsummer eve and midsummer day in the city with children. The tips include both events and other activities during midsummer.

Midsummer celebrations in Helsinki

Traditional midsummer celebrations are held in playgrounds mainly during midsummer week on Wednesday and Thursday. More detailed information can be found on the playgrounds' own websites.

Mustasaari midsummer is celebrated on Friday, June 24, 2022, 12-20 PM.
Sauna bathing, swimming, delicacies, and lots to do on a wonderful summer island. Mustasaari is also home to farm animals during the summer season and sheep on the neighboring island. The ferry to the island departs from Taivallahti shore (small ferry fee, cash payment).
Read more from Pienten Helsinki: A hot day at Mustasaari

Karelian summer cottage Villa Salmela (in Jolli) celebrates midsummer on Friday, June 24, 2022. Various programs, sauna sessions, delicacies from the cafe, and flag hoisting at 6 PM. The children's bonfire is lit at 7 PM and the main bonfire at 8 PM, weather permitting.

Tali allotment garden midsummer celebration on midsummer eve, 6-10 PM. Weather permitting, a midsummer bonfire will also be lit at the event.

Seurasaari midsummer whites on Friday, June 24, 2022. Tickets €27.50, children under 12 free.

In Espoo parishes organize midsummer celebrations and in Vantaa's St. Lawrence Church Park a family midsummer celebration is held.

Uutela kota is open on midsummer eve, June 24, 2022, 12-5 PM.

Midsummer bonfires in Helsinki

Update June 24, 2022: A forest fire warning is in effect in Uusimaa, so midsummer celebrations this year will be held without bonfires.

Note! The forest fire warning may prevent bonfire lighting!
Karelian summer cottage Villa Salmela in Jollas, the children's bonfire is lit at 7 PM and the main bonfire at 8 PM.
Lauttasaari Länsiulapanniemi bonfire is lit near the HKL summer cottage sauna building at 10 PM.
At the southern tip of Lauttasaari on Särkiniemi bonfire rock.
At the Seurasaari midsummer whites event children's bonfire at 7:35 PM and main bonfire at 10 PM (the event is fee-based).
On Isosaari midsummer has traditionally been celebrated and a bonfire lit.
On Kaivopuisto shore near Cafe Ursula.
Tali allotment garden midsummer celebration on midsummer eve, 6-10 PM (bonfire weather permitting).

The midsummer bonfire list will be updated as information is confirmed.
Always check the latest information from the organizer's website!

Things to do during midsummer

Pienten Helsinki recommends: The midsummer eve morning is worth starting at Hakaniemi market hall and square in the midsummer market atmosphere. The square sells midsummer delicacies, strawberries, and birch twigs for decorating city midsummer. Music plays at the coffee sisters' tent.

Porvoo: Archipelago atmosphere for midsummer from Pellinge summer market on midsummer eve Friday, 9 AM-12 PM. The trip also includes a short ferry ride, so the outing is definitely an adventure for little ones.

Vartiosaari is also accessible during midsummer when the sun ferry operates all midsummer weekend, 10 AM-7 PM. Ferry fee.

At Meilahti rose garden midsummer roses are blooming. Free admission.

Quieter Helsinki city center is an experience in itself. Also, for example, Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden outdoor garden is open on midsummer holidays every day 9 AM-8 PM.

Playground during midsummer? Tips for the best playgrounds and introduction to Helsinki's newest playgrounds can be found in Pienten Helsinki.

Linnanmäki amusement park is also open during midsummer. Free admission.

Korkeasaari is also open during midsummer. Admission fee.

Fallkulla and Haltiala farm animal facilities can see outdoor grazing animals all through midsummer. At Fallkulla, animals are out weather permitting, usually around 10 AM-2 PM, at Haltiala usually at other times as well. Farm facilities are free to visit. Read more from Pienten Helsinki's Animals in the city article.

Sheep Island and Kuusiluoto bring you to nature's peace in the middle of the city. You can reach Sheep Island easily with strollers, but for the Kuusiluoto trip it's best to leave strollers waiting on the Sheep Island side. On Kuusiluoto you can meet freely roaming sheep on the island, admire Helsinki, eat packed lunches, and enjoy nature.

Suomenlinna ferries carry adventurers also during midsummer, but some of the island's services may be closed during midsummer. So bring packed lunches and enjoy Suomenlinna's unique atmosphere and explore caves in peace.

To Vartiosaari you can get this summer by sun ferry across Reposalmi and the island has plenty of nature and midsummer atmosphere. Vartiosaari summer cottages have also arrived. For more information about the boat trip and fees, see the ferry's own website.

Espoo's beautiful islands and shores offer midsummer atmosphere and activities, read more on Visit Espoo's website. For example, a trip to Pentala archipelago museum would also be suitable during midsummer.

Dozens of outdoor recreation areas of the Uusimaa recreation area association can be found near Helsinki. Hiking in beautiful nature spots is an excellent alternative to celebrating midsummer at a cottage.

During midsummer, the quieter city is the best place to explore new places and hike in interesting spots. From Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki places article you'll find more places worth experiencing in Helsinki.

Pienten Helsinki's What to do article suggests twenty easy and free destinations in Helsinki with children.

Swimming

Pienten Helsinki's Swimming? article suggests child-friendly swimming beaches in Helsinki.

Swimming spots for hot days article collects tips on outdoor swimming pools and other swimming spots that often stay free of blue-green algae. The sandy-bottomed children's own swimming spot, Pirkko's Plot, is back in use!

Kumpula outdoor pool and Swimming Stadium are open during midsummer with slightly different hours (admission fee). In Espoo, Leppävaara outdoor pool is open during midsummer (admission fee). The splash pool located in Tapiola (not supervised during midsummer) is also open.

Pienten Suomi

Pienten Suomi suggests things to do and experience with children in Finland. Also includes many tips for nearby areas and day trips as well as a large list of the best playgrounds throughout Finland. The travel map currently has over 600 tips!