Helsinki Parks & Wildlife

Magnificently planned by great architect Carl Ludwig Engel, Esplanadi (Swedish: Esplanaden, or simply Espa) attracts many visitors because of its lucrative design that is well-preserved from ancient times, marvellous monuments and lush surroundings. Located in the middle of Esplanadi Park is a statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the national poet of Finland, along with many public art pieces. The centuries-old Kapelli Café Brasserie, situated at the eastern end of the park, is the perfect place to meet and relax.

Address: Pohjoisesplanadi, 00101 Helsinki, Finland

Kaisaniemi park (Swedish: Kajsaniemiparken) is a park located in Kluuvi region, Helsinki. The park was named after Catharina Wahllund and was handed over in 1829 to the University of Helsinki for gardening. The park area includes soccer ground, tennis and basketball courts. It is a famous place for holding events, concerts and festivals.

Address: Kaisaniemen puistokuja, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Kaivopuisto (Swedish: Brunnsparken, or Brunsan) is the oldest and most famous park in Helsinki, surrounded by embassies and villas. The sea views, cliffs and lawns make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy. The park also offers many entertainment and leisure activities along with beautiful views. Also, there are fine restaurants and cafes lined up on the seashore for the visitors to refresh.

Address: 00140 Helsinki, Finland

Sibelius Park (Swedish: Sibeliusmonumentet) is an English-style landscape garden famous for the Sibelius Monument (Sibelius-monumentti), built in memory of the renowned composer Jean Sibelius' (1865-1957) by Eila Hiltunen. Located in the Töölö district in Helsinki, the monument resembles organ pipes made out of welded steel and is one of the most famous statues in Helsinki.

Address: Mechelininkatu 39, 00250 Helsinki, Finland

The Sinebrychoff Park (Swedish: Sinebrychoffsparken), or simply Koff Park, is located in Punavuori, Helsinki. It was a private park built by businessman Nikolai Sinebrychoff and later opened to the public. It is a unique and beautiful geometric park with ponds, an observation tower and greenhouses. This park also has a playground, a café and a public washroom. Its pleasant surroundings and awesome landscapes attract tourists and locals as well.

Address: Sinebrychoffinkatu, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

Linnanmaki (Swedish: Borgbacken, colloquially Lintsi), Finland's most popular amusement and theme park, opened its doors in 1950. The park has many exciting rides like roller coasters, octopus spinner, pendulum rides, bumper cars, water rides and more. The wooden rollercoaster has been the most popular ride since 1951. Other attractions include arcades, games, restaurants and an outdoor stage for performances in summer. Visitors can visit the Sea Life aquarium and discover the underwater world.

Address: Tivolikuja 1, 00510 Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Winter Garden is one of the most popular recreational places in the city, situated on the Töölönlahti bay. The garden is a delight to visit in any season and consists of around 200 different plants. The garden has three halls where different varieties of exotic plants are housed. During Christmas, the garden is decorated with traditional Christmas flowers, and during Easter, it is full of daffodils and tulips.

Address: Hammarskjöldintie 1, 00250 Helsinki, Finland

Korkeasaari Zoo, previously known as Helsinki Zoo (Högholmen), is located on Korkeasaari island, Helsinki. It contains about 150 animal species and 1000 plant species under the roof. It is a magnificent display of nature's diversity and a perfect place to explore the environment, flora and fauna. The zoo opened its gates in the year 1889, which makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world. The zoo also contributes to rescuing the animals in their original abodes and protecting regional biodiversity. The visitors can also enjoy shopping in the souvenir shop and relax in the cafes and restaurants.

Address: Mustikkamaanpolku 12, 00270 Helsinki, Finland

Serena Water Park is Helsinki's largest amusement park. Indulge in an enthralling experience and get a chance to relax in the warm waters of the fountains, bubble pools and children's terraces. Enjoy the water slides and brave the thrashing waves at a giant pool. The Serena Ski Center is open in winter and contains two snowpark slopes for snowboarders and new school-skiers.

Address: Tornimäentie 10, 02970 Espoo, Finland

It is a famous indoor adventure park in Helsinki specially designed for children. It contains a large adventure maze, roller slides, a ball-cannon arena, a trampoline cage and a separate play area for toddlers below three years. It attracts many young visitors and their families.

Address: Hakaniemi square, Miina Sillanpäänkatu 2, 00530 Helsinkii, Finland

Haaga Rhododendron Park (Haagan Alppiruusupuisto) is a public park in Helsinki's Haaga district. The park contains evergreen varieties of rhododendrons. The area serves as a public park and a university research garden. The park is divided into two parts: the southern section contains rhododendrons, and the northern section contains azalea specimens. Thousands of Helsinki residents visit the park during the blooming season.

Address: Laajasuontie 37, 00320 Helsinki, Finland