Pihlajasaari – the Recreational Island

Photo: JT-Line / Omar El Mrabt

A beautiful archipelago nature destination only a 10-minute ferry journey away from the Ruoholahti and Merisatama piers in Helsinki.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the island of Pihlajasaari, situated only a short ferry journey away from mainland Helsinki. In addition to beautiful sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and gorgeous sea views, the island is home to diverse nature, and quaint old wooden villas – one of which now contains a restaurant. On the island you can find a two-kilometre-long marked nature trail that provides information and stories on the history of the island.

There are also three public cookshacks on Pihlajasaari that are free to use. All of the cookshacks have drinking water stations and firewood for cooking provided. During weekends it is possible to extend your stay by camping on Eastern Pihlajasaari. The island also has a sauna that you can book in advance.

The ferry service from Merisatama and Ruoholahti to Pihlajasaari is operated on the weekend 11.-12.5.2024 and daily 18.5.-1.9.2024. Dogs are also welcome onboard our vessels and the island, with the exception of the beaches and kids play areas.

You can find more information about Pihlajasaari on the City of Helsinki’s website (information about camping, reserving a sauna etc.) here >>

And more information about the restaurant at www.pihlajasaari.net

Preserving the unique nature of our archipelago is important to us, and our vessels operating on this route are solely fuelled with
renewable fuel oil. As pioneers we want to take part in developing low-emission solutions. By using renewable fuel oil we reduce our carbon footprint on the route in question by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels.

We recommend arriving at the Market Square by public transport, if possible. You can find more information in HSL’s Journey Planner >>