summer – Welcome to University of Helsinki

Classes have already ended or will end soon, and summer is nearly here! Wondering what to do in the sun? These tips will help you make the most of your summer in the city, whether you are staying in Helsinki for an internship, studies, or just a holiday.

kv-blogi — A summer evening in Helsinki – the light offers a pleasent contrast to the long winter nights

Short on money? Don’t worry! This facebook page advertises free events in Helsinki.
Up for a swim or just wanna bask in the sun? You can check out all beaches and public swimming pools in Helsinki on the Helsinki City website. All beaches are free-of-charge, but the swimming pools have a small entrance fee. Water quality is monitored at the beaches by the Helsinki City Environment Centre during the period of 15.6.-31.8.. If you’re in an exploring mood, pick an island to visit from this list (unfortunately only in Finnish). Uunisaari and Pihjalasaari are most easily accessible by public transport.
Into sports? Anyone can play on the city’s tennis or basketball courts. Just go wait by the court for your turn, no reservations needed! There’re also lots of jogging tracks and sports parks where you can enjoy all sorts of games, all listed on this website.
Summer is the high season for fleamarkets! Whether you need to get rid of your stuff before leaving Helsinki, or you feel like checking what’s on offer, Hietalahti and Hakaniemi fleamarkets are sure to satisfy your needs! Hietalahti fleamarket is open every day and the Hakaniemi fleamarket on Sundays. Read more on opening hours and how to book a table to sell your own stuff here.
It’s fun to barbecue! You can do it for free at the Teurastamo barbecue spot (unfortunately the website is currently only available in Finnish). There’s lots of space to hang out and cook. Coals and lighter fluid are usually found at the spot since people leave behind whatever they don’t need. There are also shops around the area where you can purchase anything you might need for cooking.
Nuuksio is lovely no matter the time of year, but camping is easier when it isn’t freezing. See hiking routes, sights and services here.

Remember also to check out Helsinki summer classics! Run your own restaurant on Restaurant Day on May 21, celebrate Midsummer’s Eve in Seurasaari with the traditional midsummer bonfires, attend a Helsinki Pride event between June 27 and July 2, enjoy Kallio Block Party on August 6 (the Facebook event will be updated closer to the event), and marvel at the Night of the Arts on August 25 when the whole city will be taken over by art.

The Night of the Arts is celebrated as part of the Helsinki Festival between August 19 and September 4, when a host of events will overtake Helsinki and celebrate the city. Festivals in general are popular throughout the summer, and cater to most every taste in music.

We hope your summer will be unforgettable, sunny, and filled with friends and new discoveries in this lovely city of ours!

Midsummer (juhannus in Finnish) for Finns means celebration and the long, white night which is said to be the “nightless” one (yötön yö). In the Helsinki region the sun sets at about 22.50 and rises again already around 4.00 o’clock in the morning. In the Northern Finland the sun does not set at all! The nightless night of Finnish midsummer gives a great contrast to the darkness of the winter time.

Many Finns leave the cities for Midsummer and spend time in their countryside cottages. Midsummer celebrations traditionally include bonfires, sauna, good food, possibly swimming and of course spending time together with family and friends! Continue reading “Enjoying midsummer celebrations – Juhannus”