Note that this article is based on information from the summer of 2024.
Helsinki has dozens of boat harbours with a total of around 12,000 berths. These boat harbours are operated by the City of Helsinki, as well as by numerous private sailing and boat clubs. Guest harbours are mostly operated by private boat clubs.
- Further information about boating in Helsinki is available on the City of Helsinki’s boating web page and on Traficom.fi.
- Master these boating guidelines and you're ready to weigh anchor.
Helsinki’s guest harbours
In the centre of Helsinki, you can come ashore at Helsinki Marina in Katajanokka, which offers around 100 berths right next to the Market Square and all local services. There are an additional 40 berths at the guest harbour at Suomenlinna, 45 at Pihlajasaari and 25 at Valkosaari.
- Marina Bay Katajanokka
- Valimo Suomenlinna
- Pihlajasaari
- Valkosaari
- Isosaari
- HSS Liuskaluoto
- Pohjoisranta harbour
You can tank up your boat at Kulosaari, Liuskaluoto, Puotila, Karhusaari, Lauttasaari and Pohjoisranta.
Short-term parking for boats
Helsinki also offers free short-term parking for boats for 2 to 4 hours. These free berths are operated by the City of Helsinki’s Sports Services and can be found at Eläintarhanlahti in Kaisaniemi, Hietalahdenallas, close to the Market Square and at recreational islands.
Additional short-term parking for a fee can be found at Helsinki Marina in Katajanokka, at the guest harbour at Suomenlinna and numerous guest harbours operated by private sailing and boat clubs.
You can find short-term parking for boats on the service map.
Boating destinations off the coast of Helsinki
Vallisaari
The island of Vallisaari offers a fascinating fortress history, beautiful sea views and lots of spectacular plant and animal life. Formerly used by the Finnish Defence Forces, the island offers visitors the chance to discover the archipelago nature just off the coast of the city centre. The island also offers a range of restaurant and activity services.
- Location: 60°8.162´/ 25°0.628´
- Guest harbour: 60 berths, buoy and boom moorings. Depth 3m. Services: 3 café-restaurants, WC, electricity.
Isosaari
Isosaari is another historic fortress island that dates back over 100 years and can be reached by boat from the Market Square in just over half an hour. Isosaari is one of the most beautiful islands in the outer archipelago, as well as a destination of cultural historic importance. The sights and nature are truly unique. Even though the island is relatively close to the city, the sounds of the city are completely absent.
- Location: 60°06,2', 25°03,4'
- Guest harbour: 24 berths, mainly with aft buoys but also some side mooring berths.
Pihlajasaari
Pihlajasaari is a former villa island off the coast of Hernesaari that is now a versatile outdoor recreation area. The diverse nature, fine swimming beaches, convenient location and excellent services have made Pihlajasaari a popular summer island among locals. Pihlajasaari actually comprises east and west islands that are connected by a pedestrian bridge. The total size is approximately 26 hectares.
- Location: 60°08,8' P, 24°58,9' I60°08,4' P, 24°55,1' I
- Guest harbour: 24 boom moorings and 21 buoy moorings. Services: restaurant, sauna, swimming beaches (sand and rock), conference villa, camping on the east island.
Suomenlinna
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna hardly needs introducing, but as a boating destination it is somewhat less known. The guest harbour is situated on the island of Susisaari in the Varvilahti bay. To get to the harbour, follow the channel with lateral markers between the islands of Länsimustasaari and Susisaari. The customs building opposite the harbour is a good landmark for arriving boaters. The guest harbour is very popular and has only a limited number of berths. Smaller boats should therefore use the smaller pontoons and park on the inner side of the pier. The maximum weight of boats is 20 tonnes due to the fast currents and use of booms.
- Location: 60°08,8' P, 24°58,9' I
- Guest harbour: 40 berths, side and boom moorings. A fee is charged for all parking and berths are available on a first come, first served basis. Services: fresh water, electricity, septic station, waste disposal, shower, sauna, WC, washing machines, harbour restaurant, cooking gas + all other services at Suomenlinna. Note: Fuel is not available.
Kaunissaari (City of Helsinki recreational area)
The City of Helsinki’s easternmost recreational island has a sheltered harbour. At the eastern end of Kaunissaari there are two saunas, three cooking shelters and water taps. On the northeast shore there is a restaurant, swimming beach, info point and ferry quay. There is also a 4-kilometre nature trail on the island. A camping area and swimming beach can be found on the southern side of the island.
- Location: 60°10,1' P, 25°21,2' I
- Guest harbour: 80 berths, pier and buoys. Depth 1.9m.
Vasikkasaari
Vasikkasaari is a public outdoor and recreation area owned by the City of Helsinki, located right next to the center of Helsinki on Kruunuvuorenselkä in the middle of Katajanokka, Laajasalo, Santahamina and Suomenlinna. In the central parts of the island is an overgrown pond flanked by the remains of an old stone wall called the “Great Wall of China”. There are many other signs of the past on the island. Right next to Vasikkasaari is Saunasaari island, where a private sauna entrepreneur operates.
- Location: 60.1530, E 25.0170
- Guest harbour: On the east side of the island there is a guest harbour.
Services: grilling area, toilet, waste management.