The paths that circle the Töölönlahti bay and the islands of Lauttasaari and Seurasaari are very popular among local joggers, but you can also find many other great jogging trails throughout Helsinki if you know where to look.
Forest trails in Central Park (Keskuspuisto)
It’s hard to imagine that such an outdoor paradise can be found so close to the city centre. Helsinki’s very own Central Park has lots of forest trails that are perfect for beginners and experienced joggers alike. There are plenty of rocks and roots to look out for along some of the trails, but the terrain is otherwise quite flat. Along the way you can admire the deep forests and have fun jogging across the duckboards.
Natural attractions at Haltiala and Paloheinä
Some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Central Park can be found in Haltiala, and many of them can be admired while jogging. For example, the Haltiavuori Nature Trail starts from the Paloheinä Recreational Centre and takes you through the protected forests of Haltiala to the Pitkäkoski rapids on the Vantaanjoki river and back to Paloheinä via the Haltiavuori hill. The total distance is just under seven kilometres, or you can take a longer 16-kilometre trail via the Silvola reservoir.
Local nature in Herttoniemi and Hallainvuori
More wonderful local nature can be found in Herttoniemi and Hallainvuori, from where you can jog along the trails to the island of Lammassaari and Latokartano. The total distance is around 6.5 kilometres, and the route takes you from Herttoniemi to the Old Town Bay (Vanhankaupunginlahti) and onwards to Myllypuro via Hallainvuori.
Hill climbing in Vuosaari
If you feel like hill climbing, head for Vuosaari. From the parking lot at the base of the big hill there you can jog up to Labbacka, Salmenkallio and Länsisalmi and return along different trails. The total distance is almost 20 kilometres and the climb just under 700 metres. If almost a half marathon is too much for you, you can always turn back at any point along the trail.
Nice and easy in Uutela
If you are only interested in a light jog, then the Uutela Nature Trail is the perfect choice. The trail is a figure of eight in two sections – 2.5 and 1.5 kilometres – that you can choose or combine as you like. While jogging you can admire a variety of wonderful scenery, including the sea, meadows and forests.