The Ultimate Guide to Helsinki’s Happiest Outdoor Retreats

Based on the UN’s World Happiness Report, Finland has been known as the happiest nation on Earth for seven straight years running. This honor illustrates the great emphasis the country has on health, wealth, compassion, and personal freedom. Nowhere is this sense of enjoyment more evident than in Helsinki’s summer, when the long daylight hours, breathtaking natural surroundings, and energetic city life mix effortlessly. Helsinki is a heaven for outdoor lovers with its archipelago of three hundred islands, lots of green areas, and two easily reachable national parks. Lena Salmi, a “happiness hacker” and local expert, has compiled a guide on the most joyful outdoor sites in the city.

Allas Sea Pool
See the Allas Sea Pool for a classic Helsinki experience; it presents a special fusion of sea and cityscape. Constructed on the Baltic Sea, this new facility opened in 2016 and boasts an enclosed seawater pool, a warm pool, and a children’s pool. Here you can swim from daylight till evening. Centrally opposite the Presidential Palace, the Allas Sea Pool offers panoramic views of Helsinki’s harbor. Early risers especially enjoy it; many of the residents start their morning swim. Three saunas, two restaurants, and the biggest open-air terrace in the city comprise the complex. It is also a lively place to unwind and enjoy Helsinki’s social scene since it holds outdoor concerts during the summer.

Graffiti Wall Suvilahti
Should you value street art, you really should visit the Suvilahti graffiti wall. Comprising hundreds of meters, Finland’s largest graffiti wall lets artists freely express themselves. For years, this location has been a creative canvas drawing both local and international graffiti artists. Participating requires no prior knowledge; simply take a spray paint can from the on-site shop and leave your mark. Graffiti aficionado Lena Salmi has tagged walls all across the globe and recommends this location for anyone wishing to interact with the local art culture or provide their input to Helsinki’s urban canvas.

Micopolis Skate Park
Another treasure for individuals who enjoy movement is the Micropolis skate park in Helsinki. Salmi, who started skating at 63, says the park is where age and ability level have no bearing. Both novice and experienced skaters visit the hilltop park because of its fantastic perspective. Fellow skaters welcomed Salmi’s path into the sport, therefore underscoring the active community that shapes Helsinki’s skate scene. With chances to learn fresh tricks and appreciate the artistic flexibility of this activity, the park is a great place to try out skating or longboarding.

Esplanadi
Renowned locally as Espa, Esplanadi is a historic park and boardwalk running across Helsinki’s central area. Built more than 200 years ago, this verdant avenue with its abundance of trees is ideal for a leisurely walk or a restful break. The park is especially lovely in spring and summer as the trees blossom fully. There are little stores and cafes along the North and South Esplanades; Marimekko is a particularly notable site for vivid Finnish design. Esplanadi provides a classic Helsinki experience with lots of space to relax whether you’re shopping or just enjoying the fresh air.

Opera Outdoor Gym
Helsinki has more than 100 free outdoor gyms for individuals who enjoy working out in the surroundings; among the residents, the Opera outdoor gym is rather popular. Situated on Töölö Bay near the Finnish National Opera House, this gym offers breathtaking views of the bay and the nearby old homes. Many people found great delight in outdoor exercise throughout the epidemic, thus this gym turned into a haven for preserving mental and physical health. Apart from the gym, Töölö Bay presents chances for stand-up paddleboarding and appreciation of the adjacent Winter Garden, which showcases a variety of plant life.

Conclusion
Helsinki presents a variety of outdoor pursuits to suit different interests with its mix of urban elegance and natural beauty. From swimming at the Allas Sea Pool to making art at the Suvilahti graffiti wall, from skating at Micropolis to appreciating the ancient Esplanadi Park and working out at the Opera outdoor gym, the city offers many chances to feel happiness in its most natural form. Accept the Finnish way of life: slow down, savor the present, and interact with the cultural and natural beauties that define Helsinki as a very unique location.