On Midsummer, there are plenty of events to go around in various parts of the city. Contrary to tradition, no Midsummer festivities are held in Seurasaari and Pihlajasaari. Seurasaari is, however, a magnificent destination for outdoor recreation in nature. Traditional Midsummer cruises are held, with due restrictions and instructions.
Here are some useful tips for those who spend Midsummer in Helsinki:
See and do at Midsummer
The contemporary art event Helsinki Biennial presents 41 artists and artist groups. The inaugural Helsinki Biennial takes place by the sea in the unique historical natural environment of Vallisaari Island(Link leads to external service). The works of art on Vallisaari are placed along a marked trail both outdoors and inside historical buildings, gunpowder cellars, and empty residential buildings. Helsinki Biennial is free of charge. There is a fee for the ferry.
Kasarmitori Summer – a culinary oasis filled with summer surprises. The terrace will feature the best seasonal treats from 13 restaurateurs. In addition to this, you may be surprised art and a variety of cultural experiences along the summer streets and in the terrace area.
Korkeasaari Zoo(Link leads to external service) is open every day, so your Midsummer activities could involve adorable animals and magnificent birds. The zoo is an excellent place to spend time with the family. Entry to the zoo by reservation only! Most of the indoor enclosures, such as the tropical houses, will remain closed for coronavirus safety reasons.
The Linnanmäki(Link leads to external service) amusement park is open every day including the Midsummer weekend. Fathoms of fun! Endless excitement!
The Suomenlinna (Link leads to external service)World Heritage site serves visitors throughout the Midsummer weekend. You can enjoy the services, history, culture and outdoors while walking around in the beautiful sea fortress and exploring the sights. The number of passengers is reduced until further notice on the Suomenlinna ferry.
Musiikkitalo(Link leads to external service): Midsummer Madness -summer consert, Fri 25.6. Free entry.
Swimming and saunas in the heart of the city
Swimming and sauna bathing are possible even in the heart of the city, Allas Sea Pool (Link leads to external service)has re-opened. So if you choose to enjoy the sea and a maritime atmosphere in the city centre, you can go to sauna at the sea and take a swim in seawater. The Allas Sea Pool stage offers live music both on Midsummer Eve(Link leads to external service) and on Midsummer Day(Link leads to external service) (links in Finnish).
Löyly(Link leads to external service) is open every day. Many other public saunas(Link leads to external service) in Helsinki are also open at Midsummer.
Cruises to the local archipelago at Midsummer
One way to experience Midsummer in the city is to take a cruise through the islands. JT-Line(Link leads to external service) offers special evening cruises. Sunlines(Link leads to external service) organizes a Helmiradio Midsummer Disco Cruise that takes you to celebrate the Finnish Midsummer with a unique party. Royal Line(Link leads to external service) organizes its traditional Midsummer cruises to the Helsinki and Espoo archipelago.
Enjoy the seaside Helsinki — on the islands
Excursions on City Bikes and by walking on urban routes
- City Bikes bike sharing(Link leads to external service)
- City cycling routes
- Urban Walks Finland(Link leads to external service)
- Green Hearts(Link leads to external service) invites you to discover the city’s many delightful parks with the help of planned walking routes.
Outdoor swimming pools and beaches
Midsummer is an excellent time to take the first plunge into the sea. At Ulkoliikunta.fi(Link leads to external service), the Outdoor Exercise Map service, you can find information on the beaches in the metropolitan area such as the algae situation and water temperature.
Read more: Outdoor swimming pools and beaches
Health care services at Midsummer
Health stations are open on Thur 24 June 8:00–16:00. Health stations are closed at Midsummer (25–27 June).
When local health stations are closed, patients in need of urgent care are treated by the emergency services. Emergency care is provided at the Haartman, Malmi, Jorvi and Peijas Hospitals and at New Children’s Hospital.
Call 116 117 before you go to the emergency clinic. The telephone service is open 24/7 and free of charge.
Emergency dental care is provided at Midsummer (25–27 June) 9:00–21:00 at Haartman Hospital. Appointments can be booked 8:00–21:00 at 09 310 09 471 71110. Night emergency duty is at the Tölö Hospital emergency department. tel. 040 621 5699. Please call before seeking treatment for Emergency Dental Care.
24 h Telephone Health Service, tel. 09 310 10023
Information about Helsinki’s health care services and treatment instructions 24 hours a day at the cost of a normal phone call.
Emergency Social Services and Crisis emergency support serve 24/7 also at Midsummer. Emergency Social Services tel. 020 696 006 and Crisis emergency support tel. 09 310 44222.
In life-threatening emergencies – call 112
Do you suspect a coronavirus infection?
You can make a coronavirus assessment at omaolo.fi(Link leads to external service). Based on your symptoms, you will get instructions on what to do. If needed, you can make an appointment to a coronavirus test.
Another way to access a coronavirus test is to contact the Coronavirus Helpline ( everyday 8–18), tel. 09 310 10024).
If necessary, you should be tested for corona also on at Midsummer. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, get tested.
Read more: Social and Health Care Services in Helsinki at Midsummer 2021(Link leads to external service)
Public transport over the midsummer holiday
As usual, there are changes to the public transport services of Helsinki Region Transport HSL over the midsummer holiday.
On Thursday 24 June, a Friday service will operate. On Midsummer Eve Friday 25 June, a Saturday service will operate. On Midsummer Day 26 June, a Sunday service will operate. Night services will operate on the night of 26 June. There are service changes on U-line routes.
Read more: HSL(Link leads to external service)
City library services
Midsummer is a good time to enjoy books. You can borrow e-books and audiobooks easily from the eLibrary(Link leads to external service). Most Helmet libraries are closed during Midsummer weekend June 25th – June 27th with the exception of some self-service libraries (Herttoniemi, Laajasalo and Suomenlinna). Many libraries also close earlier than usual Thursday June 24th.
Read more: Helmet.fi(Link leads to external service)
Things to do in Helsinki at Midsummer:
- MyHelsinki: Midsummer in Helsinki 2021(Link leads to external service)
- Events in Helsinki(Link leads to external service)
Photo: Yiping Feng and Ling Ouyang / Helsinki Marketing