Vallisaari Island

Vallisaari is a former military island about 5 km south-east of Helsinki Market Square, in the Gulf of Finland, opened to the public in 2016. The trip takes about 20 minutes by the JT-Line seasonal ferry from the Kolera Basin pier by the Market Square. The 2026 season ran from 20 May to 12 September, with a return fare listed at EUR 9.80 for adults. The service is not covered by HSL tickets and there is no service in October, so the island is closed to ordinary visitors until May 2027. The island offers forest trails, fortress tunnels, a wild meadow and the neighbouring island of Kuninkaansaari, which is reached by a stone causeway. Visitors usually spend three to four hours exploring. A suggested day starts with a morning ferry, followed by a walk along the main forest paths and a look at the military structures and tunnels. Food services on the island are limited, so a picnic carried from Helsinki is the usual choice, and lunch can be eaten on the shore or in the meadow. The afternoon can be used for the causeway walk to Kuninkaansaari and quiet viewpoints before the return ferry. Waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes are useful because the paths are natural and weather on the open water changes quickly. The best season is June to August, when the ferry runs frequently and the meadow is in bloom. Visitors should check the JT-Line timetable before planning, because the schedule differs from city ferries, and the last return sailing must not be missed since there is no alternative transport back. Information about the island is available through myhelsinki.fi.