Sports and recreation in Helsinki
Gyms
Visitors to Helsinki can work out at a number of gyms in the city centre that do not require membership.
- Motivus Kamppi (Salomonkatu 17 C)
- Motivus Center (Simonkatu 9)
- Motivus Stockmann (Aleksanterinkatu 52 B, 7. krs)
- Esport Center (Salomonkatu 1, 5. krs.)
Swimming halls
The Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall (Yrjönkatu 21 b) has the feel of a Roman bath. Considered one of the most beautiful swimming halls in the world, it was built in 1928, making it the oldest swimming hall in Helsinki and the entire Nordic region. Its specialty is nude swimming, with separate hours for men and women, so check times in advance on the internet or by calling. Naturally, swimsuits can also be worn. You can also rent your own stall with a bed for relaxing and enjoying refreshments. Massages or available by reservation. There are two steam saunas and two wood-heated saunas.
The Mäkelänrinne Swimming Centre (Mäkelänkatu 49) is the largest swimming hall in Finland and features a 50-metre pool, as well as a children’s pool, diving pool and cold water pools. The facilities include both regular and steam saunas.
Itäkeskus Swimming Hall (Olavinlinnantie 6) is ideal for distance swimming and has separate pools and a slide for children. The facilities also include a whirlpool and cold water pool, a gym and six saunas, one of which is a steam sauna.
Swimming Stadium
You can swim outdoors at the Swimming Stadium from May to September in 25-degree water regardless of the weather. The facilities include a 50-metre pool, a children’s pool, a diving platform and a waterslide.
Swimming beaches
Helsinki’s coastline offers many excellent swimming beaches, the most popular of which is Hietaranta beach or “Hietsu” as it is known locally. Other public swimming beaches near to the centre can be found at Seurasaari, Mustikkamaa and Munkkiniemi The sandy beaches of Uunisaari Island off the southern shore of Kaivopuisto Park combined with convenient services attract holidaymakers to swim and picnic. The sandy beach is protected and manned by a lifeguard, making it a favourite for families with children. Sun worshippers also love the splendid rocks and two sandy beaches on Pihlajasaari Island.
In wintertime, swimming in a hole that has been cut in the ice (“avantouinti” in Finnish) relaxes and refreshes the body, while improving stress tolerance levels. Believers also claim that it keeps away the flu and enhances blood circulation. In Helsinki you can try ice swimming at Rastila (Karavaanikatu 4).
Running in Helsinki
Check out running routes in runmap.net
Cycling is a great way to see the sights and surrounding nature. Helsinki offers around 750 kilometres of well-maintained bike paths. Bikes can be rented from Greenbike and Ecobike.
Helsinki City Transport also offers free city bikes during the summer months. The bikes have no gears, and the lock opens with a two-euro deposit. City bike racks are located throughout the city, for example by the Market Square and at the Central Railway Station. Helmets can be borrowed free of charge from Helsinki Info Jugendsali (Pohjoisesplanadi 19).
Indoor recreation
Various ball sports, athletics, gymnastics and other indoor
activities can be practised at sports halls throughout Helsinki,
including the Helsinki City Sports Department’s Töölö
Sports Hall and the Liikuntamylly or the Helsinki Sports Centre (Helsingin
Urheilutalo) run by the company Urheiluhallit Oy.
Bowling
There are several bowling facilities in the city centre, including:
- Kampin Keilahalli, (Kamppi Shopping
Centre, 4th floor)
- Ruusulan keilahalli, Ruusulankatu 3-5
- Fun Bowling / Helsingin Urheilutalo, Helsinginkatu 25
Tennis
Indoor and outdoor tennis courts can be found throughout Helsinki. The Tali Tennis Centre has both indoor and outdoor courts. Tennis and other ball sports can also be played at the Merihaka Sports Centre (Merihaan Pallohalli).
Golf
Helsinki has two 18-hole golf courses, one in Tali and the other in Vuosaari. There are also dozens of other 18-hole golf courses to choose from just outside Helsinki. Separate practice ranges are located at Laajasalo and Paloheinä.
Minigolf can be played at Taivallahti and near Kaivopuisto.
Tip! Helsinki has three free-of-charge frisbee golf courses at Tali, Meilahti and Munkinpuisto.
Outdoor areas
Helsinki offers a wide variety of outdoor areas throughout the city, both inland and beside the sea. The City of Helsinki also owns several recreational areas in neighbouring municipalities. .
The surrounding archipelago is ideal for enjoying the outdoors, swimming and nature hikes. Ferries to recreational islands usually operate from May to September.
Helsinki’s green parks and forests are also perfect for outdoor activities. The paths and trails of the Central Park (Keskuspuisto) begin right behind the Olympic Stadium.
The nearest national park is located in Nuuksio in neighbouring Espoo. Offering marked trails, cooking shelters and camping areas, Nuuksio is perfect for hiking.
Horseback riding
Many stables are located throughout Helsinki, including Keskustalli in the Ruskeasuo district and the Tuomarinkylän Ratsastuskoulu in the Tuomarinkylä district. More can be found in neighbouring Espoo, including Stall Eqvus in Nuuksio, Primus Talli in Oittaa and Lounaisrannikon Ratsastuskoulu in Soukka. Contact the stables in advance to reserve a time.
Canoeing and boating
- Canoe Rent Center offers canoes that can be rented for just an hour or an entire week. Canoe safaris are also organised.
- Helsinki Canoeing Centre rents canoes and kayaks and organises guided paddling excursions off the coast of Helsinki.
- Töölönlahden venevuokraamo rents rowing boats, pedal boats and kayaks on Töölönlahti Bay.
- Bear & Water in Sipoo rents canoes and kayaks.
- Vmax rents motorboats and jet skis
- Jap Rent rents motorboats and a yacht with crew
- Finlandia Sailing rents motorboats and yachts.
Skating, skiing, snowshoe walking
Find out more: Northern Exposure -> The Great Outdoors