VuosaariFinland · Ferry Destinations

All About Vuosaari

Presently home to 40,000 residents, Vuosaari is the largest district of Helsinki and has a rather fascinating past. Although settlements in the area date back to the Iron Age, it wasn’t until the 14th century that a predominantly Swedish-speaking Vuosaari came to be mentioned in official records. However, it took another couple of centuries before the district saw development with the building of a shipyard and mansions. In 1917 the Russians constructed a fort here. They would then later use Vuosaari as a decoy to stop planes from bombing Helsinki during WWII. Vuosaari eventually became a part of Helsinki in 1966. Three decades later, it saw an influx of Russian, Somali, and Estonian settlers across its 17 sq km territory.

Today, Vuosaari is a truly multicultural suburb of Helsinki, growing day by day in terms of industry and tourism. As the local port sees a boost in operations and ferry tickets to Vuosaari become increasingly in demand, bringing in travelers and revenue, the district is slowly transforming into a vibrant alternative to staying in the capital’s center.
 

Routes and Ferries to Vuosaari

Ferry tickets to Vuosaari are typically available from Muuga and Travemünde. Muuga in Estonia to Vuosaari is one of the more popular connections as the two ports are directly opposite each other across the Gulf of Finland. Tallink Silja as well as Eckerö Line both have over 20 crossings a week on this route, with boats taking three hours on average to complete the journey. However, schedules, operators, and timings on these passages change often. You can use Ferryscanner to check for the latest timetables and simultaneously book your ferry tickets to Vuosaari in advance.

The nearest airstrip to Vuosaari is Helsinki Airport, with a vast network of connections with cities around Europe and beyond. A taxi from the airport to Vuosaari takes 20 minutes, whereas the bus ride lasts over an hour. From central Helsinki, travelers can take the subway or a bus, roughly 25 minutes on average, to cover the 13km distance to Vuosaari.
 

Port of Vuosaari

The Port of Vuosaari opened in November 2008 as a development to transfer two commercial city harbors. A part of Port of Helsinki, the €700 million project that includes several quays and a business park covers an area of 150 hectares, of which 90 hectares consist of reclaiming land from the sea. Built on the location of a former shipyard, the Port of Vuosaari lies in the eastern section of the district and recently started accepting ferry traffic.

As a container and cargo port, Vuosaari offers several services, from cranes to port railway lines extending up to the quays. Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Vuosaari disembark at one of two docks. The Hansa terminal typically handles the boats from Travemünde. At the same time, if you have ferry tickets to Vuosaari from Muuga, your boat will stop at Ruusuniementie. Both terminals have basic amenities, check-in facilities, parking, and bus service to the central train station.
 

Best Beaches of Vuosaari

For many first-timers, the natural splendor of Vuosaari’s 30km long coastline is a surprising delight. The region’s often uncommercialized sandy beaches and rocky outcrops are a serene escape and much-loved destination on sunny summer days.

Plage Aurinkolahti

A well-equipped, sheltered, sandy beach, Aurinkolahti is about 2km from the city center and next to the marina. A shoreline that receives plenty of sun during the day, it’s a popular haunt for sunbathers as well as people out for a bike ride or a stroll. Additionally, you can rent beach chairs and kayaks or savor local delicacies at nearby cafes and restaurants. The beach has shallow and deep sections and lifeguards on duty during summer. Facilities at Aurinkolahti beach include toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Lastly, the beach hosts the lively Venetsialaiset, the Venetian festival, in August.

Kallahden uimaranta

Kallahden is a cozy natural escape five minutes from the center, with a gravel coastline and trees in the back providing shade. Grassy areas near the water are ideal for sun lounging, while the café on-site serves refreshing drinks, cooling ice cream, and tasty snacks. Although a small beach, Kallahden packs all the necessary facilities, from barbeque spots and free parking to a volleyball court, wooden jetty, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. 

Rastilan uimaranta

Rastilan’s central location near a metro station means it stays busy during the summer months, more so because it is next to the Rastila campsite. Nevertheless, the sandy beach is family-friendly as it gently slopes into clear and calm water while offering services like toilets, changing rooms, showers, lifeguards, a jetty, and parking. In summer, there’s a bouncy course on the water that kids particularly love. Moreover, the sauna and restaurant in the campsite are open to regular beachgoers.

Puotilan uimaranta

Across the water from Rastilan is one of the less frequented beaches in Vuosaari, called Puotilan. A tiny, family-friendly shoreline with grassy sections, it remains shallow near the edge. Furthermore, the beach has swings for kids, toilets, and changing rooms, making it a convenient and somewhat secluded spot to spend a warm and pleasant day.

Kallahdenniemen uimaranta

Not to be confused with Kallahden beach near the center, this activity-filled yet serene strip is a 10-minute drive down the peninsula from town. Kallahdennienmen opens into the sea and offers beach lovers a range of possibilities like barbequing, windsurfing, birding, and hiking in the surrounding wooded areas. The water here stays ankle-high for nearly a kilometer, so kids can play around freely. Moreover, lifeguards, toilets, a playground, parking, and a café make your time at the beach a comfortable experience. Since the beach is always in demand in summer, it’s best to travel here by metro or bicycle on sunny days.
 

Neighborhoods of Vuosaari

The district of Vuosaari has seen significant development from the 1990s onwards, with tremendous improvements in infrastructure and connections with central Helsinki. As a result, several residential and industrial neighborhoods in Vuosaari have come up, interspersed between untouched natural highlights, adding a sense of liveliness to the district’s persona.

Kallahti

The bay bordering neighborhood of Vuosaari has several residential apartment blocks along with a few popular attractions. Among them is Villa Ullas coffeeshop located inside an 18^th-century house, a couple of charming boat marinas, and plenty of open green spaces for kids to play around.

Meri-Rastila

Meri-Rastila is a tightly inhabited area in the western part of Vuosaari, developed in the 1990s along with neighboring Rastila. Here, you’ll find the small Rastilanneva Nature Reserve with a wetland area you can cross via a wooden walkway. Also, not to miss out on is a meal at the family-owned Chinese restaurant Ravintola Southland, one of the best in Helsinki.

Keski-Vuosaari

The old part of Vuosaari, developed in the 1960s, has a communal atmosphere, as construction at the time included building houses in rows next to one another. Moreover, under the leadership of the architect Martti Ilveskorpi, future residents were encouraged to be a part of building their houses. A park with a pond in Keski-Vuosaari, named after Ilveskorpi, is now one of the main spots where locals congregate daily.

Aurinkolahti

Aurinkolahti is one of the newer neighborhoods of Vuosaari, developed close to the harbor and having a dynamic and young vibe. With a marina, beach, and various food and beverage establishments in its vicinity, there’s plenty to do here, especially on enjoyable summery days. When in Aurinkolahti, do check out Cirrus. Completed in 2006, this 86-meter-high, 28-floor residential tower is Finland’s fourth tallest building.

Ramsinniemi

Occupying most of the promontory in the southwest of Vuosaari is Ramsinniemi. A predominantly green area, it consists of natural surroundings, walking trails, and a few villas. A Vuosaari hidden gem you can find here is the leisure pavilion and beach sauna designed by famous architect Alvar Aalto. Built near Kortlahti beach, it retains its original façade and interiors from when it was completed just before Helsinki hosted the 1950 Olympics.
 

Things To Do Around Vuosaari

Vuosaari might be a suburb of Helsinki, but the region’s exclusive cultural, culinary, family-centric, and natural attractions never fail to excite visitors of all ages.

Take a Fatbike Tour

Among the best things to do in Vuosaari for all ages is to explore East Helsinki’s coast on Fatbikes. These guided excursions present tourists with plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to take in the stunning sights of the region’s natural marvels. The trails around Vuosaari are mostly flat, whereas the fat tires of the bike help navigate the rugged terrain easily. Furthermore, Fatbikes are available for rent or tours all year round.

Stop by Café Kampela

A Helsinki culinary institution, Café Kampela is a red, wooden, barn-like coffee shop located at the Vuosaari Urheilukalastajat harbor. The rustic, dog-friendly café has a nautical theme and a cozy atmosphere. Although great coffee is a given, and they have a range of baked goods, sandwiches, and desserts, the highlight of any meal at Kampela is their oh-so-delicious fish soup.

Spend a Day at Uutela Outdoor Recreational Area

Uutela Outdoor Recreational Area is a marvelous and diverse 105-acre natural region built in the 1950s. Located in the heart of Vuosaari, the park is open for all to enjoy. It consists of a 2.5km and a 1.5km trail, forming an eight between them. Along these pathways, you’ll come across swamps, forests, old villas, farmhouses, and two cooking shelters. Skatanniemi, a protected nature reserve within the park, has a scenic meadow and a WWI artillery bunker.

Go Midnight Kayaking

Once you’ve explored the Vuosaari’s on-land attractions, plan an adventurous trip to discover the archipelago. Vuosaari Paddling Center offers guided kayak tours from May to September that last a few hours. One of the more exotic things to do in Vuosaari is taking the Midnight Kayak Tour. Available on bright summer nights, the four-hour adventure with a campfire starts at sundown and ends past midnight. If you prefer to do the sailing on your own, it’s also possible to rent row boats, kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards.

Savor the Fazer Experience

A short 12-minute drive from Vuosaari is the Fazer Experience Visitor Center. A delightful place full of activities, Fazer Experience is where kids and adults learn about the brand’s history. Moreover, one can see all the plants used to make their famous chocolates, watch informational AV shows, and enjoy free tastings. The Visitor Center also has a café that serves a combination of comforting and hearty freshly-prepared meals.
 

Transportation Around Vuosaari

Travelers stepping off boats with ferry tickets to Vuosaari can explore this relatively small central neighborhood of the district on foot with ease. However, if you want to venture out to Helsinki city center, then make the most of Vuosaari’s two metro stations, one of which is near the main square. In summer, boats regularly sail between Vuosaari and Hakaniemi, as well as to the island of Kaunissaari.

Additionally, Vuosaari has a reliable bus service, stopping at various points within the district and going to nearby regions. Taxis, while convenient to book, can turn out to be extensive. Simultaneously, you can rent a car, but it’s only worth it if you wish to travel beyond the capital’s boundary.