Karun ulkosaariston lumoa Sipoon Kaunissaaressa

Kaunissaari on kaunis. Niemensä mukaisesti. Jo monia vuosia tämä Sipoon ulkosaaristossa sijaitseva helmi on ollut jokakesäisellä To do & see -listallani. Kyllä, kesäksi aina listaan paikkoja, joissa haluan käydä, ja asioita, joita halua tehdä. Toteuttaminen on onnistunut vaihtelevalla menestyksellä. Mutta parempi myöhään kuin milloinkaan, kesäpäivä Kaunissaaressa on siis nyt edessä.Kuumassa loppukesän aamupäivän auringossa poljen pyörällä reppu selässä kohti Vuosaaren Kalkkihiekantoria, mistä Norsölinen vesibussi Kaunissaareen lähtee. Olen alkuperäisestä aikataulustani myöhässä ja venesatamaan päästyäni kiroilen. Olisi pitänyt

Island Escape in Helsinki Archipelago: Liuskasaari Island, Finland

Liuskasaari is one of my favourite islands in Helsinki archipelago. What makes this island very special is its location just a few hundred meters off the seaside promenade of Kaivopuisto Park in the southern part of Helsinki mainland. Thanks to its proximity to the city centre and relaxed maritime vibe Liuskasaari makes a perfect little evening outing or a nice day trip combined with the neighbouring island of Uunisaari, which can be accessed from Liuskasaari via a bridge.

Island Escape in Helsinki Archipelago: Uunisaari Island

One of the many things I love about my home town Helsinki is the archipelago with hundreds of islands. Helsinki’s coastline is over 100 km long and accommodates more than 300 islands. Quite a number!These small islands in Helsinki archipelago provide perfect getaways from the hustle and bustle of Helsinki city centre. Many islands are just a stone’s throw away from the mainland. One of these is Uunisaari island, right off

Helsinki: Photo Tour of Isosaari Island

You may have read in my earlier post Island Escape in Helsinki Archipelago: Former Military Island Isosaari that the gorgeous island of Isosaari was very recently opened to the public after being closed for military purposes for over a century. Isosaari island is a must see for everyone in or visiting Helsinki. This is where history, military and wild nature meet and blend together harmoniously.

In addition to my informative previous post on Isosaari I want to share a few more captivating photos and mysterious details of the island with you. Hope you enjoy the photo tour!

Surveillance towers, fortifications, casemates, secret tunnels, artillery weapons

Island Escape in Helsinki Archipelago: Former Military Island Isosaari

A couple of weeks back in mid June another former military island called Isosaari was opened to the public in Helsinki archipelago. Isosaari island was in military use for over a century until it was abandoned in 2012.Together with the other recently opened former military islands of Vallisaari and Lonna, Isosaari island is a great addition to the recreational islands of Helsinki archipelago. All these islands make a great

Green Getaway in Helsinki: Lammassaari Island

Lammassaari island just a short bus or tram ride from Helsinki city centre, in the protected area of Viikki and Vanhankaupunginlahti, is a perfect green getaway in the city.A canal full of fish divides Lammassaari (Sheep Island) from the mainland. Just by crossing the canal you can already feel that you are in another world. Surrounded by the sea and

Island Escape in Helsinki Archipelago: Lonna Island

The former military island of Lonna in Helsinki archipelago might be tiny but it is a perfect island getaway on a sunny day, just a 7-minute boat ride from Helsinki Market Square.

Once closed to the public, this small 150 metre long island played a significant role in history and had many functions, mostly related to military operations during wartimes. Among others, Lonna was used by the Russian Navy as a sea mine depot in the 1880s. In the 1920s the island was used as a base for clearing mines. Later in the post-war period ships were demagnetised here.

Helsinki: Day Trip to Former Military Islands Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari

Two secret islands, Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari in Helsinki archipelago, with historical military structures and untouched wild nature were opened to the public in May 2016. On these mysterious hidden islands it totally feels like stepping back in time to the old days a couple of hundred years ago.Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari islands were formerly used for military purposes by the Finnish Defence Forces and since then have slumbered for decades, remaining almost in original state. With plenty of unspoilt wild nature the islands offer a chance to enjoy diverse flora and fauna topped with