Helsinki is a city where the sea is not merely a backdrop, but a part of everyday urban life. The archipelago, marinas, seaside promenades, and maritime culture make Helsinki one of the most attractive coastal cities in the Nordic countries. If you are planning a visit in 2026, Helsinki’s waterways offer experiences for every season. In this guide, we present the best destinations and activities by the water, and explain why Blue Peter in Lauttasaari is the heart of maritime Helsinki.
Helsinki by the Water – Why the Sea Makes the City Special
Helsinki has been built around the sea. The city has over 300 kilometres of coastline, dozens of islands, and hundreds of marinas that follow their own rhythm with the changing seasons. In summer, the shores fill with sailing boats, kayaks, and city dwellers enjoying the sunshine. In winter, the same landscape transforms into something calm and stripped back, as ice covers the bays and whiteness descends over the city.
The sea is also reflected in Helsinki’s food culture. Fresh fish products, seasonal ingredients, and a maritime atmosphere are all part of the city’s restaurant culture. There is plenty to do in Helsinki by the water: in addition to the beaches, the city offers historic harbours, boating routes, and maritime restaurants with a truly unique atmosphere.
Lauttasaari is one of Helsinki’s most beloved archipelago destinations. This peninsula neighbourhood is connected to the mainland by a bridge, yet its atmosphere remains distinctly island-like. It is also home to the Helsinki Sailing Club, known as HSK, one of Finland’s most prestigious sailing clubs, in whose home harbour Blue Peter has been operating since 1976.
The Best Water Activities and Destinations in Helsinki
Helsinki’s waterside attractions cover far more than just the Market Square. The city offers diverse opportunities to enjoy the sea both actively and at a leisurely pace.
The Maritime Archipelago and Boating Opportunities
Helsinki’s archipelago is a truly unique experience. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Suomenlinna is easily accessible by ferry from the Market Square, and the journey itself offers stunning views of the sea. In summer, the archipelago can also be reached by water bus from several harbours. Guest marinas can be found throughout the city, and Helsinki’s guest harbour serves both domestic and international sailors.
Coastal Walks and Cycling
The Lauttasaari coastal route is one of Helsinki’s most popular outdoor trails. Along the way, the path opens up to views of the open sea, and it is suitable for both walking and cycling. The shores of Munkkiniemi and Otaniemi also offer beautiful scenery, particularly at sunset.
Kayaking and Water Sports
Kayaking is a popular way to explore Helsinki’s archipelago at your own pace. Several rental points can be found across the city during summer. For more experienced paddlers, the waters around Lauttasaari offer diverse routes between sheltered bays and more open stretches of sea.
The Winter Sea
Winter is also a special time by Helsinki’s waterways. Ice swimming is a popular activity, and the city has several official ice swimming spots. Frozen bays attract skaters, and the winter landscape offers a calming counterbalance to the bustle of everyday life.
Blue Peter – A Maritime Restaurant and Event Venue in Lauttasaari
Blue Peter has been operating in HSK’s home harbour in Lauttasaari since 1976. Over the decades, the restaurant has grown to become an integral part of Helsinki’s maritime identity, a place people return to time and time again. The restaurant combines quality food culture, an authentic harbour atmosphere, and first-class service in a way that is truly rare.
In summer, the spacious terrace at Blue Peter offers sea breezes and sweeping maritime views, while the bistro kitchen serves dishes prepared from seasonal ingredients. Fresh, local produce is at the heart of the restaurant’s culinary philosophy, and the menu changes with the seasons. In winter, the atmosphere becomes more intimate, with the indoor spaces providing a warm setting in which to enjoy the maritime scenery from behind the glass.
The restaurant is an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or private events alike. Over the years, Blue Peter has hosted weddings, corporate events, birthday celebrations, and other special occasions, always with tailored service and a carefully planned experience. The active guest marina creates a unique backdrop, where the movement of sailing boats keeps the scenery alive throughout the season.
Being a restaurant within Helsinki’s guest marina environment means that Blue Peter can also be reached by water, making a visit a truly special maritime experience. Explore Blue Peter’s terrace and bar and plan your own seaside moment in Lauttasaari.
How to Get to Blue Peter – Location and Transport Links
Blue Peter is located in Lauttasaari, at Meripuistotie 1. The restaurant is part of the HSK harbour area, and its maritime setting makes it an easily recognisable destination.
Public Transport
Lauttasaari is easily accessible from central Helsinki by metro. The nearest metro station is Lauttasaari, from which it is a short walk to the restaurant. Several bus routes also serve the area, so the restaurant, situated within Helsinki’s guest marina, is reachable without a car.
By Bike or on Foot
The Lauttasaari coastal route leads directly close to the restaurant, making it easy for cyclists and walkers to combine a seaside stroll with a visit to the restaurant. The route is well marked and suitable for everyone.
By Water
Sailors and boaters can arrive at Blue Peter directly via HSK’s guest marina. This is one of the restaurant’s distinctive features: the ability to arrive from the sea makes for a genuinely maritime experience.
Reserve a Table or Enquire About a Private Event
Blue Peter warmly welcomes guests throughout the year. The summer season is the busiest, so booking a table in advance is recommended, particularly at weekends and on public holidays. In winter, the restaurant offers a quieter but equally high-quality setting in which to enjoy the maritime atmosphere.
For private events, Blue Peter provides a tailored service: the size of the space, the menu, and the schedule can all be adapted to suit the nature of the occasion. Whether it is an intimate family celebration or a larger corporate event, the restaurant’s team will help plan everything from start to finish.
Restaurant Blue Peter is more than just a place to eat, it is part of Helsinki’s maritime identity and sailing culture, which has developed over decades. There is much to do in Helsinki by the water, but a maritime meal at HSK’s harbour in Lauttasaari is an experience that stays with you.
Reserve a table at Blue Peter and experience the unique maritime atmosphere in Lauttasaari.