Vallisaari is a lovely, unspoilt island just off the coast of Helsinki. To experience the wild nature of Vallisaari, rent a Fatbike from Natura Viva.
Vallisaari is located just outside the city of Helsinki, next to Suomenlinna Castle. A large part of the beautiful Vallisaari is a nature reserve. Take a trip to Vallisaari and experience the most diverse natural environment in the Helsinki archipelago.
Vallisaari has been closed for a long time and has been allowed to develop into a wild and natural area. Vallisaari has the richest flora in the Helsinki archipelago and a wide variety of species thrive in the island's lush nature.
Vallisaari's more than half a hectare of protected tar-plank pine forest and the island's many meadows and woodlands, which are dominated by untamed nature, attract nature-loving visitors to Vallisaari. Vallisaari is easily accessible by ferry from Helsinki's Kauppatori.
Alexander's tour of Vallisaari
You can spend a lovely summer's day in Vallisaari walking along the marked route of the Alexander's Tour. Surrounded by unique island nature, it's nice to catch your breath and let the clean sea air refresh your mind and body. Along the approximately three kilometres of the Alexander Loop, the island traveller is surrounded by stunning seascapes from all directions.
On the island of Vallisaari, man and wild nature co-exist in harmony. The largely protected and fragile nature of this popular destination is particularly well cared for. Visitors are advised to stick to the marked paths so that the island's nature can be left in peace.
You can also admire the natural landscapes of the Alexander's Circuit from the saddle of a bicycle. At Natura Viva's outdoor equipment rental centre, the Vallisaari Harbour House, you can hire fatbikes and explore the island's natural sites in the comfort of rolling along sandy paths.
Vallisaari ponds
Vallisaari was called Pond Island in the Middle Ages. Sailors who needed clean water for their voyages used to fetch fresh water from the clear-water ponds of Vallisaari.
The magnificent natural ponds of Vallisaari still delight visitors to the island today. Why not stop for a picnic lunch at the Vallisaari Pond picnic site? The wild and green edges of the pond create a fabulous setting for picnics.
Vallisaari butterfly meadows
In Vallisaari's natural summer meadows, colourful flowers bloom, crickets chirp and butterflies flutter. Along the Alexander's Tour of Vallisaari, stop at the Picnic Meadow for a picnic lunch. While enjoying a cup of coffee, admire the cat's bells that grow in patches in the meadow and the ketonic lilies that have taken over the scorching summer meadows.
The meadows of Vallisaari are home to several butterfly species that are rare in Finland. Vallisaari is home to 1000 butterfly species, of which more than 100 are endangered. Butterflies thrive particularly well in the warm, central European conditions of Vallisaari meadows.
Bats of Vallisaari
In the lush meadows and ponds of Vallisaari, bats can be seen after dark, flying around in search of insects. The peaceful and wild Vallisaari is known as the home of the protected bats.
The island's forts, old buildings and caves near Vallisaari pond are home to ground bats, mustached bats, water bats, earwigs and little bats. At sunset, the bats that come out of their burrows to hunt are the crowning glory of the magical atmosphere of early summer evenings.
Limes of Vallisaari
Walking along Vallisaari's lush linden lane makes you feel small. The tall, towering linden trees have spread their lush, verdant branches over the wide alley. The tunnel-like linden grove fascinates and amazes hikers. Vallisaari's linden grove is a unique natural site, the like of which cannot be found anywhere else in Finland.
There are rumours of strange happenings at the Lehmuskuja. The fateful end of the fierce ghost of the Headless Colonel in the Vallisaari tales is said to have taken place in the vicinity of Lehmuskuja. Despite the wild tales, Vallisaari's Lehmuskuori is soothing to walk under the towering canopy of linden trees.
By raft, boat or kayak to Vallisaari
Vallisaari's natural wonders are easy to reach by water bus from Helsinki's Kauppatori. You can take your own boat to the Vallisaari marina and pull your kayak ashore, for example next to the harbour café.
Relax and unwind in Vallisaari's natural surroundings. Enjoy the sea air and the authentic island atmosphere of the unspoilt Vallisaari.
