WATERFRONT · CITY · SCENIC
Helsinki
Grand Tour
- Distance
- 19.8 km
- Time
- 1 h 45 – 2 h 15
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Terrain
- Mostly flat
- Surface
- Paved & gravel
The long run that shows you the whole city: every shoreline, from Katajanokka to Meilahti and back.
This is the route for a long Sunday run or a half-marathon rehearsal. It traces almost the entire shoreline of the Helsinki peninsula, which is why so many local race courses look similar.
Starting at Market Square you loop Katajanokka, return along the harbour to Kaivopuisto and follow the southern shore through Eira and Hernesaari. From Hietalahti and Ruoholahti the route turns north along the western shore to Hietaniemi and Sibelius park, rounds Meilahti and comes back past the Olympic Stadium, Töölönlahti and Hakaniemi.
Add a lap of Töölönlahti at the end to reach a full half marathon (21.1 km).
Highlights
- Katajanokka
- Kaivopuisto and Eira
- Hietaniemi and Sibelius park
- Olympic Stadium
- Töölönlahti
Practical notes
- Plan water: kiosks and cafés are open along the shore in summer, fewer in winter.
- Several city crossings; allow for stops.
- Add the Töölönlahti loop for 21.1 km.
Getting to the start
Trams 2 and 3 stop at Kauppatori. 10 minutes on foot from Helsinki Central Station.