WATERFRONT · SCENIC
South Helsinki
Shoreline
- Distance
- 9.5 km
- Time
- 50 min – 1 h 05
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Terrain
- Mostly flat
- Surface
- Paved & gravel
Ten kilometres of sea: Kaivopuisto, Eira, Hernesaari and Hietalahti, then back through the city.
The southern shoreline is Helsinki's signature running route, and this is the longer version. From Market Square you follow the harbour to Kaivopuisto, then keep the sea on your left along Merisatama and the elegant Jugend villas of Eira.
The route continues out to the Hernesaari peninsula and its new waterfront, then turns north to the Hietalahti shipyard and flea market and along the Ruoholahti canal before returning through Punavuori and the Esplanadi.
A flat, varied and very Helsinki 10K. It is the route we recommend most often to visitors.
Highlights
- Kaivopuisto shore
- Eira Jugend villas
- Hernesaari peninsula
- Hietalahti shipyard
Practical notes
- Sea wind can be strong: run into it first so it pushes you home.
- Some construction around Hernesaari may cause short detours.
- Several waterside cafés on the way for a coffee after.
Getting to the start
Trams 2 and 3 stop at Kauppatori. 10 minutes on foot from Helsinki Central Station.