Korkeasaari

Island Helsinki island housing the city's zoological park

An island zoo in Helsinki reachable by ferry; Korkeasaari combines animal enclosures, conservation programs and shoreline paths, popular with families, photographers and anyone wanting urban wildlife without leaving the city.

Korkeasaari is an island in Helsinki’s archipelago in Uusimaa that is home to Helsinki Zoo, the city’s zoological park. The zoo has operated since the late 19th century and occupies most of the island’s area.

The island/zoo presents animal enclosures, themed exhibits and visitor facilities set among wooded paths and shoreline views. The site is used for conservation, public education and urban recreation, drawing local and international visitors.

Helsinki Zoo was established in 1889 and has developed its exhibits and visitor infrastructure over many decades to focus on breeding and conservation programs as well as public display. The island setting has influenced exhibit design and access arrangements, including ferry links.

Korkeasaari lies a short distance off Helsinki’s city center in the Gulf of Finland and is connected by seasonal ferry services from the mainland. The island is within Helsinki municipality and is a prominent green and cultural space close to the city.

Founding year: Helsinki Zoo was established in 1889, making it one of the oldest zoos in Finland and a long-standing urban institution.
Access: Located within walking distance of Helsinki city center and served by short ferry crossings in the warmer months, making it easily reachable for day visits.

What to See #

Korkeasaari Island: Island location in central Helsinki that hosts Helsinki Zoo, with shorelines and footpaths linking to the city in summer by ferry and by bridge in certain seasons.

How to Get to Korkeasaari #

Korkeasaari (Helsinki Zoo) sits on an island just off central Helsinki and is reachable year‑round by bus and in summer by ferry. From Helsinki Central Railway Station (Rautatientori) take Helsinki Regional Transport bus 16 to the Korkeasaari stop (the ride is only a few kilometres from the centre). In summer there is also a ferry service from Kauppatori (Market Square) to Korkeasaari; the ferry crossing is short and the zoo entrance is a 5-10 minute walk from the island ferry terminal.

Tips for Visiting Korkeasaari #

In summer take the early ferry from Market Square to Korkeasaari - the first crossings avoid late-morning cruise-ship and tourist-boat crowds and give you quieter viewing of the animals while they're most active.
If you can't make the ferry, use the tram/bus connections to the island outside high tourist season; weekdays and morning visits are noticeably less crowded than weekend afternoons.
Visit the northern viewpoints and the western shore of the island for quieter walks and better skyline views of Helsinki - many visitors stick close to the main enclosures and miss these photo-friendly vantage points.