Helsinki

A 10 km green corridor of pine forest, bogs and lakes stretching from the city centre to the northern suburbs. Several sections, notably near Pirkkola, allow dogs off-leash in fenced zones, and winter trails double as ski paths with parallel dog-walking lanes.

A UNESCO-listed 18th-century fortress spread across six islands, reached by a 15-minute ferry from Market Square. Dogs ride the HSL ferry free with a leashed owner and can roam the ramparts, cannon batteries and rocky shores except inside the museums.

Helsinki's oldest park, a 19th-century spa garden on the southern tip of the peninsula with sweeping Baltic views. The rocky Ullanlinna shoreline below has a dedicated dog swimming spot and is the classic Sunday stroll for Helsinki's dachshunds and huskies.

On the island of Mustikkamaa, a short bridge walk from Kalasatama metro, lies one of the city's two official dog beaches. Sandy shallows, shaded pines and a fenced off-leash meadow make it the summer favourite of locals.

Some 200 shops, studios and galleries cluster around Fredrikinkatu and Uudenmaankatu. Most Finnish boutiques allow leashed dogs inside, and cafés like Johan & Nyström and Fazer Café keep water bowls by the door.

Engel's neoclassical ensemble of 1852 is the postcard image of Helsinki: white cathedral, granite steps and cobbled square. Dogs are welcome on the square and steps outside the cathedral, though not inside the church itself.