Dog-Friendly Beaches near Helsinki

A small island 10 minutes from the city by ferry, Pihlajasaari is Helsinki's most beloved summer island escape. The island has designated dog-friendly beach sections and is one of the best places in the city to let your dog swim freely. The ferry from Merisatama runs regularly from June to August. The island has pine forest trails, rocky shores, and both sandy and rocky beach sections. Dogs on a leash in non-swimming areas; the dog-friendly beach sections are clearly marked.

Helsinki's most famous urban beach, a broad sandy stretch on the west side of the Töölö peninsula. The main swimming area is dog-restricted in summer, but a clearly designated section at the far (north) end of the beach is open to dogs. It is a longer sandy beach that dogs can enjoy even on busy summer days. The beach is easily reached on foot or by tram from the city centre and is a quintessential Helsinki summer experience.

The wooded island of Seurasaari has rocky and sandy beach sections along its southern shore that are open to dogs on a leash. The setting is completely different from the urban beaches — you are surrounded by forest and the sound of the sea, with views across the archipelago. After a walk through the open-air museum, a swim break for your dog on the island beach is a natural ending to the visit. The water is clean and the beaches are rarely crowded.