Off the ship: Sights near Olympia Terminal and Hernesaari cruise harbour
Looking for things to do while you are in Helsinki during your cruise stop? The areas around the Olympia Terminal and Hernesaari cruise harbour offer an ideal way to explore the city in just a few hours.
With 2–3 hours to spare, you can enjoy scenic coastal views, discover Finnish design, taste local food and drink, and learn more about Helsinki’s history. All of this can be explored in just a few hours from your cruise terminal.
Hernesaari district, Helsinki’s international cruise hub
If you arrive in Helsinki by cruise, your ship will most likely dock at the Port of Helsinki’s Hernesaari cruise harbour.
Hernesaari is a former industrial area, and its industrial character is still visible today. On the northern side, you can spot buildings such as the State Grain Storage, the Henry Ford House, and the Munkkisaari Industrial House.
Today, Hernesaari is planned to become a new residential district for approximately 7,500 residents, while continuing to serve as an important gateway for international cruise passengers.
An art-filled walk towards the city centre
Hernesaari is just a stone’s throw away from Helsinki’s city centre. As you walk towards the city, you will pass the Helsinki 24h Art Wall, a one-kilometre-long outdoor gallery created in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and Aalto University.
The wall features 24 illustrations, each representing one hour of the day in Helsinki, created by graphic design students Armi Teva and Miia Puustinen.
Shortly after, you will reach Löyly Helsinki, a popular seaside sauna and restaurant with a unique wooden structure, enjoyed by both locals and visitors. Due to its popularity, you need to book your sauna sessions in advance.
In Finland, the word löyly (read: LHOW-lu) refers to the steam created when water is thrown onto hot sauna stones – an essential part of Finnish sauna culture. Saunas have long been an important part of everyday life in Finland, used for hygienic purposes and relaxation throughout the year.
The hissing and trickling sound that rises when one throws water onto the stove’s hot rocks makes it a distinct part of the Finnish sauna experience, when in many countries outside of Finland, throwing löyly into the stove is prohibited.
Enjoy soothing löyly at Hernesaari Harbour’s container sauna on berth LHD. Just steps from your ship, a traditional Finnish sauna experience invites you to unwind before your next journey.
Check which berth your cruise ship is docking at here.
Photo: Helsinki Partners
Continuing your walk, you may spot locals playing padel by the sea and enjoying refreshments at Café Birgitta. where locals enjoy the summer breeze with a drink by the sea. After walking for 20 minutes, you will arrive in Eira, one of Helsinki’s most elegant residential districts. Its winding streets give the district a distinctive character, inviting you to admire the decorative ornaments within Art Nouveau architecture.
Eira, the villa district
Eira is an upscale neighbourhood built in the early 1900s, known for its decorative, villa-like homes designed by renowned architects of the time. It remains one of the most expensive residential districts in Helsinki when measuring its property value per square metre.
Many of the buildings also reflect influences from Finland’s medieval castles, with distinctive roofs and the use of natural materials such as granite and rough stone.
The area takes its name from Eira Hospital, established in 1905 and named after the Scandinavian goddess of healing, Eir. Its homelike design contrasts with the colder appearance of many modern hospitals. The hospital was designed by architect Lars Sonck, whose work can be seen in several notable buildings across Finland.
From the Olympia Terminal
If you are arriving via the Port of Helsinki’s Olympia Terminal, Eira is easy to reach. You can take Tram 3 to the Eiran Sairaala stop or simply walk. Reaching Eira takes less than 15 minutes on foot.
Nearby, you will also find Mikael Agricola Church, another landmark designed by Lars Sonck. Its tower rises 103 metres above sea level and is visible from the surrounding districts.
The church is named after Mikael Agricola, known as the father of written Finnish. In 1543, he translated parts of the Bible into Finnish, helping establish the language in written form. Before that, Finnish was only used as a spoken language. During the period when Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden, Swedish was the language of administration, while Latin and German were also used in education and trade.
Huvilakatu, Helsinki’s most colourful street
Huvilakatu, meaning “Street of Villas”, is one of Helsinki’s most picturesque streets. Here, you will find colorful Art Nouveau houses, each with its own unique design while still forming a harmonious whole.
Unlike the more uniform city blocks elsewhere in Helsinki, this street has a more intimate and distinctive character. The area feels like an idyllic place to live by the sea. It has also been used as a filming location for the popular Finnish soap opera Salatut Elämät.
Local cafés, design, and atmosphere
After exploring Eira and Huvilakatu, head north towards Viiskulma, a lively area where five streets meet. The name itself means “five corners”.
Here you will find a great selection of relaxed cafés, restaurants, and bars popular with locals – an ideal spot to take a break and enjoy Helsinki’s atmosphere.
If you are interested in Finnish design and architecture, the Architecture and Design Museum is also nearby. You can also visit local design shops to pick up unique Finnish souvenirs. Take a look through the shop windows and discover the modern simplicity of Finnish design.
Explore Helsinki in just a few hours
With just 2–3 hours to spare, you can explore some of Helsinki’s most beautiful neighbourhoods right near the port. From seaside saunas and vibrant art, to historic architecture and local cafés, this route offers a perfect introduction to the city – all within easy reach of your cruise terminal.
Text: Nadira Kusaeni
Photos: Nadira Kusaeni