This year, a record amount of snow fell in Helsinki, which covered our country with a thick layer of snow. The sunny skies, fresh weather and bright snowy landscapes will cheer everyone up after last year’s gloomy period. This combination has mobilized the townspeople on a contract. Vigorous outdoor activities refresh the mind and help the body relax and cope better.
Helsinki is full of opportunities also in winter. In this article, we have compiled the best sledding hills, ski trails and skating rinks in Stad that are worth visiting if you are heading out to the mercy of winter weather.
Paloheinä sledding hill offers a variety of activities throughout the year
Paloheinä sledding hill in northern Helsinki offers good outdoor activities for hikers all year round. In winter, the equipment rental shop offers ski equipment for the trails maintained by the Sports Agency, as well as snowshoes for long hiking trails. There are short and longer cross-country ski trails in Paloheinä.
Sledding is also popular in Paloheinä. For many Helsinki residents, Paloheinä may be the first hill that comes to mind when talking about sledding in the Helsinki metropolitan area. There is an extensive toboggan run in Paloheinä, which is lit in the dark and monitored during the day. If you can’t find a sledge behind you, you can also rent it from an equipment rental company. In the Paloheinä outdoor area you will find an atmospheric café where you can head out after a hard day to enjoy a warm and invigorating coffee.
The café is open on weekdays from 12:00 until 20:00 and on weekends from 10:00 until 18:00
In Paloheinä you can also enjoy various activities in summer, such as golf, rollerblading and hiking.
Kaivopuisto is the oldest and most famous park in Helsinki
Kaivopuisto in southern Helsinki is an area with good transport connections that entertains people with various activities all year round. There are cultural events, gigs and it is also known as a gathering place. The Ullanlinnanmäki slope in Kaivopuisto is one of Helsinki’s most popular toboggan runs. From its top there are magnificent views towards the Seaport. The Tähtitorninmäki toboggan run, located very close by, is also a place worth visiting. After the sledding, you can head to the nearby
Malminkartano sledging hill offers speed at heights
Those who are thirsty for a slightly wilder sledding hill should head to Malminkartano sledding hill, which is known to the people of Helsinki as Jättäri. It is one of Helsinki’s most famous sledding hills and the highest hill in Helsinki. Malminkartano toboggan run is also known for being able to see the entire Helsinki skyline with all its buildings and landmarks from the top. The hill is a favorite of true enthusiasts and locals all year round. The hill is so high that you don’t even have to head to the top to get a good pace.
In Tali, the skier’s dreams come true
One of the centers of Helsinki’s outdoor activities is the Tali region in western Helsinki. There are a total of 6.5 kilometers of pistes in the golf course area. Especially in the spring sun, you get to enjoy the vast landscape, making it an experience. Variation for skiing is brought to the top of Tali by rising trails, but most of the trail network runs on flat terrain. The stables are easily accessible either by public or private car.
Starting point:Talin Puistotie.
Pirkkola Sports Park offers a wide range of sports in winter
Pirkkola is located in the middle of Central Park and is the functional center of Central Park with its external routes, fields and buildings. It is a great place to go skiing as the starting point for cross-country skiing is in the middle of the central park. The 66-hectare forested area of the sports park offers 3 and 5.5 km of trails. When the snow situation allows, the connecting slopes from Pirkkola lead to Paloheina, Tali and the valley.
Starting points: Maunula hut Pirkkolan Metsätie 6 (Swimming pool yard).
Malmi Airport and Kivikko offers great oppurtunities for skiers
If you are interested in long ski trails, you should head to Malmi Airport. It is surrounded by a 5.7-kilometer-long trail. Kivikko, on the other hand, has a 3.57-kilometer loop. Both are skiable both free and traditional. If for some reason winter does the trick, then the ski season can be continued at Kivikko Ski Hall, which serves the people of Helsinki as a snow-sure destination.
Departure point: Tattariharjunkuja (Malmi Airport) and Savikiekontie (Kivikko).
Brahe outdoor ice rink is perfect spot for winter sports
Brahenkenttä is a sports field open to everyone in Alppiharju. In winter, the field stays on ice with the help of freezing pipes, regardless of the weather. In public skating, one side of the field is for skaters and the other is with the racket for players. There is also a café on the edge of the field where you can get a hot drink. If you need to sharpen your skates or rent skates, rackets and helmets, then it will also be possible within the opening hours of the café. In addition to the café, there is also a vending machine for drinks, snacks and coffee, which are open according to the opening hours of the field.
Brahenk Field address: Helsinginkatu 25 a
Opening hours: from this link
Oulunkylä Sports Park artificial ice rink is fun place to enjoy skating
If your direction is Oulunkylä, then you should definitely visit its sports park. There is an artificial ice rink where the fun can be unleashed. Oulunkylä Sports Park is located in the area where Finland’s first racetrack was opened in 1884. In addition to ice skating, you can also sharpen your skates and enjoy fresh coffee in the sports park.
Address of Oulunkylä Sports Park: Käskynhaltijantie 11
Opening hours: from this link
Käpylä Sports Park has an artificial ice rink in winter
If you want to skate a little closer to the center, you should head to Käpylä. Käpylä Sports Park has an artificial ice rink and a hockey rink in winter. There are skating gigs for beginners and children to help them stay up and progress. Not when you skate along and enjoy the winter food in the heart of Helsinki
Käpylä Sports Park address: Mäkelänkatu 70
Opening hours: from this link
