Founded in 1889, Helsinki Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It is located on the largely unspoilt island of Korkeasaari near the centre of the Finnish capital and is open all year round. Covering an area of 22 hectares, it is home to around 150 animal species, both native and exotic, as well as almost 1000 different plant species.
Offer of the zoo
Species conservation and biodiversity are important to the operators of Helsinki Zoo. On the one hand, the zoo specialises in animal species that are native to the northern latitudes of the earth and therefore feel at home in the outdoor enclosures all year round. For example, wolverines, Siberian tigers, snow leopards, moose, bison and a reindeer species found exclusively in Finland and part of Russia can be found here. There are also two tropical houses. These are home to, for example, the endangered Bali mynahs, dwarf mongooses, dwarf marmosets, agoutis and a two-fingered sloth.
In addition, there are of course restaurants, barbecue areas, souvenir shops, playgrounds and other leisure facilities.
Location
Helsinki Zoo is special because of its location on the island: Korkeasaari is connected to its neighbouring islands Mustikkamaa and Kulosaari - and thus also to the mainland - via bridges. But despite its proximity to the centre of the Finnish metropolis, the area is very scenic. Forest and attractive rock formations - the so-called round humps - dominate the picture.
The name Korkeasaari translates as "high island". Knowing this is especially important for visitors with limited mobility. Although many parts of the island are at ground level, there are some steep inclines and declines.
How do I get to Helsinki Zoo?
Bus 16 runs from the Central Station three times an hour all year round, except on Christmas Eve. The bus starts at platform 17 of the Rautatientori bus station, just outside the Central Station. Other stops along the route are in the districts of Kruununhaka, Kallio and Kulosaari. The 20-minute journey from the main station ends in the Mustikkamaa recreation area at Korkeasaari station, where the main entrance to the zoo is located.
Visitors can also reach the zoo by car. However, parking spaces are limited at a distance of about 400 metres, so it is recommended to travel by public transport. Those travelling by metro can reach the main entrance of the zoo by walking for about a quarter of an hour from Kalasatama station. Bicyclists will find parking spaces right at the main entrance.
A particularly nice way to get to the island is in the summer: From May to September, a ferry takes visitors directly to Korkesaari in about a 20-minute crossing from Kauppatori marketplace. Depending on the time of day, there are one to three trips per hour. From June to August, there is also an hourly ferry from Hakaniemi.
