Another of our favourite Helsinki seaside walks is from the Sibelius Monument. Getting there by public transport is easy, we took the No.24 bus from outside the Sokos department store near Kamppi and rang the bell to alight as soon as we saw the Sibelius Monument on the left.
Sibelius Park is in the Töölö district of Helsinki and the monument (feature photo above) is by Finnish artist Eila Hiltunen. It consists of more than 600 hollow steel pipes welded together in a wave like pattern. I believe that the monument captures the spirit of the music of Sibelius, his well known pieces being Finlandia and the Karelia Suite, both of which I enjoy very much.
Located just behind the monument overlooking the sea is the delightful little cafe pictured above. Cafe Regatta has a large terrace with views across the bay and has even got a barbecue where one can cook sausages. As you can see from the photo, it’s extremely popular and there is nearly always a queue but the wait is worthwhile, believe me!
It was so lovely sitting there, enjoying our cups of coffee that it was difficult to make a move, but eventually we resumed our walk. There’s much to see along the shoreline here, a small marina and an attractive restaurant with waterfront terrace. We noticed another carpet washing pier, in Finnish ‘mattolaituri’ where a family was busy cleaning their rugs and would then be leaving them on the wooden props to dry in the warm sunshine.
Soon, we arrived at Hietaniemi Beach which is Helsinki’s largest with a sheltered bay and wide, sandy beach. There’s a large beach cafe/bar from where you can watch people playing beach volleyball, or like me you can be lazy and just sip a cool drink from the terrace.
It was nice to see so many people enjoying a day at the beach. I dipped my toes in the sea and the water felt lovely and warm. Just a pity I hadn’t brought my swimming gear along with me.
The beach path comes to an end here and it’s necessary to climb some steps onto the rocky outcrop above. From there, we continued around the bay passing the beautiful old Hietaniemi Cemetery on our left whilst out on the water we paused to watch some water ski-ing from a zip wire.
The path continues along the shore until finally turning inland towards Ruoholahti from where we were able to return back to our apartment by bus. Some barnacle geese were causing a little traffic jam to pedestrians and cyclists as they had decided to stand across the path, blocking the way.
We returned to Espoo after enjoying a lovely walk from Sibelius Park to Hietaniemi beach in warm sunshine.
If you have enjoyed reading this post you may also like:
Villa Elfvik and Laguuni Water Park, Espoo
Love Travelling Blog 
Love the people spaces along the waterfront. A good use of the area. Boutique cafes and such are wonderful finds. Have a great week Marion. Allan
LikeLike
The Helsinki waterfront is so lovely and not at all over touristy Allan
LikeLike
Lovely summer pics! Not quite as warm anymore …
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your positive thoughts. It’s getting colder in the UK too and I have had to get my warmer coat out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Dorottya!
LikeLike
Sippin’ a cool drink is just as good as joining a game of Volleyball! haha
LikeLiked by 2 people
Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog. It’s much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember going to the Sibelius Monument but it poured with rain the day we visited! Your weather was completely different and it’s so lovely to see the whole area in glorious sunshine.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So sorry to read that it rained when you visited Sibelius Park – generally the weather is very settled throughout July but, of course, it has to rain sometimes. Just noticed that it’s started to rain heavily here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How long did you stay in Finland? You seem to have done such a lot you can’t have only been there for 2 weeks
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was lucky enough to be there for a month! So much to see and do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My friends are leaving soon after living there (in Laauttasari) for 6 years
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure they will have enjoyed their stay. We have often walked around Lauttasaari so close to Helsinki but so peaceful.
LikeLike
You make this country look so beautiful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I don’t need to make Finland look beautiful – it already is! Thank you so much for your compliment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for expanding my view of Finland, its moving up on my list of places to visit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure you would enjoy it Terry. So much natural beauty combined with cosmopolitan towns and cities. Thank you for your comments, they are most welcome.
LikeLike
Another informative post with great photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, so pleased. You enjoyed it!
LikeLike
I love reading your posts, thank you for sharing this one, it brings back so many memories from last summer. My favourite pastime on Sundays is a long stroll along the seashores of Helsinki and stopping for a cup of tea in one of those cute cafes along the way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your kind words. Having so much coastline in both Helsinki and Espoo there are so many walks to choose from, and the cafes – well, we are truly spoilt for choice !
LikeLike
Oh yes, location by the sea is definitely one of the best things about Helsinki and Espoo!
LikeLike
lovely beach…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sudhir. I do believe that many of my readers have been pleasantly surprised to find that Finland is warm enough for sunbathing and dips in the sea during the summer months.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True….😄😄😄
LikeLike
Oh how I wish it was still summer! 😍 xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know, I’ve just been getting out my warmer coat! I think back to your photo of Cafe Regatta blanketed in snow – such a contrast but equally delightful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sue! Cafe Regatta is a real gem there with wonderful views.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, we were in Sibelius park in winter. The scultpures looked very nice then too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s good to read, they somehow take on a different perspective in winter, but equally stunning. Thank you for your comments, it’s much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most welcome and keep journeying
LikeLiked by 1 person