Alright my friends, it’s time to wrap up my posts about Finland with the next installment of Running Around the World — this time featuring Helsinki!
Running in Helsinki
When I first discovered I’d be traveling to Finland, I immediately began researching running routes in both Jyväskylä and Helsinki. Lucky for me, both cities are extremely runner friendly! Since my 10K training plan called for a 6-mile run that weekend, I decided on a route that would take us from our centrally located apartment in Kampii, through the Hietaniemi Cemetery, up along Töölö Bay, through Sibelius Park, and then returning along the same route.
Enjoy
Running along this route was pretty awesome. We were right on the water the whole time and the views were very calming. It was also super easy to find our away around. The running trail itself was sometimes asphalt, sometimes a gravel path, and sometimes actual trail with dirt and tree roots and stones to watch out for! I really liked being able to mix it up and keep things interesting.
Keep in Mind
As I mentioned above, the first and last stretches of our route went through the well-known Hietaniemi cemetery. If this isn’t your thing, then you can run around the cemetery to get to the water. But Hietaniemi is actually quite large and very peaceful, so I’d recommend paying a visit!
Also, if you’re looking for a long run, it is actually possible to keep following the trail (instead of doing an out-and-back) to make a loop around the islands surrounding the bay — D did this during his 30-km run the next day. But be warned that he ended up running quite a bit on stretches of highway and it wasn’t quite as idyllic as our shorter 6-mile route.
Getting There
If you’re staying in the city’s center, then you’re just a few minutes’ run away from our starting point. Couldn’t be easier.
Other Helsinki Running Routes
There are so many great running opportunities in Helsinki that it was actually difficult to choose just one! One possibility involves running south along Helsinki’s waterfront, ending up at the Market Square, and then returning. Or there is a lovely lake in the middle of the city — Töölönlahti — that you can run around if you’re looking for a somewhat shorter run. In any case, you’ll certainly be able to find something that fits your needs!
Have you gone running in Helsinki? What is your favorite city to run in?
If you’re looking for more Running Around the World or Finland posts, then check these out: