East of Helsinki’s city center is the island of Seurasaari, linked with the mainland by a footbridge. Here, you’ll find the excellent Seurasaari Open-Air Museum with its many old houses, farmsteads, a manor house, a church from Kiruna that dates back to 1686, and other timber buildings that have been brought here from all parts of Finland.
This is the place to learn how Finns lived long ago, before the modern era. Nearby, at Meilahti 7, is an old timber house now occupied by the Friends of Finnish Handicrafts, with an exhibition of rye carpets and other traditional textiles. Visitors can watch the weavers at work, and the on-site shop sells examples of their handiwork.
Guided tours are available and afterward, stop at the attraction’s café and restaurant for a bite to eat. The island is also home to a popular public beach, so bring your swimsuit!
