Location
Finland
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Rock
Best season
June to August
About Pihlajasaaren Naturistiranta
Pihlajasaari is a pair of small islands joined by a bridge, a short boat ride off southern Helsinki. It is one of the city's most popular summer recreation areas and has no permanent residents. The main public beach is on the western island. The naturist beach is on Eastern Pihlajasaari: a designated unisex area kept apart from the rest of the shore. That makes it one of very few mixed-gender nude beaches in Finland; Seurasaari's nude bathing areas are separated by gender. The naturist shore is mostly rock rather than sand, so it suits sunbathing better than swimming, though people do swim off the rocks. The islands themselves mix rocks, woodland, groves and old villa gardens, and a marked nature trail of about 2-3 km crosses both. Helsinki's city tourism site, MyHelsinki, confirms the naturist beach. On hot days the ferries and the main beach get busy, but the naturist area, a walk across the bridge, is usually calmer.
Getting there
JT-Line waterbuses run in summer from Merisatamanranta (Kaivopuisto) and from Ruoholahti in central Helsinki. The crossing takes about 10 minutes, and boats can be crowded on warm days. Check JT-Line for the timetable and fares. You can reach both piers by tram or bus, and there is no car access to the island. From the main pier, cross the bridge to Eastern Pihlajasaari and follow the paths to the separated naturist shore, a walk of several minutes over uneven, rocky ground. Private boats can use the visitors' marina.
Amenities
Legal context
The City of Helsinki has designated a unisex naturist area on Eastern Pihlajasaari, separated from the textile shore, and the city's MyHelsinki site lists it. Nudity is expected only within that area. No conflicts were reported as of 2026.
Naturism at Pihlajasaaren Naturistiranta sits under Finland's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Finland public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 60.1384, 24.9212
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Finland
Frequently asked questions
Is Pihlajasaari's naturist beach official?
Yes. Helsinki designates a unisex naturist area on Eastern Pihlajasaari, separated from the regular beaches, and the city's tourism site lists it.
How do I get there?
Take a JT-Line summer waterbus from Merisatamanranta (Kaivopuisto) or Ruoholahti, about 10 minutes, then cross the bridge to the eastern island.
Is it sandy?
The naturist area is mostly rock. The sandy beaches are on the western island and are textile.
Is there food on the island?
Yes. There is a restaurant in an old villa near the main pier, plus a café and a kiosk.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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