If you’re planning a family trip to Helsinki, Korkeasaari Zoo—perched on its own island just off the city’s coast—is a destination you won’t want to miss. With over 150 animal species, immersive exhibits, and stunning sea views, it’s a full-day adventure that blends education, entertainment, and nature in one unforgettable package.
🧭 Getting from the City Center to Korkeasaari Helsinki
Korkeasaari is surprisingly easy to reach from downtown Helsinki:
- By Bus: Hop on Bus 16 from Rautatientori (Central Railway Square). It runs frequently and drops you off right at the zoo entrance in about 20 minutes.
- By Metro: Take the metro to Kalasatama Station, then enjoy a scenic 15-minute walk across the Isoisänsilta (Grandfather’s) bridge to the zoo.
- By Ferry: In summer (June–August), you can take a ferry from Kauppatori (Market Square). It’s a charming 15-minute ride through Helsinki’s archipelago. Note: ferry tickets are separate from zoo admission, but worth it. Took the ferry several times when I was a kid, and it was a great experience. Check the timetables here.
🕒 Korkeasaari Zoo Opening Hours (2025)
Month | Mon–Sun | Exceptions / Special Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
January | 10 AM–4 PM | – | |
February | 10 AM–4 PM | Winter holiday: 10:00–18:00 | |
March | 10 AM–4 PM | – | |
April | 10 AM–4 PM | Easter: 10:00–18:00 | |
May | 10 AM–6 PM | – | |
June | 10 AM–8 PM | Midsummer’s Eve: 10:00–17:00 | |
July | 10 AM–8 PM | – | |
August | 10 AM–8 PM | – | |
September | 10 AM–6 PM | “Night of the Cats” (special evening hours) | |
October | 10 AM–4 PM | Autumn holiday: 10:00–18:00 | |
November | 10 AM–4 PM | – | |
December | 10 AM–4 PM | Christmas Eve: 10:00–14:00 |
🖼️ What to Do at Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo
This isn’t just a walk-through zoo—it’s a full-on experience for all ages:
- Animal Encounters: Watch daily feedings of bears, camels, takins, and more. Kids love the up-close views and fun facts from zookeepers.
- “Suurenmoiset ötökät” Exhibit: A seasonal favorite where kids can explore the world of bugs through interactive displays and guided tours.
- Wildlife Hospital: The Wildlife Hospital is the largest hospital for injured and orphaned wild animals in Finland. Although it is not open for visits, your visit to the Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo helps the important work of the Wildlife Hospital.
- Playgrounds & Picnic Spots: Let the little ones burn off energy at themed play areas while you relax with a snack and sea breeze.
- Evening Walks: On select summer nights, the zoo stays open until 10 PM—perfect for a golden-hour stroll among the big cats.
- Guided tours: Korkeasaari also offers themed guided tours that reveal the zoo’s hidden stories—from native Finnish wildlife to tropical habitats. They’re great for curious minds and cost €150 per group, plus entry tickets. Tours are available in Finnish and English. Book a tour here.
- Restaurants: Enjoy the service and food at several restaurants, cafes, or simply get some healthy, freshly made juice.
- Restaurant Pukki (open 10am-4pm). Last orders are to be made 1 hour before closing time.
- Restaurant Karhu (open 11am-8pm). Last orders are to be made 1 hour before closing time.
- Bistro Bon (open 10am-8pm)
- Jungle Juice Bar (open 10.15am-7.30pm)
- Download a map of Korkeasaari here. You can also get a map from the ticket office.
🐾 Animals at Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo
At Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo, you can see 150 different species, and below are some of them:
Amur tiger, snow leopard, Przewalski’s horse, Barbary macaque, snowy owl, bearded vulture, European otter, musk ox, Pallas’s cat, forest reindeer, goitered gazelle, markhor, Persian sheep, village weaver, dwarf mongoose, blue-capped cordon-bleu, ruff, peafowl, brown bear, lynx, wolverine, red panda, golden lion tamarin, boa constrictor, poison dart frog, Madagascar hissing cockroach.
This list includes both native and exotic species, from Arctic dwellers to tropical house residents.
⏳ How Much Time to Spend at Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo
Plan to spend at least 4–5 hours at Korkeasaari, and if you’re a couple, it might be 1-2 hours less. If you’re visiting with young kids or want to catch multiple feedings and shows, a full day is ideal. There are cafés and picnic areas, so you can easily make a day of it without leaving the island. Also, there are a few playgrounds for children to burn off their energy. Once you have this on your itinerary, you might want to check this post on midsummer in Finland and local travel tips.
🎟️ Ticket Prices (2.6.–31.8.2025)
Ticket Type | Day Ticket | Evening Ticket | Advance Ticket (online) | Gift Ticket | Annual Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adult | €29 | €19 | €26 | €29 | €65 |
Child (0–3 years) | – | – | – | – | – |
Child (4–17 years) | €20 | €13 | €18 | €20 | €30 |
Student / Senior | €22 | €15 | €20 | – | €40 |
Small Group 3 kids) | €102 | €68 | €92 | – | – |
🕒 Evening tickets are valid from 3 PM onward, offering a great option for late-day visits.
Children under 4 enter free. You can also buy advance tickets online for a small discount. Buy tickets online on Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo’s official website. Annual passes may give you discounts at the Zoo shop.
🎟️ Ticket Prices (1.9.–31.12.2025)
Ticket Type | Day Ticket | Advance Ticket (online) | Gift Ticket | Annual Pass | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adult | €24 | €22 | €29 | €65 | |
Child (0–3 years) | – | – | – | – | |
Child (4–17 years) | €17 | €15 | €20 | €30 | |
Student / Senior | €19 | €17 | – | €40 | |
Small Group 3 kids) | €86 | €78 | – | – |
🕒 Evening tickets are not sold during this time.
Children under 4 enter free. You can also buy advance tickets online for a small discount. Buy tickets online on Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo’s official website. Annual passes may give you discounts at the Zoo shop.
🧡 Why Families Love It
Korkeasaari isn’t just about animals—it’s about connection. Kids leave with a deeper appreciation for wildlife, and parents get to enjoy a peaceful, car-free island with panoramic views of the Baltic Sea. Plus, every visit supports global conservation efforts.
📖 Ending words
If you’re planning a trip to Helsinki, Korkeasaari deserves a spot on your itinerary—not just for the wildlife, but for the unique island setting, eco-conscious values, and the seamless experience from city to coast.
Special tip for anyone who has read so far. There are certain days when the entry to the Zoo is free, and it is usually during the off-season, every month’s first Monday. Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo is free in 2025 on these Mondays:
January: 13.1.2025
February: 3.2.2025
March: 3.3.2025
October: 6.10.2025
November: 3.11.2025
December: 1.12.2025
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📍Also, get to know more about Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo here.
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This post has been enhanced using AI for text improvement.