Blue-green algae-free swimming spots in Helsinki and surrounding areas

Published 14.7.2018, article updated with summer 2025 information on 14.6.2025.

Large blue-green algae blooms covered the Gulf of Finland in July-August 2018, and Helsinki's swimming beaches were mostly covered with toxic blue-green algae during July's heat waves, making swimming in the water not recommended. For this reason, Pienten Helsinki compiled a list of swimming spots where you can swim even in hot weather without worrying about blue-green algae.

Monitoring blue-green algae conditions

The algae conditions at swimming beaches in Helsinki and the metropolitan area can be found at Ulkoliikuntapalvelu, where, for example, the city's beach lifeguards report visual observations.

The algae conditions in lakes and sea areas are monitored by authorities through the Lake and Sea Wiki service.

The ELY Center's www.vesi.fi website map service also has information about blue-green algae bloom movements and user observations.

You can monitor the water quality of swimming areas in Sipoo, Porvoo, and Loviisa here.

Up-to-date algae observations from visitors are updated to many local Facebook groups:
- Helsinki swimming beaches blue-green algae situation / Helsinki blue-green algae watch
- Espoo swimming beaches blue-green algae situation
- Raasepori and Hanko swimming beaches blue-green algae situation

NOTE! The blue-green algae condition at a swimming spot must ALWAYS be checked visually before swimming, as the algae situation can change very quickly.

Blue-green algae-free swimming spots

Update summer 2025: A small amount of blue-green algae was observed at Palettilamma in July 2025, even though it was previously thought this wouldn't be possible.
Kuninkaalantammi's Palettilamma water comes from Päijänne, so there's no risk of blue-green algae here.
Attention drivers! A parking zone restriction is in effect in the area, so you can only park in officially marked P parking spaces. Parking spaces near the lake are very limited.

Paddling pools in playgrounds are back in use in open playgrounds.

Pirkkola Plot is a sandy-bottomed swimming spot for children, maximum depth of about one meter. The Plot's water is chlorinated. Note: The Plot's bottom is rough gravel, so it's advisable to pack swimming shoes!
Free entry.

Kauniainen: Kauniainen swimming hall's outdoor paddling pool is open during the swimming hall's hours. When the swimming hall is closed, the outdoor area is open in July 1.7.-31.7. daily 10-19. Free entry.

Espoo: Tapiola paddling pool is out of service for at least summer seasons 2025-2026 due to construction work of the adjacent swimming hall.

At the Swimming Stadium's outdoor swimming pool there is also a separate pool for children and a paddling pool for the smallest. Entrance fee.
You can check the real-time visitor count at the Swimming Stadium through this link.
During the summer 2025 season, Helsinki residents aged 7-19 can enter outdoor swimming pools for free with a youth services membership card.

At Kumpula outdoor swimming poola there is a shallow paddling pool for the very smallest, a children's pool and a playground. Entrance fee.
You can check the real-time visitor count at Kumpula outdoor swimming pool through this link.
During the summer 2025 season, Helsinki residents aged 7-19 can enter outdoor swimming pools for free with a youth services membership card.

Allas Sea Pool by the Market Square has its own 60 cm deep pool for children. Entrance fee.

Leppävaara outdoor swimming pool in Espoo is a popular swimming spot for children. Entrance fee.

Outdoor swimming pools can also be found in the Helsinki area, for example from Kerava (Kerava outdoor swimming pool is under renovation), Riihimäki, Askola and Hyvinkää's Sveitsi.

Swimming halls open in July:
Sports halls' swimming pools in Malmi, Vuosaari (partially) and Töölö. It's worth checking the halls' websites for more detailed opening hours.

In Espoo for example many lakes and ponds in Nuuksio remain suitable for swimming throughout the summer.

At Sipoo's Pilvijärvi and Taasjärvi the water often stays free of algae.
Hasselholm beach in Porvoo on the lakeside is child-friendly. Hasselholm also has changing rooms, a playground, and three outdoor barbecue spots (you need to bring your own wood/charcoal). Kokonniemi outdoor swimming pool in Porvoo is a sandy-bottomed swimming spot.

Sääksijärvi located at Numijärvi is known for its turquoise water and beautiful long beach.

More swimming spot tips can be found on Pienten Suomi's travel map!

At sand pit swimming spots the water is often cooler and blue-green algae doesn't form as easily. Since sand pits are usually not official swimming spots, water quality is generally not monitored and there is no lifeguard presence on the beaches, for example. Sand pit swimming spots include Vetokannas in Vantaa, Häklin sand pit in Tuusula, Vessöön sand pit in Porvoo and Störsvik sand pit in Siuntio.

Strömforsin mill area in Ruotsinpyhtää has a small swimming spot on the banks of the Kymi River. The river has a slight current, so the small children's swimming area is cordoned off with booms. About an hour's drive from Helsinki, the mill is a nice day trip destination with children and the area has plenty to see and do. In addition to swimming, it's worth visiting the workshop museum.
Read more: Day trip to eastern Uusimaa

Strömforsin swimming spot in Ruotsinpyhtää on the banks of the Kymi River.

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