Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Vallisaari, IISI, and your island summer.
How do I get to Vallisaari from Helsinki?
Take the HSL waterbus from Kauppatori (Market Square) in central Helsinki. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes and a round-trip ticket costs EUR 10.90 for adults (2026 prices). Children under 7 travel free. HSL travel cards are accepted. Ferries run during the summer season from May to September.
How much does the ferry to Vallisaari cost?
The HSL waterbus from Kauppatori to Vallisaari costs EUR 10.90 round-trip for adults (2026 prices). Children under 7 travel free. HSL travel cards are also accepted.
How long is the ferry ride to Vallisaari?
The ferry ride from Kauppatori to Vallisaari takes approximately 20 minutes. Ferries depart regularly during the summer season from May to September.
Can I visit Vallisaari and Suomenlinna on the same day?
Yes! Both islands are accessible by ferry from Market Square. Many visitors spend the morning at Suomenlinna and take the afternoon ferry to Vallisaari for wine tasting and dinner at IISI. The islands are about 1 km apart.
What restaurants are on Vallisaari?
IISI Vallisaari operates two restaurants on the island: Cafe IISI (coffee, pastries, light lunch, 100 meters from the ferry dock) and IISI Bistro (famous salmon soup, salads, and wine at Torpedolahti harbour). Both have large sea-view terraces.
Is there a wine bar on Vallisaari?
Yes, IISI Vallisaari is Helsinki's only island wine bar. Wine tastings, wines by the glass, and curated wine events every weekend throughout summer. The wine list features wines from Italy, Spain, France, and beyond.
Where can I do a wine tasting in Helsinki?
IISI Vallisaari on Vallisaari island hosts guided wine tastings every Friday and Saturday during summer (May–September). Tastings include 6 wines with sommelier guidance. EUR 45–89 per person. Tickets at iisivallisaari.fi/en/events.
What events does IISI host in summer?
IISI hosts over 40 events per summer season: wine tastings (Italy, Spain, France), wine dating, DJ sunset sessions, morning yoga, long-table dinners with wine pairings, and special events. Full calendar at iisivallisaari.fi/en/events.
Do I need to book event tickets in advance?
Yes, most events have limited capacity and sell out. Buy tickets at iisivallisaari.fi/en/events. Cafe IISI and IISI Bistro are open without reservations — just walk in.
What is wine dating at IISI?
Wine dating is a social event where singles meet over curated wine tastings on Vallisaari island. Guided by a sommelier, you taste wines and meet new people in a relaxed archipelago setting. EUR 49 per person.
Is there live music on Vallisaari?
Yes, IISI hosts DJ sunset sessions every Friday and Saturday evening in summer. Genres range from deep house to funk and world music. Special events occasionally feature live artists. Entry to DJ nights is free.
Is there yoga on Vallisaari?
Yes, IISI offers morning yoga classes on Saturday mornings during summer. Practice yoga with sea views in the fresh archipelago air. Suitable for all levels, mats provided. EUR 15–25 per session.
Can I host a private event at IISI?
Yes! IISI Vallisaari is ideal for corporate events, birthdays, weddings, and parties for up to 80 guests. The island provides a unique setting. Contact: oliver@iisivallisaari.fi or call +358 40 027 8849.
What is IISI Bistro known for?
The best salmon soup in the Helsinki archipelago, served with fresh bread on the harbour terrace with sea views. IISI Bistro is also known for its vegetarian soups, fresh salads, and curated wine list. Google rating 4.7/5.
Is Vallisaari open in winter?
No, Vallisaari and IISI are summer destinations. The season runs from May to September depending on weather and ferry schedules. There is no ferry service to the island in winter.
Can I bring my own food to Vallisaari?
You can bring picnic food to the island's nature areas. IISI's terrace areas are for venue customers. IISI serves from breakfast to dinner — coffee, pastries, lunch, soups, salads, and wine.
What should I bring to Vallisaari?
Comfortable walking shoes for the nature trails, sunscreen (the terraces face south), and a light jacket for the ferry ride. No need to bring food — IISI serves from morning to evening.
Is Vallisaari accessible?
The routes from the ferry dock to Cafe IISI and IISI Bistro are accessible. Accessibility of the island's nature trails varies — some paths are uneven.
What wines does IISI have?
IISI's wine list features wines from Italy (Piedmont, Tuscany), Spain (Rioja, Ribera del Duero), France (Burgundy, Champagne) plus rotating selections from Portugal, Greece, and the New World.
How many events does IISI host per summer?
IISI hosts over 40 events per summer season: wine tastings, dinners, morning yoga, DJ nights, and special events. Events run nearly every week from May to September.
What is Vallisaari?
Vallisaari is a 30-hectare island in the Helsinki archipelago. It served as a military fortress and ammunition depot for centuries and was opened to the public only in 2016. Decades of isolation allowed over 400 plant species to thrive, making it one of Finland's most biodiverse islands. The island features nature trails, historic powder cellars, viewpoints, and two restaurants.