Good places to view bonfire in Helsinki on Juhannus?

[luckykitty]

Hi,
Besides Seurasaari, what other places is it possible to view a bonfire on Juhannus, in Helsinki, like from a beach?

-LK

[sammy]

There was a bonfire in Suomenlinna a few years ago - I suppose it is a tradition, but am not sure - been there only a few times in Midsummer, and only once at the bonfire.



That particular bonfire was at the Länsi-Mustasaari (marked E on the map below - click on the pdf link) - after crossing the D/E bridge, you turn right and walk along the road, past the buildings, as long as the road takes you. The road does not go ever on, even if some parts of Suomenlinna do resemble Hobbiton - so It's not a long walk, but naturally you need to get to Suomenlinna first - and please don't kill me if there's no bonfire this year! But if there is, and weather is nice, Suomenlinna is a good place to spend Juhannus.

http://www.suomenlinna.fi/tiedostot/matkailu/SLkartta.pdf

[penelope]

I seem to remember there are also bonfires on Seurasaari.

[luckykitty]

It's not listed on their website that there is a bonfire on suomenlinna, maybe its an unofficial thing?
Anyway last year I saw a bonfire on an island, and there were some sightseeing boats near it, im not sure where it is now... where could that be? it was a really small island in Helsinki, it wasn't seurasaari or suomenlinna.

[Mark I.]

Pihlajasaari.

[sammy]

It's not listed on their website that there is a bonfire on suomenlinna, maybe its an unofficial thing?

It's possible, since there weren't any large crowds there at the fire (maybe 50-70 people or so)... although there were many people on the main island(s). Could the the bonfire for the dwellers there. Dunno.

There also seem to be some "kokko-spotting" cruises arranged, like these http://www.jt-line.fi/ajankohtaista.htm

[Richard]

Pihlajasaari.

Yep, spent a couple of midsummers there, and recommend it.

[Mark I.]

I'v spent there 3 midsummer eves, and right now I'm considering inviting people there again. In previous occasions there's been about 30-50 single persons gatherings, but I think if I invite on so short notice, adding to the relatively bad weather (some rain, less than 20c), it's good if 10 persons turn out.

We'll see.

http://www.pihlajasaari.net/

[ajdias]

The traditional Juhannus in Seurasaari (finnish only) is worth the 13 euro entrance fee if you have children with you (free for under -12 year olds). If you are only looking after the bonfire you can see it from the shore or from rajasaari, no need to pay