Isosaari
Isosaari
An old fortress island off the coast of Helsinki
Isosaari (‘large island’), as its name implies, is a large, and one of the outermost islands off the coast of Helsinki. It is only about a half-hour boat ride away from the Helsinki Market Square. Isosaari served as a military island for several centuries. The old fortresses as well as the bleak, ramshackle buildings and a golf course act as reminders of the island’s history as a military base.
But Isosaari is also rich in biodiversity. From the sheepback rocks on the southern shores of the island, one can admire the wide sea view across the Gulf of Finland, and in windy weather waves several metres high hit the island’s rocky shores. It is a good idea to reserve enough time and bring some snacks when walking to the southern coast of the island, as you will be sure to encounter many interesting places on the way, such as a shingle beach dating back to the ice age. The island offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets. In the spring, several bird species nest on Isosaari, and it is important to leave them in peace. White-tailed eagles and seals are also frequent visitors in the area.
Read more about the history and services of Isosaari from Visit Isosaari webpage.
Transport to Isosaari
The transport to Isosaari departs from Lyypekki pier (Lyypekinlaituri) in front of the Old Market Hall. The water taxi M/S Taxen leaves the pier at 11:30, returning to the mainland from Isosaari at 10:45. Travel time to the island is about 30 minutes. You will not need to purchase a separate ticket as the boat trip is included in the accommodation price. Please show the boat captain your booking confirmation. Also, please reserve enough time at the harbour, about 15 minutes.
About Nolla Cabins
The Nolla cabins are located on the north side of the island on a beautiful sandy beach, at an approximately 15-minute walking distance from the harbour. The way to the cabins from the harbour is along an old dirt road. Nolla cabins 1 and 2, located closest to the sauna building, are pet-friendly cabins. The other cabins are pet-free and thus also suitable for allergy sufferers. Nolla cabin 7 is located furthest from the sauna building.
From here, you can admire the wonderful seascape looking back towards Helsinki. The location is ideal for watching sunrises and sunsets. All Nolla cabins include access to a private sauna, which you can get to from the eastern end of the adjacent sauna building. There is also a toilet for Nolla visitors in the same place. Another toilet can be found on the southern end of the building. Visitors also have access to a Big Green Egg grill, charcoal, and barbecuing equipment. You can reserve a canoe, paddle board, Jopo bicycle or a private sauna shift before your trip.
Spending the night in a Nolla cabin
All Nolla cabins have bed spaces for two adults, including blankets and pillows. You can also move the beds together to create additional bed space for two children. Nolla cabins are equipped with USB sockets and they offer enough electricity for you to charge your phone, camera, etc. All Nolla cabins also include a stove and a radiator. When planning what food to bring along, please keep in mind that Nolla cabins are not equipped with refrigerators. Staying in a Nolla cabin is easy as all cabins include cooking utensils and crockery.
The price of the accommodation includes personal access to an entire Nolla cabin as well as transport to and from the island, regardless of the number of guests. All you need for your trip is suitable camping gear, some snacks and bed linen or a sleeping bag – you will find everything else you need in the cabin!
Check-in to the cabins starts at 12:30 p.m. and check-out is by 10:30 a.m.
Keeping the Nolla clean
It is very important that you leave the cabin tidy for the next customer. Please wash all dishes well, sweep the floor, dust quilts and bedding. Also leave the shelf and hob clean. Please let us know about any broken, lost or dirty items. It is very important to us that the cabin stays clean and well maintained. If you don’t want to clean the cabin yourself, you can always pay for cleaning when you rent the cabin.
The island sauna
What would a trip to an island be without a visit to a sauna! The public sauna is heated every day from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can also reserve the sauna for private use between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Nolla offers their guests environmentally friendly shampoos and soap, so don’t worry about bringing your own. Thus, we can also make sure that no harmful chemicals end up in the environment. Please consider other visitors when using the sauna and clean up after yourself. Please use a swimsuit in the sauna.
Renting equipment
You can also rent a canoe, Jopo bicycle or a paddleboard at Isosaari. You can select these extra services when booking your stay. Please note that there is a limited amount of equipment available for rent.
