Haaga Rhododendron Park or Haagan Alppiruusupuisto in Finnish is one of the city’s most unique nature spots and kind of a secret gem for tourists, especially in early summer when thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas burst into bloom. Originally developed as a research garden by the University of Helsinki in the 1970s, the park now features over 300 varieties and offers a peaceful boardwalk through a sea of color and a lovely smell.

it's a really nice place to take pictures and videos! 📸

Getting there from Helsinki city center:
Take a commuter train (E, U, or L) from Helsinki Central Station to Huopalahti (approx. 10 minutes). From there, it’s a 15-minute walk. You can also take bus 40 or 52 to the Haagan Alppiruusupuisto stop.

If you arrive by car, there's plenty of free places to park on the road next to the main entrance.

Best time to visit:
Late May to mid-June, depending on the season’s weather conditions. Morning visits offer softer light and fewer people. it's also nice to visit even on a gray or rainy day as there's not so many people then.

Tip:
There are two moving cafés parked outside the park, but they are not there always, so bring water and snacks. Drones are not permitted due to nature protection regulations. There is also a few festival toilets in the park at least during summer.