I left it til the last minute to book hostel accomodation in Helsinki and as it was the May bank holiday weekend, the only available hostel was on Suomelinna, which is an island about 15 minutes boat ride from Helsinki centre. I was slightly apprehensive about this as I thought I would be quite isolated and it would be difficult to get to and from the mainland.

However, this turned out not to be a problem. Boats go really regularly from the Market Square in Helsinki and you can buy a day ticket (which can be used on other forms of transport) for 6 euros. The boats start at 6 am and finish at 2 am, so you can get back after a night out.

The island is an idyllic setting. We had great weather and the island was beautiful (not so sure what it would be like in winter, however). There is a Siwa Supermarket right beside the hostel and it's great for buying picnic supplies etc. Within 10 minutes walk of the hostel you are on beautiful coastline, with views of Helsinki... more