Whether your pup enjoys sprinting up rocky hills, wading into the sea, or sitting by your side people-watching, Helsinki offers space to roam and new friends to meet. Join Oreo, a four-year-old border collie, and her human Sarah, as they tour their favourite dog parks in the city.

Uutela: Big skies, quiet trails and a photo wall of dogs

• Size: 7,460 m²
• Amenities: Picnic table, multiple benches, a covered shelter
• Landscape: Open grass, light birch shade
• Location: Close to Aurinkolahti and Kahvila Kampela
  

In East Helsinki, Uutela dog park offers open space, sea breezes and a special local touch—a covered photo exhibition featuring portraits of the park’s regulars.

Oreo pushes toward the entrance of the Uutela dog park for large dogs, but her owner Sarah hesitates. She worries the big dog already inside might try to escape. Normally, Sarah would ask the other owner over the fence if it’s okay to enter—but no one’s around.

“He’s a sweet boy, he won’t hurt anyone,” calls a voice from a nearby car window.

The man explains he has a leg injury and can’t walk far, so he parks beside the accessible dog park to let his dog Puuha enjoy some solo freedom.

Oreo prefers herding her human Sarah over mingling, but the space is perfect for high-energy dogs to run or train.

“We go to Kampela for salmon soup on the weekends,” Sarah says.

Tip: Grab lunch at nearby Kahvila Kampela—try the salmon soup while your dog rests on the terrace.

Vallilanlaakso: Urban shade and allotment garden views

• Size: 1,010 m² (large dogs), 730 m² (small dogs)
• Features: Benches, trees, tunnels
• Location: Vallila

In Helsinki’s newer dog parks, you don’t need to worry about dogs escaping when gates open. The City of Helsinki is renovating its dog parks and adding entry lobbies, where dogs can be safely unleashed before entering the main enclosure.

Vallilanlaakso is a newly renovated dog park tucked between tram tracks and garden plots. It features double gates for safe entry, shaded areas and dog toys like tunnel pipes.

Sarah and Oreo both have roots in the UK—Sarah was born in England but never had a dog there. Before moving to Helsinki, the Roseblade family lived in Poland for a few years, where Oreo joined them.

“My grandparents had a border collie, and I have fond memories of the breed,” says Sarah.

In rural Poland, Oreo ran freely. In Helsinki, it was a big shift—dogs must be leashed in public and can only be off-leash inside fenced dog parks.

“Before moving here, I had never even been to a dog park,” Sarah admits.

Dog park rules: 

• Dogs must be healthy and vaccinated
• Only well-behaved dogs are welcome. If your dog doesn’t get along with others, come only when the park is empty.
• Pick up after your dog
• Fill any holes your dog digs before leaving

Sarah and Oreo enjoy this park’s city-meets-nature vibe—until a rough encounter with another dog cuts their visit short. A reminder that dog park rules and etiquette are key to keeping everyone safe.

Tip: Stroll next door to Vallila’s charming allotment café in summer for coffee and cake.

Rajasaari: Helsinki’s island escape for dogs

• Size: 27,080 m²
• Terrain: Trails, forest, shoreline, beach
• Location: Töölö, across from Café Regatta

Rajasaari, in Töölö, is often called Helsinki’s best dog park—and it’s also a testament to public space access. An entire island near the city centre has been given to dogs and their humans, free of charge. It’s also accessible by car via a bridge.

Across the water, you can glimpse the Finnish Prime Minister’s summer residence, Kesäranta, and the President’s home, Mäntyniemi.

In winter, the frozen sea has tempted some dogs to venture far onto the ice, worrying skiers and owners alike. But in summer, there’s no such risk.

The island has forest trails, moss-covered rocks, red granite boulders, and a sheltered sandy beach. Sarah’s partner once swam all the way across to Seurasaari.

From swimming to climbing granite rocks, dogs have full freedom here. Sarah and Oreo discovered Rajasaari during their first summer in Helsinki—and never looked back.

Tip: Stop by Café Regatta for a cinnamon bun or grill your own sausage on the firepit.

Nervanderinkatu: A rocky pocket park in central Helsinki

• Size: 339 m²
• Features: Bench, bin, shovel rack
• Location: Etu-Töölö

Small but spirited, Nervanderinkatu dog park is a hilltop oasis behind the Parliament House. It’s ideal for quick breaks and small dogs who don’t need much space. 

At night, the park offers a glimpse into the glowing windows of surrounding homes—pure Helsinki atmosphere.

Tip: Visit Arkadia International Bookshop just down the hill for books, tea and great conversation (dogs welcome).

Bonus: A 50-hectare forest just for dogs

We’ll save the full review for another day, but if you’re up for an off-leash forest adventure, head east to Östersundom. Just off Puroniityntie lies a 50-hectare fenced forest—Helsinki’s largest dog area. While its size may be reduced in the future due to development, for now, it’s a sprawling haven for curious pups and nature-loving humans.

Planning your next dog walk in Helsinki?

From inner-city slopes to seaside forests, Helsinki has a park for every kind of pup. Whether you’re new to the city or just discovering its dog-friendly charm, Oreo and Sarah’s journey proves there’s always more to explore—treats and tail wags guaranteed.

Find a full list of dog parks in Helsinki