Paddle wheel cruises to Korkeasaari Zoo

Korkeasaari Zoo can still be reached by sea on JT-Line´s cruises: take advantage of the more reasonable ticket prices during the Merellinen Helsinki-weekend!

📅 Sat 6.6.2026, 09.30–13.30, Sun 7.6.2026, 09.30–13.30

📍 Helsinki Zoo, Korkeasaari, Helsinki

🎫 EUR 10-20

On JT-Line’s Korkeasaari Sightseeing cruise, you can board the authentic paddle wheel ship Vispilä and get a comprehensive picture of Helsinki’s maritime history and present day. See the Suomenlinna sea fortress, the submarine Vesikko, Kustaanmiekka and the famous icebreakers from the sea! After the cruise, you can explore the Korkeasaari Zoo according to your own schedule: the zoo entrance ticket is included in the cruise ticket price.

The cruise departs from the Market Square and heads first towards the Suomenlinna sea fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ship passes the King’s Gate and Kustaanmiekka, and you have a possibility to admire the skyline of Helsinki from the sea. Finally, you´ll see Finland’s famous icebreaker fleet before the ship arrives at the zoo’s pier.

The cruise duration is one hour: the cruise departs from Helsinki’s Market Square and ends at Korkeasaari Zoo. Return from Korkeasaari is by land via the main entrance, or alternatively, passengers departing at 9:30 can return to Market Square on Vispilä at 12:40, if there is space on the ship (return trip duration 15 minutes, and seats cannot be reserved for the return trip).

Cruise tickets

During the Helsinki weekend, the Korkeasaari Sightseeig Cruise ticket, including the zoo entrance ticket, is available at a lower price than usual:

Children (4-17 years old) €10, including a sightseeing cruise and admission to the Korkeasaari Zoo (normally from €28)

Adults, students, seniors €20, including a sightseeing cruise and admission to the Korkeasaari Zoo (normally from €34-44)

Children aged 0-3 travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult with the adult's ticket.

These prices are only valid for those travelling to Korkeasaari on the Vispilä.

Cruise departure pier

The cruise departs from Keisarinluoto pier no. 14 at the Market Square.

Cruise departure times Sat-Sun 6-7 June 2026

9:30 / 11:30 / 13:30

There are a limited number of seats per departure, so purchasing a ticket in advance is highly recommended!

The cruise is guided in four different languages
Interesting guidance is provided throughout the journey over the ship’s loudspeakers in Finnish and English. In addition, a written route description is available in Swedish and German.

Café on board
There is a cozy café on board. There are plenty of local delicacies on offer: cold and hot drinks, salty and sweet food, as well as sweets and ice cream.

You can choose your seat freely on the cruise

You can enjoy the sunshine, the gentle sea breeze and the view on the large sun deck, or choose your seat inside the ship. You are also allowed to move between decks during the cruise, and both the inside and the outside decks offer great views of the maritime sights.

Korkeasaari Zoo

Korkeasaari Zoo has animals from the tundra to the tropical rainforest, not forgetting Finnish species such as owls, wolverines, lynxes and bears. There are over 150 animal species, and the island is also home to close to a thousand different plant species. Korkeasaari was founded in 1889 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. The zoo’s mission is to protect endangered species. The island also has a souvenir shop, restaurants and cafés, and the opportunity to eat your own food at the barbecue area. Korkeasaari has plenty to see and learn for all ages, and you can choose the length of your zoo visit according to your own wishes!

Buy your ticket