If you find yourself in the capital of Finland, Helsinki, and you have 4-5 hours of free time, you should definitely visit the famous Helsinki Zoo Korkeasaari. This zoo is located on the island of the same name - more precisely, on the contrary, the zoo was named after the island. Korkeasaari is an old zoo, founded by Lieutenant August Fabricius in the 19th century, in 1889. There is plenty of space for animals: spacious open-air cages, conditions close to natural conditions, excellent nutrition. In addition to about 2000 different animals, the island's attraction is also about 1000 species of rare plants: thus, Korkeasaari is a real nature reserve.
Instructions
Step 1
The road to Korkeasaari is already an exciting adventure! Since the zoo is located on an island, the most natural way to get there is by boat. Every day from May to September, from the Market Square (Kauppatori) to the island of Korkeasaari and back, small cozy boats run at intervals of 30-40 minutes. You can also get to the zoo by transport (the island is connected to the "mainland" by a bridge):
- by bus # 16 from the Central Railway Station;
- by metro to Kulosaari station, then 2 km on foot;
- by car on the Itäväylä road, turn towards the Zoo sign; there is free parking four hundred meters from the entrance to the zoo.
The cost of visiting the zoo is as follows: adults - 10 euros, children 6-17 years old - 5 euros, children under 6 years old - free of charge, students upon presentation of ISIC - 7 euros; you can buy a family ticket for 30 euros - two adults and three children 6-17 years old.
If you get to the zoo by boat, then the price of the trip and visiting the zoo is combined into one ticket: adults - 16 euros, children 6-17 years old - 8 euros, children under 6 years old - free, family ticket - 47 euros.
Opening hours of Korkeasaari: in summer (May - August) from 10.00 to 20.00, in September and April from 10.00 to 18.00, the rest of the year from 10.00 to 16.00.
Step 2
To navigate the territory of the Korkeasaari Zoo, you should carefully study the map-scheme installed at the entrance to the territory. The diagram shows in detail the habitats of all animals, as well as the location of infrastructure facilities - cafes, toilets, administrations, etc. The diagram comments are written in Finnish and English, but the pictures are so clear that there are no problems in understanding. For those who wish there is an opportunity to pre-order a group excursion service in Russian; the cost of such an excursion is 55 euros, the duration is 1.5 hours.
Step 3
Korkeasaari is famous for its large number of felines. Snow leopards appeared here in the early years of the zoo in the 19th century, and the staff are proud that all the snow leopards that inhabit Korkeasaari today are the direct descendants of the very first felines. Impressive are tigers, lions, leopards, manuls, moving freely in their spacious enclosures with lush vegetation and mountainous terrain.
There is a very interesting tradition in Korkeasaari: annually on September 4 and 11, the zoo does not work according to the usual schedule, but from 16.00 to 24.00 - on these dates, the "Night of the cats" is held, allowing visitors to observe the behavior of animals in the dark.
Step 4
Peacocks of extraordinary beauty walk right along the paths of the zoo, among tourists and strolling mothers with strollers. Surprisingly, these exotic birds are not afraid of anyone and live their lives calmly next to people.
Step 5
A miniature mountain river with a waterfall has been created for otters. The animals do not hesitate to dine in front of the zoo visitors, eating fresh fish with appetite.
And many more interesting inhabitants inhabit the Helsinki Zoo - animals, birds, reptiles, insects, etc.
Step 6
After walking around the zoo, many tourists go to eat at the cafes Karhu, Safari or the Pukki restaurant located here. These catering establishments have a good selection of children's dishes, snacks, and pastries. In addition, there are several ice cream stands on the territory of the zoo, the quality of which is excellent.
While waiting for the boat on the way back, it is worth visiting the gift shop located next to the pier. There is a huge selection of all kinds of commemorative and gift products - animal figurines, mugs, T-shirts, pens with thematic images, various books, brochures, etc.
