On a warm summer day in Helsinki, we found ourselves with a few spare hours and decided to explore Lauttasaari Island. This picturesque destination greeted us with its smooth, rocky shores, a charming beach, and invitingly clear seawater. The area boasts a public swimming beach and protected coastal meadows, all of which provided the perfect backdrop for a leisurely outing inspired by music.
- Location on the map
- Plenty of shoreline paths
- Accessibility: Partially
- Fire Pit: Well-equipped
- Public Transport: Bus no. 21 runs from Kamppi to the Melkonkuja stop, followed by a 400-meter walk to the shore
Helsinki’s coastline is dotted with an impressive array of beaches, so many that I have often found it challenging to choose one to visit. However, my recent research for an article titled *A Metalhead’s Travel Guide to Finland* inspired me to seek out a particular beach supposedly featured in Norther’s music video for *Mirror of Madness*.
We made our way to Lauttasaari via metro, hopping on a bus that took us to the southern tip of the island. After disembarking at Melkonkuja, it was just a few minutes’ walk to the inviting shore.
Saturday unveiled itself as a splendid day at the sandy beach, where only a handful of visitors enjoyed their time: some engaged in playful activities, others snacked or lounged with friends. Interestingly, no one seemed to be swimming, leading me to wonder: was the wind too brisk, or perhaps blue-green algae lurked in the water? Despite my curiosity, the water appeared bright and clean, epitomizing the essence of a perfect summer day.
Setting off along the shoreline path towards the Kokkokallio rocks, we immersed ourselves in the beauty surrounding us.
In a quiet cove, seaweed had washed ashore, filling the air with the bracing scent of the Baltic Sea. Young crows foraged through the seaweed, undisturbed by the passersby.
Upon reaching Kokkokallio, we scanned the horizon, trying to decipher whether this spot matched the filming location for the music video. Given that the video was shot in winter, we pondered whether the ice had previously extended further out than the current water level. Regardless, the location’s beauty was undeniable, inviting us to linger and savor the summer sea.
My appreciation for the crystalline waters knows no bounds, mirroring my delight at the sensation of smooth rock beneath my feet.
As we glanced across the beach towards Vattuniemi, we decided to venture there as well.
Once we reached the Vattuniemi side, we encountered an informational sign marking the entrance to a nature conservation area. It urged visitors to stay on designated paths to protect the delicate coastal meadow plants.
The clearly marked path wound through the shoreline grove, creating a serene atmosphere around us. Despite the tranquility, we spotted a few fellow visitors: someone birdwatching, another jogging, and a third walking their dog. On a small skerry just offshore, a couple of people basked in the sun or took a dip. Whether they had swum, waded, or paddled over, their carefree enjoyment of the day added to the island’s charm.
The extensive network of pathways suggested that Lauttasaari deserves more time to explore, an invitation for future visits.
From my understanding of Lauttasaari’s map, I suspect the music video was filmed among these stunning rocks. If any fellow fans of the band were present during the recording, I’d love to hear from you. Please share your insights in the comments!
This article was translated with the help of AI and reviewed by the author.
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