Kallahdenniemi is an esker peninsula with two nature conservation areas.

One of my favorite summer activities is cycling by the seaside. Helsinki is situated on the southern peninsula, which makes it so easy to reach the water. It is so relaxing and soothing to see the endless blue sky and ocean when I enjoy the summer breeze and bright sunlight.

On the way to Kallahdenniemi, I passed by several beaches. During the weekday, it’s super quiet. 

Kallahdennimei has beautiful sand beaches and shallow banks that people can walk towards an island in the middle of the ocean.

Cycling through a forest.

Having a separate cycling route is quite common in Helsinki. I feel safe either riding in the city center without more traffic or in natural areas.

A shallow beach.

There are bushes on the peninsula close to the seaside full of blueberries and lingonberries. Every time I stop to drink water, I pick some wild blueberries to eat right away. They are everywhere. If I have a small container with me, I pick some more and put them into smoothies when I get home. Exercise -> Shower -> Smoothie, a healthy daily dose.

All kinds of boats are back to the water after winter. There’re plenty of small harbors in Helsinki. 

Although public transportation in Uusimann (the region where Helsinki situates) is convenient, you don’t necessarily need a car, but you must have a bike. Because that’s how I have the freedom to explore new places here and there when I get on my bike, stop by anywhere I want, and get lost in the middle of nowhere. All the places I love the most in Helsinki and Espoo are discovered when I cycle through these two cities. I get a change of scenery when I pick up different routes to reach the same destination. This lifts my spirit a lot comparing sitting on the bus or metro and staring at my phone. So hop on a bike and discover some new places.

Hsiao-Pei Liao,
MA of Creative Sustainability