Korkeasaari (Helsinki Zoo), Helsinki

There are 135 islands in front of Helsinki (or so I was told). One of them is entirely transformed in to zoo and it is called Korkeasaari. It is very nice and just a boat trip away from the Fish market Kauppatori. You can get there by bus as well, and my advice is to ask at your hotel reception which line to take (depending on where you are staying).
One adult ticket costs 5 euros, but for more information go to web site.

I had come to this zoo in the hope of seeing some moose. The road signs all over Finland tell you to watch out for them but i didnt see any :(
So i headed for the zoo, were i was sure i would be able to see them. And i did!! They were a bit hidden behind the trees and mixed up with other deer like animals but still.

This zoo is located on an island, a short ferry trip will bring you here. In winter there is a bus.

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We enjoyed a very warm summer week in Helsinki and with this weather is highly recommended to get a boat ride to the Zoo and have a look there. It was curious for us as we had the chance to meet nordic animals we couldn't have found in Spain, like snow leopards.

Kids will definitely love the combination of boat ride + animals + running space! We took the boat in Hakaniemi pier (close to Hilton Hotel) and came back to Market Square (beautiful views approaching to the square).

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To get to Korkeasaari Zoo, you can go by boat. The Korkeasaari Zoo boat goes from the market square, and it's easy to find.

The Zoo is located on Korkeasaari Island, and on your way out there, you can see lots of small islands with small cottages on. The Zoo is one of the better ones I've been to, I'm not a zoo fan really... But except from one of the big cat animals, the animals seemed happy. It was clean, and all the animals looked well.

This zoo is located on the island. Year 2002 they open new house called AfricaAsia where you are able to see very excotic animals. You can easily spend a whole day here. Kids love this place and there is much to see to adults too.

Entrance fee from adults is 5 euros, children under 7 years are free. If you need a pram you can rent one with One euro.

Here you can take a ferry from Market Square or Hakaniemi or take a underground. The stop is Herttoniemi and there take a bus 11 which end stop is Mustikkamaa where you walk a bridge and then you are on Korkeasaari :)

More pics on my Korkeasaari travelougue.

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The zoo is well worth a visit; they have an interesting group of big cats. There are no elephants but a range of large and small mammals and birds.

The picture was taken next to the snow leopard enclosure. There are fences, but the gates to the enclosures are made of thick see through glass/perspex. Thus I am next to snow leaopard.

For animal lovers, Korkeasaari is a must visit during your stay in Helsinki. It is situated near Kruunuvuori bay.The best way to get there during summer is with public transport.
-15 mins ferry ride from Kauppatori or Hakaniemi..this will take you at the gate of the zoo..it is on the island.
-Or the Zoo Line Bus 11 from Herttoniemi metro station -->Zoo
During winter:

-Bus 16 or the metro to Kulosaari take you closest: a 1.5-km walk to the Zoo. Zoo Line Bus 11 operates at weekends

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Korkeasaari is a really great place for a day out. You can take a ferry from Kauppatori that takes you directly to the Zoo that is located in a island. Bears (not polar bears), papoons, camels, reindeers and other interesting new acquaintances make a day enjoyable to all age groups. Be prepared to walk a bit!