The Beaches of Helsinki: Palettilampi

Palettilampi Beach is Helsinki's newest beach. It is located in northern Helsinki, in the residential area of Kuninkaantammi.

The beach has been built into a former water treatment basin, with a maximum depth of about two meters. Water is supplied here from Päijänne, so there is no blue-green algae, nor is there likely to be.

The white fence on the right marks the still under-construction park area. This will become a great place once completed.

The area behind the tape is restricted from swimming. It is a nesting area for grebes.

While visiting, I chatted with a friendly swimmer. He mentioned that, if they wanted, the city of Helsinki could empty the pond for the winter since the water is both directed here and drained away. That was an interesting idea. It would make it easy to clean the bottom and keep the pond tidy.

The services are excellent: a beach volleyball court and an outdoor gym. The lifeguards have a booth. I suspect that in the coming summers, at least a kiosk will appear here. I plan to return for more photo trips in future summers when the park is in full bloom and the sun is shining.

A shower is also available, which is always a nice bonus.

The changing rooms are almost nestled in the forest.

There is a bike park available. I'm not sure if there will be parking spots for cars. The city's website advises using the nearby Lammenranta parking garage, which can be seen in previous photos, for example, behind the beach volleyball court. The orange outhouses are next to the car.

This is the shortest route to the new residential area. Nearby, Ellen Thesleff Park is under construction.

Information about Palettilampi Beach

• Address: According to the City of Helsinki, the address is Paloheinäntunneli. It's best to aim for Ellen Thesleff Park to reach the beach.
• Services: Changing rooms, outhouses, shower, outdoor gym, beach volleyball court.
• Tips for swimmers: This is a great spot. A gradually sloping, sandy-bottomed pond where you don't have to worry about blue-green algae. Once the park is complete, the whole area will be stunning!