Summer in Finland = Berry Season!
Summer in Finland is short but so special — and one of the highlights for many locals and visitors is berry season! So, if you’re visiting or living in the Helsinki area, picking your own strawberries is a fun, delicious, and family-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors.
This year we visited a new place after our usual farm closed last season, and ended up having one of the best strawberry-picking days ever. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning your own trip — especially if you’re visiting Finland with kids.
2025 Season Update:
Strawberry season 2025 has officially ended. The rainy start to summer affected the harvest this year, making the season shorter than usual. But don’t worry — raspberry season is now here and picking is underway!
- 👉 Curious about raspberry picking near Helsinki? Check out my full guide here: Raspberry Picking in Finland: A Summer Activity You Must Do Once In A Life Time— including why the small containers matter and how to reserve ahead!
- 🫐Blueberry (bilberry) season is here too!
- Want to pick your own? You can go to a local farm or try picking wild berries in the forestCheck out my full guide: “Blueberry Picking in Finland: A Beginner’s Forest Guide” — it covers everything you need to know, including how to stay safe, when to go, and how to tell the difference between wild bilberries and farm blueberries.
- And once your basket is full? Try one of these delicious ideas from my post “4 Easy Blueberry Recipes from Finland” — even my sister (who’s terrible at cooking!) can make them.
- 🍄 Interested in mushroom picking too? Check out my full guide to Mushroom Picking in Finland: A Local’s Guide to Wild Harvesting — it’s packed with tips on when and where to find chanterelles, black trumpets, and other edible treasures in Finnish forests.
Where to Pick Strawberries Near Helsinki
Finding good pick-your-own berry farms close to the city is getting harder, as some older places have shut down. This time, I found Marjex Mansikkapaikka online, and decided to give it a try. Marjex Mansikkapaikka is located in Vantaa, and turned out to be a great option!
I was with my two kids and my parents visiting from Mexico 
, and we all had the best time — it was a perfect mix of fresh air, nature, and sweet treats that ended up being a super cool experience!
🍓Allegro or Polka? Which Strawberry Variety Wins — Or Does It Even Matter?
This time we picked Allegro strawberries, and OMG — they’re HUGE, super red, juicy, and sweet! I’ve never picked such big and delicious berries before. Allegro is great for eating fresh or freezing.
I used to pick Polka, which is smaller, VERY sweet, and rich in flavor — considered by many to be the best in the world. But Polka tends to spoil quickly. So depending on your plans, each has its perks!
No worries, in the past I also had no idea about strawberry varieties until my Finnish husband told me about Polka strawberries and encouraged me to compare their taste with the Spanish and other strawberries at the market. Then, I got used to it!
This summer, so far, I haven’t found any Polka strawberries in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Let’s be honest, you also have to be mindful of the distance you’re willing to travel to pick them and decide if it’s worth the trip. Since my parents are visiting from Mexico, I wanted them to EXPERIENCE STRAWBERRY PICKING, so I didn’t really care about the variety. But wow, Allegro — you surprised me with your size, taste and color! And I started thinking — maybe the variety isn’t what matters most after all. It’s the experience of picking them yourself that makes the berries taste even better!
✅ Tips Before You Go
1. Check the Location & Availability
Some farms update their websites or Instagram daily, especially during peak season. If not, give them a quick call before heading out.
☀️ Be mindful of the weather
🕐 Consider the time it takes to get there
🚗 Can you get there by public transport or car?
🤔 Or is grabbing a box from the market enough this time?
2. Go Early
Early mornings = better selection, fewer people, and cooler weather.
3. What to Bring
✔️ Your own containers (or buy on-site)
✔️ Boots or shoes that cover your ankles (you will find insects and ankle-high bushes, and wet fields after rain)
✔️ For me, long sleeves and pants are the best choice for extra protection and comfort.
✔️ Something to sit or kneel on if needed
4. Know How Much You Need
I’m not kidding! We ended up with 9 kilos — and yes, I love making strawberry jam! We haven’t bought any in six years 😅 This also means making sure you have enough space in your fridge and freezer, plenty of sugar for marmalade, empty clean jars, and bags to freeze the rest!
5. Respect the Rules
Stick to your assigned row, pick only ripe berries, and don’t over-sample 😉
This keeps it fair for everyone.
❤️ENJOY the experience
Slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and make sweet memories with your family, friends — or just yourself.
For us, it wasn’t just about the berries. It was about sharing the moment, laughing in the fields, and making the most of the Finnish summer while it lasts. And of course, we had a fun competition to see who could find the biggest and most colorful strawberry!
Tasting couple berries is always allowed, I mean some of them are irresistable! Just be respecful!
🍓 Where to Go Strawberry Picking Near Helsinki
There are many strawberry farms across Finland, and you might discover other great options in the area — but this summer, I visited Marjex Mansikkapaikka in Vantaa!
I specifically looked for a farm in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area (Espoo, Vantaa, Helsinki) for a couple of important reasons:
Many of my readers are locals living in the capital region, and not everyone has a car. A farm that’s accessible by public transport makes it much easier for families to enjoy this seasonal tradition.
Some readers are travelers visiting Finland. Recommending farms that are far from the city can be impractical, especially for those relying on public transportation.
✨ Related post: Best Things to Do in Helsinki with Kids (Summer Edition) – includes free activities, rainy day options, and family-friendly stops near the city center!
That said, if you do have a car, and distance or time isn’t an issue, feel free to explore other farms outside the metro area — there are many beautiful berry-picking spots across Uusimaa and southern Finland!
📍 More Info on Marjex Mansikkapaikka
Opening Hours
- Monday–Friday: 10:00–20:00
- Saturday: 10:00–18:00
- Sunday: 10:00–20:00
Contact
📍 Ylismaantie 2, 01360 Vantaa
📧 info@marjexmansikkapaikka.fi
📞 040 856 3725
💰 Entry & Pricing
At Marjex Mansikkapaikka, we paid a €6 entry fee per person, which was refunded when buying berries.
That day the self-picking price was €8/kg, though pricing may vary depending on availability, weather, and the strawberry variety.
🍀 A Quick Note About Availability
We were lucky to get in when we did!
The farm’s website had actually said “closed for self-picking” that morning. I tried calling but couldn’t get through. Since we were nearby, I decided to stop by and ask in person.
When we arrived, the staff hesitated — the fields had already been heavily picked. But I was with my two kids and my parents visiting from Mexico, and I think they saw how meaningful the experience was for us. We only had small containers and didn’t plan to over-pick, so they kindly let us in.
Shortly after, more families started arriving — and the staff had to start turning people away because there simply weren’t enough ripe berries left.
This summer has been especially rainy and cloudy, which slows down the ripening process. So if you’re planning to go, please be flexible — the farms really try their best, but nature sets the pace.
📅 Our Visit Recap
Saturday, 5 July – Our picking day!
We arrived at 12:30, and by 15:00, berry picking was already closed for new visitors due to limited availability.Sunday, 6 July – Closed*
Monday, 7 July – Morning self-pick expected to open (weather permitting)*
*Pro Tip: Always check for the latest updates online before you go — and if possible, call ahead to confirm self-picking availability.
🫶 Got a Favorite Variety?
Any strawberry lovers here? 🍓
We picked Allegro and loved them! I’m not gonna lie — after making the marmalade, I did notice the color isn’t as intense as Polka’s, but the taste was still great! Plus, I loved the Allegro size (they are HUGE) — much easier to pick and clean!
Do you have a favorite variety — maybe Polka, Sonata, or something else? Let me know!
🍓 What to Do With All Those Berries?
Eat them fresh, bake a cake, or… make your own jam!
Here’s my go-to strawberry jam recipe — easy, quick, and 100% approved by my family after 6 summers in Finland.
Recipe: Easy 3-Step STRAWBERRY JAM
Frequently Asked Questions: Strawberry Picking in Finland
When is the best time to go berry picking in Finland?
The best time depends on the type of berry and the summer weather, but here’s a general timeline to help you plan your visit:
Strawberries (mansikka) – Late June to mid-July
Cherries (kirsikka) – Early to mid-July
Green peas (herne) – Throughout July
Raspberries (vadelma) – Mid-July to early August
Bush blueberries / garden blueberries (pensasmustikka) – Mid-July to August Bilberries / wild blueberries (mustikka) – Mid-July to August Black currants (mustaherukka) – Late July to August Red currants (punaherukka) – July to August
Lingonberries (puolukka) – Late August to September
Cloudberries (lakka) – July to early August, mostly in northern Finland
Keep in mind: The exact timing changes each year depending on the weather, so it’s best to check local farms or nature guides for real-time updates.
Where can I go berry picking near Helsinki?
Strawberries
This summer we visited Marjex Mansikkapaikka, a great farm for picking strawberries just a short drive from Helsinki.
Selfpiciking season 2025 has ended!
Raspberries
Wennborgin Tila in Hyvinkää, about an hour from the city. They offer self-picking for:
- Raspberries (vadelma)
- Bush blueberries (pensasmustikka)
- Black currants (mustaherukka)
IMPORTANT: You must make a reservation in advance to pick at Wennborgin Tila!
💬 Curious about what it’s like? I just published a full blog post about our raspberry picking experience – CHECK IT OUT HERE!
Do I need to book berry picking in advance in Finland?
At many farms, you can just walk in. However, some farms require reservations — especially on weekends or during peak picking season. Always check the farm’s website or social media for up-to-date info.
Can I pick berries for free in Finland?
Yes! Thanks to Finland’s Everyman’s Right (jokamiehenoikeudet), you’re allowed to pick wild berries for free in most public forests and parks. Just remember:
Don’t enter private gardens or yards
Avoid protected areas or nature reserves
Respect nature and leave no trace
What should I bring for berry picking?
Here’s a quick checklist of what to pack:
A bucket or container Water and snacks Sunscreen Insect repellent Comfortable shoes and long sleeves (especially if heading into the forest)
Do I need to wash strawberries before eating them?
Not necessarily. In Finland, most strawberries are grown with minimal or no pesticides, and farms follow high food safety standards. That’s why many locals eat them straight from the field or box!
🍓 Of course, it’s up to you — if you feel more comfortable rinsing them, feel free. But don’t be surprised to see Finns snacking on fresh strawberries without washing them first.
🍓 What You Learn While Picking Berries in Finland
Berry picking isn’t just about filling your basket, snapping a photo for the ‘gram, and calling it a day — it’s an experience that teaches you so much along the way:
Respect for Hard Work – You gain a whole new appreciation for the people who harvest our food. Bending, searching, and picking under the sun takes real effort!
Seasonal Awareness – You begin to understand the rhythm of nature: when different berries ripen, how weather impacts the harvest, and why fresh produce is so special.
Patience & Focus – Picking ripe berries takes care and attention — it’s almost meditative.
Connection to Nature and the people you are with – You’re surrounded by fields, forests, fresh air, good company and the calm of the Finnish countryside. It’s a perfect screen break.
Enjoy the Outdoors – A beautiful summer activity that gets you moving and soaking up the sunshine.
Great for All Ages – Kids love it, adults find it relaxing, and even grandparents can enjoy a gentle walk through the berry rows. I started visiting the farms when my kids were 8 months and 1.5 years old! It has became a summer tradition in this family!
Food Knowledge – You learn about strawberry varieties like Polka, Allegro, and Sonata — their flavor, size, and best uses.
Gratitude for Local Produce – There’s something truly special about eating berries you picked with your own hands, right?
Freshly picked always tastes better — maybe it’s the time you spent in the field, the effort of cleaning them, or the memories you created. For me, making my own marmalade changed everything — the flavor is so different that I haven’t bought strawberry jam in years
📍 Do You Know a Good Farm Near Helsinki?
I’d love to hear your recommendations! Share your favorite berry-picking spots in the comments or send me a message on Instagram. Let’s help each other discover the best places in Finland to enjoy summer’s sweetest tradition!
