The zoo occupies the whole of Korkeasaari, an island northeast of Katajanokka, reachable by foot bridge from Mustikkamaa or by ferry from Kauppatori. Founded in 1889 and one of the oldest zoos in northern Europe, Korkeasaari focuses on cold-climate species — Amur tigers, snow leopards, lynx, brown bears, takins — and is part of international breeding programmes for the most endangered of them.
The setting is half the appeal: a rocky, forested island with sea views in every direction. Allow three hours; longer if you have small children. Closed on Mondays in winter.