In the world’s happiest city, even the dogs get their own attractions. Helsinki’s new canine sightseeing route comes with a stick-built monument, a pop-up café, and an island where paws have priority.
If you thought sightseeing was just for humans, Helsinki has news for you. The Finnish capital has launched The Doggy Route to Happiness, a world-first city tour designed entirely with pooches in mind.
The route reimagines some of Helsinki’s most famous landmarks at dog scale. Take the Stickelius Monument, for instance: a playful, 1:4 version of the city’s iconic Sibelius Monument, rebuilt from sticks collected by Neris, a local rescue dog turned national treasure for his stick-based public art.
Or there’s Café Dogatta, a pop-up by the seaside where visiting pups can sniff, snack, and pose for portraits in front of a custom dog-sized photo wall.
And then there’s Rajasaari Island… an entire island for dogs, open 24/7, with beaches to run on, forests to explore, and calm waters for a paddle. The President and Prime Minister live just across the water, and yes, both have been spotted jogging with dogs.
This isn’t just a one-off novelty. Helsinki, home to around 40,000 dogs, has over 90 dog parks, several dog beaches, and even a 50-hectare forest for canines. Dogs are welcome in many shops, cafés, and restaurants, with some serving dog-friendly menus. There are “library dogs” for children to read to, and every pup rides public transport for free.
“Pets boost happiness,” says Soila Lehkonen from Helsinki Partners. “We wanted to bring attractions to some of the city’s most beloved outdoor spots – places that both dog owners and their dogs can enjoy together.”
The marketing push has been as dog-obsessed as the route itself. Billboards are placed at canine eye level. Posters sprayed with Le Pipi: a custom scent designed to pique interest. A dogfluencer event with bowls of “beer” for dogs, reggae and soft rock playlists (scientifically proven to soothe pups), and caricatures drawn by a local illustrator.
In a city already famous for its quality of life, The Doggy Route to Happiness feels like the next logical step. Here, joy isn’t just for people; it’s for anyone with a wagging tail.
