Taking the metro home to Puotila

Designated as architecturally significant in the city’s general plan, Puotila’s overall appearance is distinctly 1960s, even though newer apartment buildings emerged near the metro line between 1999 and 2006. Some buildings form cozy enclosed courtyards, an unusual feature in neighborhoods of that era. Architectural credit goes to developers such as the Helsinki Housing Production Department, Haka, and Keskus-Sato. Inside these blocks, you’ll find lawns, playgrounds, and trees – all contributing to a truly homey vibe. The neighborhood’s history is intertwined with the Puotila Manor, from which the area takes its name.

A small village tour

In lush Puotila, the seaside nature is always close by.

Starting from the Vartiokylänlahti Bay, Café Meridian offers traditional food options (think meatballs and salmon soup) along with sweet treats. From the café, it’s just a few hundred meters to Puotila Manor, next to which are community gardens and the Juorumäki forest. Here, you can spot the Raittisilta Bridge leading to Vuosaari, and with just a bit more walking, reach a sandy swimming area.

Across Meripellontie, which runs through Puotila, there’s a large marina, where you can extend your walk along the coast all the way to Herttoniemenranta.

On the opposite end of the area, near Itäväylä, lies Puotila’s own metro station. Opened in 1998 along with Rastila and Vuosaari stations, it offers excellent transport options, and Puotila is conveniently close to Ring Road I as it continues toward Vuosaari.

It all started with the manor

The earliest records of settlement in Puotila date back to the 1200s. A few centuries later, in the mid-1700s, Puotila Manor began as nearby Klavis and Domars estates were annexed to the Rååns estate. The manor's main building, constructed between the late 1700s and early 1800s, has housed several noble families and merchants.

The manor’s original name, Botby gård, is also the Swedish name of the area and the metro station. Previously, Puotinkylä was the Finnish name used for both the manor and all of Vartiokylä.

Historical figures and… disco?

Puotila Manor’s history is colorful and eventful. This former military estate has been home to several notable historical figures, including Carl Olof Cronstedt, the last commander of Viapori Fortress under Swedish rule. In the early 20th century, the manor had its own dock, mainly used by Helsinki residents visiting their summer cottages.

The City of Helsinki gradually acquired the manor’s lands in the early 1900s, and after 1933, the manor served various purposes, including as an elementary school and housing for the evicted.

The current manor consists of three buildings: the main house, the Pehtoori house, and the former grain storehouse, now known as Puotila Chapel, one of Helsinki’s most popular wedding chapels. The Pehtoori house houses Svenkka pub, reportedly Finland’s oldest disco. A restaurant now operates in the main building.

Spooky Halloween fun and traditional Christmas market

Puotila Manor remains the center of local events, attracting visitors from afar.

If you’re in the mood for live music, check out if Kartanorock is returning this summer.

During the Christmas season, the cozy market offers festive treats and gifts.

For families, the Halloween Park in autumn is a must-visit. Halloween fills the manor’s garden with over a thousand lit pumpkins in a harvest-themed celebration. There’s plenty to admire for the whole family, with slides, face painting, and balloons for the little ones – and adults are welcome to join in the face painting fun too.

Local schools, dance, and sports

Puotila no longer has its own shopping center, though it’s not needed: the highly diverse Itis and Easton malls are just a short walk away, and nearby Alepa grocery store serves everyday needs.

Local elementary and middle schools provide education, and the Swedish-speaking community is served by Botby grundskola from preschool through middle school. Next to the Finnish elementary school is Vartiokylä’s Community Center, a popular dance venue in the 1960s. Today, the hall is available for private events.
For sports enthusiasts, Puotila offers coastal trails, artificial turf fields, several parks, and an outdoor gym.

Connect with Puotila-Seura

Puotila-Seura offers a platform for residents to influence local issues and development. The organization communicates residents’ opinions to the City of Helsinki, supports research and publications, and organizes a variety of events ranging from art shows to informative lectures. This active association has been running since 1961.

For the Maritime Enthusiast in East Helsinki

For boaters, Puotila offers two marina options: the Puotila Yacht Club and Vartiokylä’s Shore and Yacht Club. Club members enjoy facilities like meeting rooms, kitchens, barbecue areas, restrooms, and winter storage. Fishing is popular in Puotila’s coastal waters, and there’s plenty for boaters to see along the archipelago toward Porkkala and Porvoo.

Could Puotila have the rental home you’ve been looking for?