With more than 1,000 dogs in attendance, Finland’s capital, Helsinki, launched what is believed to be the world’s first sightseeing route designed especially for man’s best friend earlier this month. The “Doggy Route to Happiness” featured a canine-sized stick-built tribute to the world-famous Sibelius Monument, “a pup-up” dog café, a dedicated dog island, and even special advertising aimed at four-legged viewers.
The launch of the route coincided with the World Dog Show 2025 in Helsinki and throughout the weekend, more than a thousand dogs eagerly queued with their owners to experience the route, and hundreds stopped at the dog photography spot to have their portraits taken.
The “Stickelius Monument” quickly became a highlight of the sightseeing route, drawing admiring glances from passers-by and generating enthusiastic coverage from both the public and the media. Some onlookers even expressed a wish for it to become a permanent fixture in Helsinki, calling it a respectful and creative tribute to the original Sibelius Monument.
The route also included a refreshing stop at Café Dogatta, “a pup-up” café located next to the popular seaside Café Regatta, one of Helsinki’s most cherished visitor spots. The crown jewel of the sightseeing tour and canine happiness in Helsinki is Rajasaari Island – a one-of-a-kind, dog-only island located right in the city’s maritime heart. Open 24/7 and accessible on foot, it offers forests to roam, beaches to run along, and waters to swim in.
Dogatta and Rajasaari, some of the route’s highlights will remain in Helsinki permanently.
In Finland, a country of 5.6 million people and around 800,000 dogs, pets are cherished family members. Helsinki is home to an estimated 40,000 dogs. In fact, Finland has the highest number of dogs per person in the world.
Known for its seaside beauty, abundant nature, vibrant urban culture, active lifestyle, and inclusiveness, Helsinki also offers over 90 dedicated dog parks, several dog beaches, and even a 50-hectare forest just for dogs. Dogs and their owners can also enjoy access to multiple dog training fields throughout the city.
Dogs are also warmly welcomed in most shops, cafés, and restaurants with some even serving special menu items for dogs. Dogs are part of the city’s culture even in libraries, where special “library dogs” are present for children to read to. Dogs also ride free of charge on all forms of public transport.
“Pets boost happiness. This time, 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. We are delighted to see so many people and dogs experiencing familiar landmarks from a dog’s perspective,” says Soila Lehkonen, the Head of Brand & PR in Helsinki Partners, responsible for the city’s international marketing.
If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning. It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.