Helsinki has introduced two new tram routes, 11 and 12, connecting the city centre with Laajasalo, its largest island, through the newly completed Crown Bridges. The services began operations on November 7, 2026, offering residents and visitors improved access to the Finnish capital’s maritime landscape and archipelago.The new connection reduces the distance between Kruunuvuorenranta and central Helsinki from approximately 11 kilometres to 5.5 kilometres, cutting travel time to around 20 minutes. The tram journey also offers panoramic views of the Baltic Sea, surrounding islands, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Helsinki’s eastern coastline. The Crown Bridges project comprises three bridges spanning approximately 1,931 metres. Its longest structure, Kruunuvuorensilta, measures 1,191 metres, making it Finland’s longest bridge. Its diamond-shaped pylon rises 135 metres above sea level.Construction began in 2021, while the Kruunuvuorensilta Bridge opened to pedestrians and cyclists in April 2026. The latest development completes another phase of the connectivity project, with the new tram services extending access across the waterfront. Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov said the new routes would bring the city centre closer to Laajasalo and Kruunuvuorenranta while creating opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the city’s maritime landscape. Laajasalo’s population is expected to double by 2040, making improved public transport connectivity an important part of the area’s development. The island offers coastal landscapes, natural areas and recreational attractions, including Laajasalo Beach, Furuvik Sea Sauna and Majamaja seaside cabins. The bridges also improve connections to Korkeasaari, home to Helsinki Zoo, and Mustikkamaa, a recreational island known for its beach, outdoor gym and Sompasauna public sauna. The routes strengthen links between Laajasalo, Korkeasaari, Mustikkamaa and central neighbourhoods such as Kalasatama and Merihaka. Helsinki has 327 islands within its municipal boundaries, making its archipelago a defining feature of the city’s landscape and tourism offering. The Crown Bridges have been designed exclusively for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists, excluding regular car traffic. The project reflects Helsinki’s approach to people-centred urban planning, prioritising sustainable mobility and access to waterfront spaces.The new tram connections also serve the waterfront neighbourhoods of Kalasatama and Kruunuvuorenranta, where urban development has prioritised public transport, cycling infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly public spaces.
