On May 3, 2025, I joined the locals in celebrating one of Helsinki’s most charming spring traditions: the annual grazing season at Viikki. It is the day when the gates are opened and the cows are released onto their summer pastures, officially marking the start of spring. The event takes place at the Viikki campus of the University of Helsinki, and it is not just about cows. There is a full family-friendly program, fun activities for kids, and opportunities to learn more about the campus’s agricultural life.

The whole area had a festive atmosphere. There was a Valio milk truck parked near a large transport truck that children seemed to admire. They could also climb into a mini tractor, try their hand at milking toy cows, or make little cow crafts using wooden faucets. It was the kind of hands-on fun that made even adults smile.

According to the website, the cows were scheduled to be released at approximately 11:15 in the morning. I arrived at 10:30 AM, a little early. Maybe I was being overly eager, but last year I showed up just 15 minutes before the main event and there was already no space left. And since I am relatively short, it was difficult to see anything. So this year, I decided it was worth arriving early and standing a bit longer to secure a good view.

As it turned out (if my memory serves me right), the gate opened closer to 11:30 AM. And then, in a rush of excitement, the cows ran out across the green grass. It was such a beautiful sight. Watching them charge out into the pasture felt like witnessing a little moment of freedom, especially from the cows’ point of view.

There were also treats. Valio handed out free milk, and this year I got the mint chocolate flavor, called minttukaakaojuoma. I admit I was a bit unsure about it at first. Minty milk sounds odd, right? But once I tasted it, I changed my mind. It was actually good. Sweet, with a mild chocolate flavor and a fresh minty twist. It is not the kind of thing I would want every day, but maybe once in a while, it would make a fun little treat.

Lunch at Cool Head

After the cows had made their grand entrance, I wandered off for lunch just a short walk from the event grounds. I ended up at Cool Head, one of Viikki’s most well-loved spots for craft beer and pizza. If you’re ever wondering where to eat near Viikki after the Grazing Festival, this is the place.

At first, I had my eyes on the Shrooms pizza, since I usually go for anything with white cheese sauce. But then I noticed a sign by the entrance featuring their pizza of the day: Moo Let the Cows Out. It felt like the perfect follow-up to the morning’s excitement. The pizza came with white sauce, mozzarella, pecorino, provolone, blue cheese, honey, and chili. Rich, savory, with just the right touch of sweet and heat. It wasn’t just on-theme, it was genuinely unforgettable. The dough was as good as any top-tier pizza, but the blend of cheeses with honey and chili flakes made it a standout. I’ll definitely be ordering it again if it ever returns to the menu.

If you are in Helsinki in early May, this is definitely an event worth experiencing. It is especially wonderful for families with young children, but even if you are just a curious adult looking for a quirky and joyful way to welcome spring (like me!), Viikki’s grazing season is full of heartwarming fun and great scenery too!