Your guide to Helsinki / Day Trips nearby Helsinki
Day trips - nearby Helsinki
Chances are, you will never run out of things to do or see in Helsinki, but its central location makes it the ideal base to visit nearby cities. If you are looking for a few of the best day trips from Helsinki, you will definitely want to check out these entertaining Finland destinations.
1-2 Hours of Travel Time
Go Island Hopping at Suomenlinna, Vallisaari Island and Kuninkaansaari
Finland is also home to many charming islands that can be reached by ferry. If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can also reach one of the islands by a private water bus. The ferry leaves from the Market Square (Kauppatori) and is just a short ride to nearby islands like Suomenlinna and Vallisaari. You will immediately recognize Suomenlinna from the large fortress that sits on the center of the island.
Find Peace at Pihlajasaari
Pihlajasaari is another one of Finland's islands that is worth exploring. A water bus runs during the summer months and leaves from Merisatama or Ruoholahti. On the island, you can expect warm, sandy beaches, boat harbors and a lot of open land for outdoor entertainment. You can also participate in a traditional Finland sauna experience at the Pihlajasaaren Sauna.
- Merisatama: Merisatamanranta 10
- Ruoholahti: Kellosaarenranta 1
- Pihlajasaaren Sauna: 00150 Helsinki
Explore Old Town in Porvoo
The history of Porvoo dates back to medieval times during the 14th Century. Complete with historic houses and cobblestone streets, a visit to the Old Town of Porvoo will allow you to see an entirely different side of Finland. Go exploring and visit important historical structures like the Porvoo Cathedralor the lighthouse.
- Porvoo Cathedral: Kirkkotori 1, 06100
Unwind at Sipoonkorpi National Park
If you need a break during your busy Helsinki travels, the Sipoonkorpi National Park is the place to unwind. Within the park, there are two nature trails that will lead you on hiking paths throughout the park. You can enjoy activities like fishing, hiking and biking, all surrounded by the beauty and peace of the local nature. During the winter months, many Sipoonkorpi National Park visitors enjoy hitting the ski slopes.
- Sipoonkorpi National Park: Länsitie 305, 04130
Live Like Royalty in Hämeenlinna
Hämeenlinna, also known as Finland's oldest inland city, is best known as being the location of the famous Häme Castle. This medieval, chateau castle has five turrets, its own moat and architecture that dates back over 700 years. If you are looking to capture unique photographs during your trip to Helsinki, this is the place to visit.
- Häme Castle: 2F35+FP Ojoisten kartano, Hämeenlinna
2-3 Hours of Travel Time
Cross State Lines into St. Petersburg, Russia
In just a little over three hours by train, you can leave Finland and enter into St. Petersburg, Russia. You don't need a visa if you plan on staying for just a few hours or days. St. Petersburg sits right on the Baltic Sea and offers an abundance of cultural entertainment. Make sure you capture an image of the cities' famous Bronze Horseman Statute or visit the Mariinsky Theatre for an opera show.
- Bronze Horseman Statute: Senate Square, Senatskaya ploshchad' St-Petersburg
- MariinskyTheatre: Theatre Square, 1, St Petersburg, Russia
Go Sight Seeing in Tampere
Tampere is just a little over two hours from Helsinki and is perfect for a day spent sightseeing. The Moomin Museum is the world's only Moomin museum and is a unique attraction worth checking out. The Näsinneula Observation Tower will offer you breathtaking views of the Lake Näsijärvi below.
- Moomin Museum: Yliopistonkatu 55, 33100 Tampere
- Näsinneula Observation Tower: Laiturikatu 1, 33230 Tampere
Capture Photographs in Pori
If you are looking for a vibrant city full of photography opportunities, then you will want to check out Pori. Villa Mairea is known for its unique modernist architecture and the Kirjurinluoto Park runs along the river, where you can often catch live musical performances.
- Villa Mairea: Pikkukoivukuja 20, 29600 Noormarkku
- Kirjurinluoto Park: Kirjurinluoto, Pori
Educate Yourself in Turku
Expand your travels and learn more about the medieval times of Finland at the Turku Castle. Turku is also family-friendly and children will enjoy the themed rides at the Moomin World Amusement Park. The Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum will educate you on Turku's history. The Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art Museum will take you back to the contemporary art movement of the 1960s.
- Turku Castle: Linnankatu 80, 20100 Turku
- Moomin World Amusement Park: Kailo, 21100 Naantali
- Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum: Vartiovuorenkatu 2, 20101 Turku
- WäinöAaltonen Museum of Art Museum: Itäinen Rantakatu 38, 20101 Turku
Wherever your travels take you, make sure you choose a central hotel in Helsinki that is accommodating and comfortable.
Helsinki day trips are full of entertainment and adventure. Whether you choose just one of the places near Helsinki or you visit more than one, you will find that you have a lot of areas to explore within a few hours of Helsinki.