After soaking in the diverse things to do in Helsinki, from marveling at its Art Nouveau architecture to exploring its verdant parks and waterfronts, day trips from Helsinki open up a world of Finnish landscapes and historical sites just a short journey away. These excursions invite you to discover the serene beauty of the Finnish countryside, the charm of small towns, and the rich history of the surrounding areas.
Venturing beyond Helsinki, you’re introduced to the wider array of things to do in Finland, including the tranquil Lakeland, the rugged coasts of the Archipelago Sea, and the historic castles and manors dotting the landscape. Each destination offers insights into Finland’s deep connection with nature and its layered history.
Selecting where to stay in Helsinki can greatly influence your travel experience, offering convenience for city exploration and easy access for day trips. A strategic location allows you to seamlessly blend urban adventures in Helsinki with the natural and historical explorations that lie beyond the city’s borders.
Discover Best Day Trips from Helsinki, Finland
1. Porvoo, Finland
Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest town, is renowned for its charming old town with cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses. The Porvoo Cathedral and riverside cafes are highlights of this picturesque town.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: About 50 minutes to 1 hour by bus or car
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Charming old town with cobblestone streets, colorful wooden houses, Porvoo Cathedral, riverside cafes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Porvoo Cathedral: Free
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Old Town, Porvoo River, Cathedral Hill
Travel Tip: Explore the small boutiques and art galleries in the Old Town for unique Finnish crafts and souvenirs.
2. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, offers a mix of medieval and modern, with its well-preserved Old Town, lively cultural scene, and vibrant cafes and shops. The journey across the Gulf of Finland makes for an interesting contrast to Helsinki.
Distance: Approximately 80 km across the Gulf of Finland
Travel Time: About 2 hours by ferry
Transportation: Ferry
Main Attractions: Medieval Old Town, UNESCO World Heritage site, vibrant cultural scene, local Estonian cuisine
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Tallinn Old Town: Free
Budget: Approximately €50-€100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Tallinn Old Town, Town Hall Square, Toompea Hill
Travel Tip: Spend time in Tallinn’s Old Town and try local Estonian cuisine.
3. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Finland
The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, spread across several islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history. It’s a great spot for picnics, museum visits, and scenic walks along the fortress walls.
Distance: Approximately 4 km (ferry ride)
Travel Time: About 15-20 minutes by ferry
Transportation: Ferry
Main Attractions: UNESCO World Heritage site, historic fortress, museums, scenic walks along fortress walls
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Suomenlinna Museum: €8
- Guided Tour: €10
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Fortress Walls, King’s Gate, Suomenlinna Island Views
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes as there’s a lot of ground to cover, and check the ferry schedule in advance, especially during winter months.
4. Nuuksio National Park, Finland
Nuuksio National Park offers a perfect nature escape with its dense forests, lakes, and wildlife, ideal for hiking, bird-watching, and relaxation. Activities like canoeing and Finnish sauna experiences are also popular here.
Distance: Approximately 35 km
Travel Time: About 45 minutes by car or public transport
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Dense forests, lakes, wildlife, hiking, bird-watching, Finnish sauna experiences
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Haltia Nature Centre: €12
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Haltia Nature Centre, Hawk Cliff, Lake Haukkalampi
Travel Tip: Visit the Haltia Nature Centre to learn more about Finnish nature and the best hiking routes in the park.
5. Turku, Finland
Turku, Finland’s oldest city and former capital, is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and the Turku Castle. The city also has a picturesque riverfront with lively restaurants and cafes.
Distance: Approximately 170 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Finland’s oldest city, Turku Castle, vibrant cultural scene, riverfront with lively restaurants and cafes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Turku Castle: €12
- Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum: €10
Budget: Approximately €40-€80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Turku Castle, Aura River, Turku Archipelago
Travel Tip: Explore the Turku Archipelago if you have extra time – it’s a stunning and unique maritime landscape.
6. Hanko, Finland
Hanko, a seaside town at the southern tip of Finland, is famous for its beautiful beaches, wooden villas, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a popular summer destination, offering water sports, bird watching, and nature trails.
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Beautiful beaches, wooden villas, relaxed seaside atmosphere, water sports, bird watching
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Entrance Fees:
- Hanko Water Tower: €3
Budget: Approximately €30-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Hanko Beaches, Hanko Water Tower, Eastern Harbour
Travel Tip: Visit the Hanko Water Tower for panoramic views of the town and sea.
7. Loviisa, Finland
Loviisa, known for its charming wooden town center, 18th-century fortifications, and quaint seaside atmosphere, is a peaceful retreat. The town also hosts various cultural events and festivals, particularly in the summer.
Distance: Approximately 90 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Charming wooden town center, 18th-century fortifications, quaint seaside atmosphere, cultural events
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Loviisa Fortress: Free
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Loviisa Wooden Town, Loviisa Fortress, Seaside Views
Travel Tip: Try to visit during the Loviisa Historic Houses event, when private gardens and homes are open to the public.
8. Lahti, Finland
Lahti, known for its winter sports facilities, including large ski jumps, is also home to the Sibelius Hall and a vibrant musical scene. The city’s proximity to lakes and forests makes it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes by train or car
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Winter sports facilities, Sibelius Hall, vibrant musical scene, lakes and forests nearby
Best Time to Visit: Winter
Entrance Fees:
- Lahti Ski Museum: €8
Budget: Approximately €30-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lahti Ski Jumps, Lake Vesijärvi, Sibelius Hall
Travel Tip: Visit the Lahti Ski Museum to learn about the history of skiing and even try a ski jump simulator.
Plan Your Perfect Day Trip with Our Trusted Travel Partners
🚗 Find the Best Car Rental Deals with Rentalcars.com and GetRentacar.com
🏨 Discover the Best Accommodations with Booking.com
🌟 Discover Amazing Experiences with GetYourGuide.com and Tiqets.com
📶 Stay Connected with Airalo.com
FAQ About Best Day Trips from Helsinki, Finland
What are the best day trips from Helsinki?
Top day trips from Helsinki include visiting the historic city of Porvoo, exploring the Nuuksio National Park, taking a ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, and experiencing the charming old town of Tallinn in Estonia.
Is Porvoo worth visiting from Helsinki?
Definitely! Porvoo is known for its well-preserved wooden houses and medieval streets. It’s a great place to experience Finnish history and culture, just a short drive from Helsinki.
Can I visit a national park near Helsinki?
Yes, Nuuksio National Park is a popular choice. It offers beautiful Finnish nature with forests and lakes, perfect for hiking, bird watching, and relaxing in nature.
How do I get to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress?
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is accessible by a short ferry ride from Helsinki. The fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering rich history, scenic walks, and panoramic views.
Is a day trip to Tallinn feasible?
Yes, a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia, is quite feasible thanks to frequent ferry services. Tallinn’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
Are there guided tours available for day trips around Helsinki?
There are many guided tours available for day trips around Helsinki, covering historical sites, nature trails, and cultural experiences, providing a deeper understanding of Finnish culture and history.
Can I experience Finnish sauna culture on a day trip?
Certainly! There are several traditional Finnish saunas near Helsinki that you can visit. Experiencing a Finnish sauna is a must-do for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in local customs.
What are some unique winter activities for a day trip from Helsinki?
In winter, you can enjoy activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, and visiting winter markets. Trips to nearby areas for a chance to see the Northern Lights are also popular.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/helsinki-l13?activity_type=dayTrip
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.
