A vibrant city of sea-sides, exotic islands, and lush greenery is how you define the capital city of beautiful Finland, Helsinki. The laid back rhythm, yet the refreshing vibes of the city make it one of the most admirable destinations in the world today.
There is so much that the city offers to its residents and tourists as well. It is a compact city, and its smart designing and architecture make it easy to explore on foot. This gorgeous city is lined with dense forests, mesmerizing lakes, and offers exquisite natural sights that can captivate the hearts and minds of the people forever.
Heading to the enchanting city for your vacation? Make sure you make the most of it by choosing any of these super-fun and exciting day trips around the gorgeous Helsinki.
Porvoo – The Perfect Historical Trip
When in Helsinki, you have a chance to explore the country’s history. Just 50km from this magical city, you can find Porvoo. It is the second oldest city of the country that has been in existence since the 14th century.
You have plenty of options to reach the Porvoo from Helsinki. Take the steam train, river, cruise, or a coach, and you will reach the location in no time. No matter which conveyance option you choose, you will be able to enjoy it to the fullest. You do not have to be specific with the days as the river cruise, steam trains, and coaches run daily.
The wooden red ochre buildings surrounded by the rustic countryside will just steal your heart away in a single glance. You can spend your entire day here as it’s such a beautiful place to be. You can hike up to the Castle Hill, where a medieval Swedish Castle once existed. The entire hike is full of heavenly views. You can even pay a visit to the Porvoonjoki River, which is an epitome of classic natural beauty.
Turku/Åbo – The Oldest of them All
What makes Turku an amazing place to visit is that it is Finland’s oldest city and was the former capital of the beautiful country. If you are willing to take in the history of the country, then Turku is an amazing place to choose. It is one of the best options for day trips in Helsinki as the city is just two hours away.
The shops along the riverfront, boasting the views to-die-for and the cathedral are the must-visit locations of the city. The museums are a fantastic option to visit for people who are in love with history, and the central library is worth visiting once.
The sea-side resort of Naantali is exceptionally wonderful, and it’s very close to the city. Other attractions that you would not want to miss include the Archipelago National Park and the Moominworld theme park.
You can reach Turku by bus and even by train. Within two hours you will reach the amazing city, and you can rent a bicycle for the exploration as it is the best way to absorb the beauty of the city.
Tallinn, Estonia – Unique Set of Attractions
Estonia is another country that you can reach from Helsinki in just 90 minutes. Tallinn in Estonia is closer to Helsinki then Turku. If you are in Helsinki, you may as well travel for 90 minutes and reach an entirely different country that has a unique charm of its own.
Cheap cruises leave for Tallinn after short intervals from Helsinki. If you feel like ticking another city from your list while in Helsinki, heading to Tallinn is the perfect option for you. Even though the city went through a dark history in 1941 from the Nazi occupation, it has recovered from it and become one of the most famous tourist destinations in its region.
The city is home to a UNESCO heritage site and offers plenty of attractions to the visitors. The outdoor cafes at the Town Hall Square and the exquisitely designed churches and cathedrals are a must-visit.
If you are in Helsinki in March, make sure you pay a visit to Tallinn and experience its world-famous Music week. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tampere – the Sauna Town
When in Helsinki, not visiting Tampere is a major miss. Tampere is a self-proclaimed sauna capital of the world. The area is lined with saunas, and there is one for everyone. The oldest sauna of Tampere is the Rajaportin. Visiting the area will help you understand that Finns are one of the happiest people you will find in the world.
The symbolists’ murals in the cathedrals of Tampere by Hugo Simberg are an exceptional sight to see. Another place that you must visit in Tampere is the Moomin Museum. You can take the commuter train to reach this sauna-city which is just thirty minutes away from Helsinki!
Helsinki itself is one of the gorgeous places in Finland. If you are visiting this dreamy city, make sure that you take any of all of these day trips to make the most of your visit. You will not regret choosing this city as your vacation destination for even a moment.