5 amazing day trips from Helsinki you can’t miss
So you already saw Helsinki and now thinking: “what else is there?”
Helsinki is a great starting point to explore the rest of Finland and it has so many amazing day trip options for you. Especially if you’re planning to stay a bit longer, I highly recommend checking out these day trip destinations close to Finland’s capital.
The best part? They’re all super easy to reach with public transport!
As a local, these are some of my favorite spots to visit, so I’ll break down each one for you and give you all the tips you need to start planning your itinerary.
Suomenlinna
A couple of summers ago, I visited Suomenlinna, and honestly, it completely stole my heart. I had forgotten how beautiful it was, the last time I visited, I was so young that I hardly even remembered it. Walking onto the island felt like stepping back in time, with cobblestone streets, old military buildings, and hidden tunnels, all surrounded by stunning coastal views. I could’ve stayed there all day just wandering and soaking it all in!
Why you should visit:
- History everywhere: Explore the fortress’s tunnels, barracks, and old military buildings — every corner tells a story.
- Scenic walks: Trails along the coastline offer some of the best views of the Baltic Sea, perfect for strolling or photography.
- Cozy cafés & restaurants: Take a coffee break at a small café or try a light lunch while enjoying seaside views.
- Island vibes: It’s peaceful, even in summer, and you’ll feel miles away from the city in just 15 minutes by ferry.
What to do:
- Walk through the King’s Gate, one of the most iconic spots on the island, an absolute must for photos.
- Visit the Suomenlinna Museum to dive into the island’s fascinating history.
- Military museum & tunnels: For history buffs, check out the Ehrensvärd Museum and underground tunnels.
- Check out the Submarine Vesikko: One of my favorite quirky spots on the island is the Submarine Vesikko, a real WWII-era submarine you can actually explore! Walking through the narrow corridors gives you a peek into life at sea during wartime. It’s small, a bit cramped (so maybe not for everyone), but super interesting if you love history or just want something a bit different from the usual fortress walks.
- Art & culture: The island hosts occasional exhibitions, performances, and art spaces, check ahead for seasonal events.
- Picnic with a view: Bring your own snacks or grab something from a café and enjoy it by the water.
- Hidden corners: Wander off the main paths. Some smaller tunnels, parks, and coastal spots are less crowded but equally stunning.
- Sunset vibes: If you stay later in the evening, the sunsets over the sea are magical, especially in summer when the days are long.
Tips for visiting:
- Best season: Summer is perfect. Long days, buzzing vibes, and blooming flowers everywhere. But spring and early autumn are peaceful and quiet if you want to escape the crowds.
- Ferries: Take the ferry from Helsinki Market Square (Kauppatori) — only 15 minutes and the views of the city from the water are amazing.
- Cost: Exploring the island is free! You just pay for the ferry, around 2–5€.
Extra insider tips:
- Go early in the morning if you want to enjoy a quieter stroll.
- Don’t just stick to the main paths; some smaller corners and tunnels are less crowded and so beautiful.
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, a light jacket for sea breezes, and a camera!
- Timing: Weekdays are quieter; early mornings are best if you want a peaceful experience.
Distance from Helsinki: About 4 km — super easy for a half-day or full-day trip.
Porvoo
Porvoo has become my absolute go-to spot in the summer, I just can’t resist visiting every year. The colorful streets, riverside views, and cozy cafés make it impossible not to fall in love with this town.
Why visit:
- Historic charm: Porvoo is Finland’s second-oldest town, full of quaint streets, old wooden houses, and a beautiful riverside.
- Artistic vibe: The town has lots of small galleries, artisan shops, and local handicrafts. Perfect if you love unique souvenirs or just wandering and soaking in local creativity.
- Cafés & local treats: There are so many cozy cafés, bakeries, and restaurants. Don’t miss trying Runeberg torte, a local pastry named after the Finnish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg.
What to do:
- Wander through Porvoo Old Town and admire the colorful wooden houses along the river.
- Visit the Porvoo Cathedral, a beautiful historic church dating back to the 15th century.
- Explore local artisan shops and galleries, from handmade ceramics to Finnish design pieces.
- Riverside strolls: Walk along the riverbanks and take in the reflections of the old houses. Perfect for photos or just a slow, peaceful walk.
- Café hopping: Stop for a coffee and pastry in one of the old town’s many cafés. My favorite was a little spot tucked into a side street, perfect for people-watching.
- Seasonal tip: In summer, the town buzzes with outdoor markets and small festivals. Autumn brings beautiful fall colors to the streets and river.
Tips for visiting:
- Best season to visit: Summer and early autumn are magical, but spring also has its charm with flowers in bloom.
- Cost: A bus ride costs around 7–10€.
- Walking shoes: Cobblestone streets are gorgeous but can be uneven, so wear comfy shoes.
- Plan for a few hours: You can see the highlights in half a day, but a full day allows you to wander, eat, and really soak up the vibe.
Extra insider tips:
- Head to the river early in the morning for quiet, dreamy photos without crowds.
- Don’t just stick to the main street, the small side streets hide charming houses, small galleries, and quiet cafés.
- If you’re visiting in winter, the town looks like a little snow globe, but streets can be slippery, wear warm shoes!
Distance from Helsinki: Porvoo is about 50 km from Helsinki, roughly an hour by car or bus.
Fiskars Village
Fiskars is a charming historic village known for its design heritage and artisanal craftsmanship. I actually visited this little town for the first time last year, and it was honestly so cute, like stepping into a slower, more magical version of Finland.
Why visit:
- It’s the birthplace of the iconic Fiskars brand (yep, the orange-handled scissors!).
- A peaceful countryside escape filled with art galleries, workshops, and nature trails.
- A foodie heaven: breweries, bakeries, and organic cafés all around.
What to do:
- Visit the Fiskars Village Art & Design Biennale (if your trip lines up, it’s so worth it).
- Stroll through artisan shops and studios, you’ll find everything from ceramics to textiles to jewelry.
- Say hi to the alpacas! Fiskars has a little alpaca farm where you can meet (and even feed) them. It’s honestly such a wholesome experience.
- Walk the nature trails around the village. It’s so peaceful that it almost feels like time slows down.
Tips for visiting:
- Best season to visit: Fiskars shines in summer when everything is green and lively, but don’t overlook winter. The cozy Christmas market here looks straight out of a fairytale.
- How to get there: From Helsinki, take a train to Karjaa and then hop on a bus to Fiskars. The whole journey is about 1.5–2 hours, and it’s super straightforward.
- Cost: Train + bus ticket costs around 15–20€.
Distance from Helsinki: 90 km
Tammisaari
Tammisaari (Ekenäs) is a picturesque coastal town with colorful wooden houses, narrow streets, and a laid-back seaside vibe. It’s one of those places where time slows down, and I honestly couldn’t stop taking photos the first time I wandered around here.
Why visit:
- Beautiful old wooden town center with pastel houses.
- Seaside promenades and little harbors perfect for a summer stroll.
- Local cafés where you have to stop for coffee and pastries.
- Easy access to nature: it’s right next to the Ekenäs Archipelago National Park.
What to do:
- Wander through the Old Town and soak in the charming wooden architecture.
- Walk along the harbor and enjoy the sea views (grab an ice cream, of course 🍦).
- Take a boat trip or rent a kayak into the archipelago.
- Visit the Ekenäs Museum Center EKTA if you’re into history and culture.
- Stop by a seaside restaurant for the freshest local fish dishes.
Tips for visiting:
- Best season to visit: Summer is best for the seaside vibes and archipelago trips, but autumn here is gorgeous too, quiet streets, cozy cafés, and the sea in autumn colors.
- How to get there: Train from Helsinki to Karjaa, then change for Tammisaari. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
- Cost: Train + bus ticket costs around 15–20€.
Distance from Helsinki: 100 km
Turku
Turku is Finland’s oldest city and former capital, a lively riverside city full of history, cozy cafés, cultural spots, and that laid-back southwestern vibe. For me, it’s more than just a destination, it’s home.
Why visit:
- Aura River: the heart of the city, lined with restaurants, cafés, and old boats turned into bars.
- Turku Castle: a medieval castle that looks like something straight out of a history book.
- Turku Cathedral: one of Finland’s most important landmarks.
- Amazing cafés and food culture (this city is big on local, trendy restaurants).
- Gateway to the Turku Archipelago, with thousands of islands waiting to be explored.
What to do:
- Walk along the Aura River: this is where the city comes alive.
- Visit Turku Castle and learn about medieval Finland.
- Explore the Market Hall (kauppahalli) for Finnish treats.
- Enjoy the café culture, my personal fave thing to do in Turku 🙌
- Hop on a ferry and explore the nearby archipelago islands for a day.
Tips for visiting:
- Best season to visit: Turku is beautiful in every season, but my personal opinion is that summer here is absolute magical with river festivals and outdoor terraces.
- How to get there: Train or bus from Helsinki takes about 2 hours.
- Cost: Train tickets cost around 10–30€, depending on the time and class.
- City by bike: Turku is super bike-friendly so renting a bike is a great way to explore the riverside, parks, and even nearby archipelago islands.
Distance from Helsinki: 165 km
Have you visited any of these places? Let me know in the comments! 😊
These five amazing day trips from Helsinki offer a mix of history, nature, and culture, all easily accessible by public transport. Whether you’re craving a coastal fortress, a medieval town, or a design haven, there’s something for every traveler.
Keep planning your Finland trip:
- Your ultimate summer guide to Turku
- Ultimate summer bucket list for Finland
- 15 must try traditional summer foods in Finland
