Top 5 day trips from Helsinki
28.03.2025
Photo (c) Visit Porvoo
Enjoy your vacation in Helsinki to the fullest! Spare a day or two for some authentic day trips outside Helsinki. A rental car is an easy and safe way to experience Finland at its most authentic, away from the masses. In our blog, we listed some gems that are easy to visit in a day. Which one do you favor?
1. Charm of Old Porvoo
Porvoo is the second oldest city of Finland, its roots dating as far as to the 13th century. Nowadays many locals and tourists alike head to the Old Town. Its charming wooden houses, small boutique shops and top-class restaurants and cafés are a must-see at any time of the year. Porvoo is located only half an hour drive from Helsinki. We recommend following the signs to Old Porvoo parking area which is very close to the pedestrian Old Town. https://www.visitporvoo.fi/en/
Looking for something special? If you want to feel the sea breeze in your hair, head to Pellinki. Located only 50 km east of Helsinki or 22 km from Porvoo City, this small archipelago is easy to reach by ferry that traffics to a regular schedule. In summertime, the archipelago is proud to host over 120 events like farmers’ markets, Midsummer festivals, music festivals, boat races and a special week to visit Klovharun Island and cottage where Tove Jansson, the world-famous creator of Moomin family, would work. Basic services are available throughout the year. https://visitpellinge.fi/en/
2. Getting historical in Hämeenlinna
Finland’s oldest inland city, founded in 1639, Hämeenlinna is located one hour drive north from Helsinki. Yet, the area has been in favor of ancient Finns way longer, as proven by the medieval Häme Castle and many archeological findings around it. Besides the Castle, both young and elder enjoy visiting the War History Museum (Museum Militaria) and Prison Museum next to it. https://visithame.fi/en/hameenlinna/
Looking for something special? Continue only 10 km north of Hämeenlinna and visit Parola Armour Museum. The museum is a specialized military historical museum which hosts approximately 70 armoured vehicles, 40 anti-tank weapons and an armoured train. https://www.panssarimuseo.fi/en/
3. Best of Finnish nature at Pulkkilanharju
When you want to experience the Finnish lakeland and natural peace at its most beautiful, drive two hours north from Helsinki to Päijänne National Park and Pulkkilanharju ridge. The ridge, being a relic from Ice Age, is so narrow that you can admire its shimmering blue waters glittering through forest both sides of the road. For a closer touch, hike the 2-kilometre nature trail and stop at a summer restaurant for some local delicacies. https://visitlahti.fi/en/frontpage/lakeland/paijanne/
Looking for something special? If you’d rather experience Päijänne National Park on the waves, book your ticket for a cruise on Late Päijänne. https://kulkeevettenhalki.fi/en/
4. Deeper regions of the Earth at Tytyri Mine
Instead of being one of the best attractions on Earth, Tytyri Mine Experience in Lohja, 50 min drive from Helsinki, takes you under the surface. The Tytyri Mine Experience brings you deep beneath the surface to the land of miners, where darkness and light combine to create experiences that you’ll encounter nowhere else. During your visit, you can explore the geological and mining history exhibition, changing art exhibitions, and a themed cave designed for families at your own pace. There are also many themed events to delight the whole family. https://www.tytyri.fi/en-FI
Looking for something special? For some family fun on the surface, head to Kisakallio Sports Institute close to Tytyri Mine. Rent a mountain bike, a SUP board or a padel court and challenge your travel mates! https://www.kisakallio.fi/en/leisure-and-outdoors-activities/sports-rental-gear-and-courts-for-rent.html
5. Länsi-Uudenmaan hurmaavat ruukkikylät
West of Helsinki, there’s a group of old ironworks villages calling for you. In the 18th century, these villages were bustling drivers of early industry, but nowadays they are charming and relaxing centers of craftmanship, arts and antiquities. Pay a visit to Billnäs and Fiskars villages about an hour’s drive west from Helsinki and admire their relaxing atmosphere and charming old houses. During the first weekend of July, they host an Antiquity Market that draws many visitors in search of good find. https://www.visitraseborg.com/en/see-and-experience/castles-villages/billnas-village/ and https://fiskarsvillage.fi/en/
Looking for something special? For village lovers, there is more to come. Also boasting with a significant ironworks history, villages of Mathildedal, Teijo and Kirjakkala lay closer to the sea, about 2-hour drive from Helsinki. They, too, have lots of great sceneries, experiences and boutique shops to offers. There is even a national park with great hiking possibilities nearby. https://visitsalo.fi/en/the-ironworks-villages-of-teijo-and-kirjakkala/ and https://visitmathildedal.fi/en/
I hope we managed to catch your attention with these day trip hints collected amongst the favorites of the team of Avis Finland. If you are looking for a rental car to take you to some of these magnificent places, please visit our website at www.avis.fi. We'll be happy to help you.
Photos (c): Visit Porvoo, Avis Finland and Shutterstock
