Helsinki makes an easy base for day trips. Porvoo, 50 km east, is a small, pastel-painted wooden town — Finland's second-oldest. Espoo on the western edge of the metro area holds Nuuksio National Park. Hämeenlinna, an hour north by train, has a medieval castle and was Sibelius's birthplace. Turku, two hours west, is the old capital and the gateway to the Archipelago Sea.
Destinations
Day Trips from Helsinki
01
Porvoo
Finland's second-oldest city, known for its medieval old town and red riverside warehouses.
02
Espoo
Finnish city beside Helsinki, arranged around distinct district centres rather than one traditional core
03
Hameenlinna
Finnish inland town on Lake Vanajavesi, built around Häme Castle and Jean Sibelius's childhood home.
04
Turku
Finland's oldest city, set on the Aura River with a medieval castle and cathedral.