Guide to Day trips from Helsinki
Table of Contents
Strömforsin Ruukki
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 105 km / 1.20 hrs by car
What to do: Explore the village, see the old ironworks museum, browse boutiques. Eat at the Bed&Bistro or the Old Mill. Read more about the area here!
When to go: Summer has the most options and longest hours. But it is beautiful in any season.
Fiskars
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 88 km / 1.13 hrs by car
What to do: Walk by the picturesque river, enjoy a meal and coffee in one of the idyllic restaurants, enjoy a beer at the brewery. See overnight options here. See my winter blog post here!
When to go: I loved our winter visit, it was magical! But it’s super popular during summertime too.
Mathildedal
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 142 km / 1.45 hrs by car
What to do: Explore the ironworks village and shop in the local boutiques. Meet the alpacas and enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants. If you feel like nature, you can go for a hike or paddling in Teijo National park next to the village. Read my blog post for all the details!
When to go: It’s the most gorgeous little summer village and has the most to offer then.
Loviisa
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 89 km / 1.11 hrs by car
What to do: Walk by the seaside, browse the little shops in the old warehouses and have a drink on one of the terraces in the Laivasilta area. You can combine Loviisa and Langinkoski, Malmgård or Kotka on your day trips from Helsinki. Read more about the area here!
When to go: It has a lot of charm in the warmer months!
Langinkoski
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 128 km / 1.31 hrs by car
What to do: The old fishing lodge from the Russian times is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Walk through the house that’s both elegant and rustic and like time travel. Just sitting by the wild waters of the rapids is lovely. Read more about the area here!
When to go: Open seasonally, usually from May to September. Check the website before you go.
Malmgård Manor & Brewery
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 71 km / 1.04 hrs by car
What to do: The old Malmgård Manor is a stunning house even to just admire from the outside, but guided visits are possible too upon prior request. In the Malmgård brewery you can learn about the brewing process and buy all kinds of amazing local products and of course, beers. Read more about the area here!
When to go: The shop and visits of the Manor house are possible throughout the year. Read more here.
Iittala Village
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 126 km / 1.33 hrs by car
What to do: Anyone even just a little interested in Finnish art and design should visit the Iittala glass museum! It’s stunning to learn about the history of the company and its designers. There’s also an outlet shop 😉 To extend your day, combine your trip with a visit to Aulanko nature reserve or to Hämeenlinna castle. Read more here!
When to go: Museum are always great, at any season!
Kotka
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 148 km / 1.44 hrs by car
What to do: Kotka is a really versatile destination, you can visit the island of Varissaari and learn about history, enjoy a famous “posso” baked good and much more. Definitely visit the Vellamo maritime center and museum – one of my favourites! Read more about the area here!
When to go: The town is most charming in the summer, but a visit to Vellamo in particular is a great idea at any time of year.
Hanko
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 125 km / 1.41 hrs by car
What to do: Hanko will charm you with its seaside vibes and beautiful coastline, it’s a great town to relax and go for a beach day. Lovely restaurant options, too. A very romantic overnight stays at Villa Maija is recommended!
When to go: Mostly known as a summer town, so aim for that!
Porvoo
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 67 km / 0.54 hrs by car
What to do: One of the most popular options for day trips from Helsinki, for a reason – it’s a classic. The town with its wooden houses along the river is picture book beautiful, you can visit lovely shops and enjoy great food.
When to go: Porvoo is lovely at any time of the year.
Aulanko
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 108 km / 1.24 hrs by car
What to do: For nature lovers, the Aulanko nature reserve is stunning, gorgeous hikes in the winter, lovely for cross-country skiing in the winter. Also visit the Hämeenlinna castle!
When to go: It depends on what you want to do! The castle is always worth a trip, the nature reserve is also open during the year, but I don’t recommend it for winter hikes as trails are mostly used for skiing.
Lohja
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 46 km / 0.46 hrs
What to do: Lohja is my personal favourite for second hand shopping, but the surrounding nature is a close second. You can visit the Villa Haikari in the summer for a lovely meal by the sea and a swim at Liessaari beach across, visit the famous Paavolan Tammi (a giant oak tree) during a short hike – a very versatile place for one of your day trips from Helsinki!
When to go: Summer restaurants like Villa Haikari are only operating seasonally. If you want to shop around, you can do that all year round.
Porkkalanniemi
Distance / Time from Helsinki: 48 km / 0.50 hrs by car
What to do: The rugged cliffs and wild nature of the Porkkalanniemi peninsula are one of a kind in Southern Finland, and my top choice for those who want to experience Finnish nature at its best! Bring a picnic and sausages for a bbq.
When to go: It’s just stunning when it’s all green from May onwards. Trails are maintained in the winter as well, so day trips from Helsinki are possible then too.