Vantaa Tourist Attractions, Landmarks, Monuments and Sightseeing

(Vantaa, Uusimaa, Southern Finland, Finland)

Sightseers should always visit the leading tourist attractions and monumental landmarks in Helsinki, since there are so many so close to Vantaa. However, tourists should by no means overlook the actual attractions within the city of Vantaa, which are quite plentiful.

One of the biggest of all the attractions in Vantaa, the Heureka is much more than simply a science centre and contains both an IMAX theatre and also a popular planetarium. Also worth looking out for are the dances and live music at the city's very own Helsinki Pavilion, the modern architecture of the Hämeenkylä Church, the scenic King's Road, and the Viherpaja Japanese and Cactus Gardens, where an array of seasonal planting displays can be enjoyed all through the year.

Hämeenkylä Church

Address: Auratie 3, Hämeenkylä, Vantaa, FI-01630, Finland, FI
Tel: +358 09 8306 450
One of the most striking of all the modern landmarks within Vantaa, the Hämeenkylä Church opened its doors in 1992, being known for its long association with contemporary art. Hard to miss, the exterior of the church is simple and stylish, being bright white and not at all religious in its appearance. The name Hämeenkylä actually originates from the locals from the Häme region, who would regularly trade in this area.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Heureka Science Centre

Address: Tiedepuisto 1, Tikkurila, Vantaa, FI-01301, Finland, FI
Tel: +358 09 85 799
Heureka Science Centre contains a series of attractions, which appeal to all ages. The planetarium is especially popular and known as the Verne Theatre, allowing you to learn more about the surrounding solar system and star constellations by projecting sky shows onto the enormous ceiling of the dome. Heureka can be found situated next to the Tikkurila railway station and features a variety of interactive displays, with more than 200 exhibits covering many different scientific topics. The Heureka Science Centre was set up in Vantaa under the guidance and help of the University of Helsinki, to bring 'joy of discovery to everyone'.
Open hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Thursday - 10:00 to 20:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Helsinki Pavi

Address: Honkanummentie 6, Itä-Hakkila, Vantaa, FI-01260, Finland, FI
Tel: +358 09 875 2595
The Helsinki Pavi is situated close to central Vantaa and is a large pavilion, where live music is often performed during the summer months. Also used as a venue for all kinds of dancing and seasonal attractions, the Helsinki Pavi was founded in 1965 and features a cafe for up to 100 people, along with an outdoor terrace area, where barbecues often take place. A choice of dancing lessons are also available here, suitable for all levels of ability.
Open hours: April to October, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Admission: charge for tickets

River Vantaa (Vantaanjoki)

The namesake of the city and known locally as the Vantaanjoki, the River Vantaa winds its way through the southern side of the city and its banks are lined with many notable buildings and attractions. Historically and well before the arrival or roads and cars, the river provided an important route for traffic and brought much prosperity to this city. The River Vantaa is also well known for its salmon fishing, water mills, boat trips, riverside restaurants and fast-flowing rapids.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

The King's Road (Kuninkaantie)

A major tourist route within the Nordic countries, the King's Road has been used since Viking times, making it amongst the most historic roads within the whole of northern Europe. The King's Road originates from the Atlantic Ocean and runs through Finland, including Espoo, Vantaa, Sipoo and Porvoo, before finally reaching St. Petersburg. Along the road are many quality attractions from Vantaa and beyond, such as the Karkali Nature Park, Hyrsylän Mutka Mansion, St. Lawrence Church, Tammitsto Arboretum and Tytyri Limestone Mine.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Vantaa Outdoor Centre / Kuusijärvi

Address: Kuusijärventie 3, Vantaa, FI-01260, Finland, FI
Tel. +358 09 8743 383
The Vantaa Outdoor Centre is the perfect spot for lovers of the great outdoors and offers an array of recreational attractions, strongly influenced by the season. During the summer months, the Lake Kuusijärvi is the main draw card here and is often used for swimming, off the small lakeside beach. Nature trails, sauna, wildlife and cafes are also available here, along with cross-country skiing in the winter months.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for some of the attractions