Attractions Nearby Vantaa, Day Trips and Excursions

(Vantaa, Uusimaa, Uusimaa, Southern Finland, Finland)

Situated within the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Vantaa is not only close to the attractions of Helsinki, but is also within easy striking distance of a number of other cities and towns, such as Espoo, Porvoo and also Tuusula. A large and independent Finnish municipality, the attractions of Espoo lie directly west of Helsinki and around 29 km / 18 miles to the south-west of Vantaa.

As the Finnish capital, a trip to Helsinki is an absolute must. Since Helsinki is a mere 22 km / 14 miles to the south of Vantaa, the capital and its many attractions make for an extremely popular day trip. For a taste of Finland's flora and fauna, the Nuuksio National Park is worth a look and resides on the north-westerly outskirts of central Espoo.

Helsinki

There really is so much to do in Helsinki that you should plan your time carefully, to make the very most of your excursions. Some of the leading sights in Helsinki include the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, the Kaupunginmuseo, the Linnanmäki Amusement Park, the Olympic Stadium, Helsinki Zoo and the several beaches, such as the sandy stretch of Hietaranta. The Kamppi district is home to many of the main cultural attractions and sights, while the Töölönlahti is one of the best places for coastal views.

Espoo

Espoo is an especially tranquil city, with plenty of green spaces and waterways, and currently ranks as the country's second-largest city. Attractions in Espoo include the highly acclaimed Gallen-Kallela Museum, where the works of celebrated Finnish artist Aleski Gallen-Kallela are displayed. For families, the Serena Water Park is hard to beat and is one of the very best that Europe has to offer.

Porvoo

Many tourists staying in Vantaa find that Porvoo is extremely appealing and is well placed for a day trip outside of the city. Porvoo is around 43 km / 27 miles to the east of Vantaa and is actually the second-oldest town in Finland, being founded as long ago as 1346. There are three rather distinctive regions of Porvoo, the Old Town, the New Town and also the Empire Quarter, each of which contains their own set of attractions. Find out more about the town by visiting the Porvoo Museum, which is located on the cobblestone Old Town Hall Square.

Tuusula

Located within the Helsinki region of Uusimaa, the municipality of Tuusula is around 17 km / 11 miles north of Vantaa and is home to a population of around 35,000 people. Tuusula comprises the districts of Hyrylä, Jokela and Kellokoski, where attractions are surprisingly plentiful and include the Old Church of Tuusula, and the national monument of Aleksis Kivi Cottage, where Finland's celebrated author Aleksis Kivi (1834-1872) is actually buried. The shoreline around Lake Tuusulanjarvi is also worth exploring.