Helsinki is well placed for unique day trips – whether you fancy a few hours in the wilderness or a day trip to another country.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Finland’s capital Helsinki perhaps doesn’t have the tractor beam pull for tourists that cities like Barcelona and Berlin possess, but that’s what makes it the perfect place to visit. This easy-going and compact city doesn’t take itself too seriously, is happy to do without the huge tourist crowds, and possessing a quirky blend of urban buzz and green areas that cover more than a third of the city’s land area. While Helsinki is a great place to visit, it is also well located for other adventures, whether that is a half day in nature or a day out to another country. Here are five unique day tours from Helsinki.
From Helsinki: Porvoo Guided Day Trip with Transportation
With its red-ochre painted riverside warehouses and winding cobbled streets, Porvoo, in the south of Finland, can feel like a fairytale village at times. At just 40 minutes from Helsinki, this medieval wooden town is an easy full- or even half-day trip too. This excursions is the latter, taking just four hours and visiting the market square, King’s hotel, Merchant houses, Niko Laurilla store, and one of the town’s quaint toy stores. The trip includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off and a local guide to show you around Porvoo and explain the rich history of Finnish culture. From €108.00.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Helsinki: Tallinn Guided Day Tour with Ferry Crossing
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
For something completely different, how about a day trip from Helsinki to another country entirely? This is a long day, 12 hours long to be precise, but takes intrepid travellers from Finland to Estonia on a day trip to Tallinn, the country’s capital and largest city. It’s well worth the trip – Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. The trip involves crossing the Gulf of Finland by ferry to join a local guide who will show you the sites of Tallinn followed by some free time to explore at your own pace. From €129.00.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Half Day Guided Archipelago Exploration from Helsinki
This four to five-hour tour is a top-rated excursion from Finland’s capital to Finland’s Porkkalanniemi Peninsula, the heart of one of the world’s largest archipelagos. You will get to explore the rugged coastal beauty of Finland, taking you through woodland paths, uncovering hidden coves and dramatic coastal rock formations along the way – it is an amateur photographer’s paradise. The highlight of the day is a stop at a fireplace spot where you can enjoy a small Finnish-style campfire snack and berry juice amidst the tranquil natural surroundings. While this tour is not strenuous, it is worth noting that it does entail a roughly 5km easy hike. From €110.00.
Book at Viator.com
Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Finland is a land known for its beautiful natural landscapes and untouched nature – it can be easy to forget that in the city centre of Helsinki. Luckily, just 40 minutes from the capital is Nuuksio National Park, where you can can escape to the great outdoors and enjoy typical Finnish nature, with lakes, green forests and rugged crags. This tour is five hours long and after meeting in the centre of Helsinki, you’ll travel by commuter train to Espoo centre and then take a local bus to the park entrance. A biologist guide takes you on a trek through the tall forest to learn about the natural features of Finland and hopefully spot some wildlife. From €56.00.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Magical Taiga Forest Hike with Lunch and Transportation
This much-loved tour heads to Liesjärvi National Park, a relatively small but beautiful protected area less than an hour and a half from Helsinki. It’s a good juxtaposition to city life, with the guide taking you through this natural wonderland and stopping for a traditional Finnish lunch cooked and eaten beside a lake – all included in the price. The tour is a full day and includes a convenient round-trip transfer by air-conditioned vehicle from Kiasma Museum in Helsinki, returning around 4pm. You’ll also get a chance to try authentic Finnish-style campfire coffee, known as “nokipannukahvi”, too. From €155.00.
Book at Viator.com