newyorkais35

Hello!!!

I'm interested in some ideas for day-trips from Helsinki. I'll be there for four days next month in April. I'll also be spending two days in Tallin so that is the reason why I prefaced other than Tallin in my title.

Thanks in advnce.

Ross

newyorkais35

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Ross

spaarne

I would take a Tallink-Silja Line overnight ferry to Stockholm and back to Helsinki the next night. Enjoy the fabulous buffet and pretty good entertainment. See http://www.tallink.com/.

Kay2

You can take the bus to Porvoo to see the small historic area of red buildings that have been turned into shops and restaurants. In summer you can take a boat one way, but I'm not sure about April.

I've been to Turku overnight to see the historic sights after visiting friends, but I wouldn't make a special trip unless you are also taking the ferry to Stockholm, then you could combine train to Turku and ferry from there to Stockholm.

newyorkais35

I've been to Stockholm, about 5 months ago in fact, which I loved!!! Any suggestions for Finland from Helsinki?

Thanks.

Ross

FoFoBT

We're planning a trip to Helsinki next year and one of the day trip options recommended by a Finnish co-worker is Fiskars Village http://www.fiskarsvillage.fi/en/

Obviously you need an interest in craft and design to enjoy it, but if that's the case, it might be worth considering.

Kay2

Ross,
Not many folks on this board have experience in Finland outside of Helsinki.
Elina from Finland sometimes posts.

I went to Tampere last year, but it is too far to recommend for a day trip. It was OK. Known for its brick factories and smokestacks. Some OK museums.

I've also been east via train to a lake and some man controlled waterfalls with music, but that was in June in warm weather so the purpose was to go to a lake cottage.

I visited a sort of farming museum as part of the Turku trip because a friend's grandfather wanted to show me what life was like when he was a child. It was interesting, but not necessarily worth a special trip.

Some people do a day trip or overnight by plane to a place north of the Arctic Circle to ride a dog sled, that sort of thing. I know someone who did this and said it was fun so long as you go with the attitude of being a tourist.

There's a town on the west coast I considered for an overnight before that has historic wooden buildings and crafts. It is also known for its unusual dialect. My local friends thought it wasn't worth the travel time unless one is really into language, but I thought the historical and arts/crafts aspects were interesting.

If any of these sound like they might match your interests, I would be glad to dig up the names and further information.

I go to Finland on average once a year on business and do run into problems with where to go for a day or a weekend. I've visited all the museums, the islands, the walking trails toward Espoo, the outdoor folk park, the historic buildings in the metropolitan area. I've gone to Tallinn, Stockholm, Porvoo, Turku, and the eastern lake district. I haven't done the North Pole tourist trip or St Petersburg. Last year I almost flew to Copenhagen for the weekend, but it didn't work out.

newyorkais35

Thanks to everyone for responding.

Kay2,

Do you find that Helsinki holds enought o do for 3-4 days for a first time visitor? Are there any places or things that only a local or frequent traveler to Helsinki would know about/enjoy that you could recommend to me, please?

Thanks VERY much.

Ross

Kay2

Of course, it depends on your interests how much you find to do/see in Helsinki. The weather plays a big role too. I haven't been keeping up with the weather, so I just clicked on the harbor webcam and see the frozen water, but no snow on the pavement, so warm clothes needed, but otherwise OK. The cold rain is unpleasant.

Most people enjoy a half day of walking among the senate square, cathedral, harbor etc. to see the architecture, perhaps stop in the small city museum, walk along the park and through the shopping streets to the train station, exploring the large Stockmann's department store and the art museum, if you like. I went to the small design museum. It was interesting if you are nearby. I've wandered around the embassy district in the summer for a nice walk.

In the summer I like Seurasaari Open-Air Museum to learn history, see crafts, etc. Not sure about April. It can be combined with a stop at the park to see the Sibelius statue and a visit to the Temppeliaukio Church and the National Museum, which I thought was just OK.

The trams are a fun way to ride around many parts of town. A ride up Mannerheim will take you past Parliament House, National Opera and Finlandia Hall.

Also in the summer I like a half day on Suomenlinna. Ferry ride followed by historic buildings, rocky shores, etc. The sightseeing cruise around the harbor is OK. I did learn something from the narrative.

I have heard there are some interesting museums, maybe a house of a famous artist or similar in Espoo that I haven't made it to yet.

They are very proud of architect Alvar Aalto. I spend time at Aalto University in Otaniemi, where you can see some of his work and walk on miles of trail used by locals for commuting and exercise.

If you haven't before, do eat at one of the restaurants that serve traditional reindeer, herring, cloudberries, etc. There is a markethall and weekend outdoor market away from the harbor at a Metro stop that is small, but can offer some interest hot foods. I can look up the name if that is of interest.