In Finland itself the following make good day trips:
Nuuksio National Park, a piece of untamed wilderness ca 25 km from Helsinki city centre. Accessible by bus from city.
Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finlandis just 60 km away. It has a charming old town of wooden houses. Much more lively in the summer.
Tampere, the third-largest city in Finland, and the birthplace of Finnish industry, boasting one of the last Lenin museums left in the world as well as a spy museum. 180 km north of Helsinki, one hour 30 min to two hours by train.
Hämeenlinna, 100 km to north is famous for the Häme castle, a large medieval castle, and the beautiful park area Aulanko. One hour by train.
Turku, the oldest and now fifth-largest city in Finland, and historical capital. The cathedral and the medieval castle are well worth visiting. Two hours by train.
Hanko, the southernmost spot in Finland, 140 km west of Helsinki. This town of less than 10,000 people is famous for its summer activities, including sandy beaches, sailing, tennis, art, theater, etc.
As a coastal city, Helsinki has good connections to some fine international destinations nearby:
In Russia, Saint Petersburg, "the Venice of the North", is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is somewhat like Helsinki but more Scandinavian and bigger.
Tallinn in Estonia is known for its medieval city center and is easily accessible even as a day trip around 20⬠. Terminal to Tallinn and Saint Petersburg is a door-to-door service with tram 9 from central railway station.
