Day trips from Helsinki
Helsinki is great, but the best experiences in Finland often begin when you step outside the capital. Head east along the coast and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a romantic movie. These seaside towns have a way of capturing your heart, even if you’re not the romantic type.
4 tips for visiting the east coast of Finland
1/2
1. Start early from Helsinki
If you want to visit more than one town, it’s best to start early. That way you’ll have time to walk around at your own pace and stop by cafés along the way.
2. Wear comfortable shoes
The best way to get around these seaside towns is on foot or by bike. With comfortable shoes, you can be sure that the only thing slowing you down will be hunger.
3. Combine towns in one trip
Along the coast, you’ll find many small towns that are close enough to visit several in a single day. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to see more.
4. Check opening hours in advance
Even on a spontaneous trip, a little planning can make your day much more enjoyable. That way, you won’t be disappointed if a cute café or museum happens to be closed.
Porvoo
Porvoo is a truly magical destination just 52 km from Helsinki. It’s one of the best day trip spots in Finland. The town is known for its charming old town, great food, unique shops, and rich cultural experiences.
Porvoo museum railway
If you’re looking for a unique way to visit Porvoo, you can travel there by train on summer Saturdays. The train departs from Helsinki in the morning and arrives around noon, giving you three hours to explore the city before returning. It’s a great option for enjoying scenic views of forests, fields, and river landscapes along the way.
Check the timetable
Old Porvoo
Old Porvoo, known for its red-ochre riverside warehouses, is one of Finland’s most photographed landscapes and a favorite among visitors. Here, you can admire colorful wooden houses and wander through winding cobblestone streets that feel straight out of a storybook.
Read more about Old Porvoo
Porvoo event calendar
Porvoo is a lovely place to visit any time of the year. In summer, there are fun festivals and music events, and in winter it turns into a cosy Christmas town with lights and markets. There’s always something going on, so just check the event calendar and start planning your trip.
Explore the event calendarLoviisa
Loviisa is less than an hour from Helsinki. You can explore beautifully preserved 18th-century wooden houses, discover its rich maritime history and enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere.
The Historical Houses of Loviisa
Want a rare glimpse inside beautifully renovated wooden homes and their charming courtyards? This is the event for you. On the last weekend of August, and in a slightly smaller version in December, over 100-year-old private homes open their doors to the public. If you enjoy a lively and fun atmosphere, this is truly a treat!
Find tickets (in Finnish)
Malmgård Manor house
Malmgård Manor is a stunning Renaissance-style castle with roots dating back to the 1600s. Beautiful both inside and out, it offers a glimpse into Finland’s rich history. Visit the manor shop and brewery, open year-round, for the estate’s own beers, food products, and high-quality local goods. Guided indoor tours are available from May to September.
Book a tour
Strömfors Ironworks
Strömfors is one of the oldest ironworks in Finland. With its long history, it’s a charming place to visit, featuring small artisan shops, cozy cafés, and beautiful riverside views. You can also go canoeing on the river and enjoy the surrounding nature. Nearby, there’s a scenic hiking trail with picnic spots and restrooms. On a warm summer day, you can even go for a swim.
Find out more about the destinationKotka
Kotka is just a short drive from Loviisa and a little over an hour and a half from Helsinki by car. The city has a rich history, unique attractions, beautiful natural surroundings, and plenty of leisure activities.
Vellamo Maritime Centre
If you’re interested in Finland’s connection to the sea, it’s well worth a visit to Vellamo. Here, maritime history comes to life through engaging exhibitions and interactive experiences. The striking wave-shaped building by the waterfront creates a special atmosphere on its own, no matter the time of year. Be sure to set aside a couple of hours to explore it at a relaxed pace.
Discover current exhibitions
Aquarium Maretarium
The Maretarium is home to over 60 local fish species. What makes this place unique is that it functions as a natural aquarium – the living conditions change along with the seasons. In addition to observing the fish and their feeding, visitors can also enjoy exhibitions and films. Maretarium is a great destination for families looking to spend 1–2 hours in an engaging and educational way.
View opening times
The park capital of Finland
Kotka is known for its beautiful seaside parks, one of the most impressive being Sapokka Water Garden. With waterfalls, walking paths, and coastal views, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed stroll. If you want to explore more, hop on a bike and take it at your own pace.
Find parks to visit
Playgrounds for the kids
Kotka feels like it was made for families. There are plenty of fun and unique playgrounds to explore together. One of the highlights is the Moomin-themed playground, where both little ones and more adventurous kids can have a great time.
Find the playground on Google Maps
Santalahti
Stay by the sea at Santalahti Resort, a modern and beautifully designed getaway surrounded by nature. Enjoy stylish 5-star cabins with all the comforts, just steps from the beach. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and experience coastal Finland at its best.
Book your stayFrequently Asked Questions
- What are the east coastal towns in Finland?What are the east coastal towns in Finland?
Just a short drive east of Helsinki, you’ll find a string of charming coastal towns, including Porvoo, Loviisa, Kotka, Pyhtää, Hamina, Virolahti, and Miehikkälä.
- How far is Porvoo from Helsinki?How far is Porvoo from Helsinki?
Porvoo is 52 km from Helsinki. It’s about a 45-minute drive by car.
- How far is Loviisa from Helsinki?How far is Loviisa from Helsinki?
Loviisa is about 90 km from Helsinki. It’s around a one-hour drive by car.
- How far is Kotka from Helsinki?How far is Kotka from Helsinki?
Kotka is about 130 km from Helsinki. It’s around a one-and-a-half-hour drive by car.