Welcome to Helsinki Region

It's the perfect combination of urban and outdoors, lively and laid-back

About Helsinki Region

The Helsinki region includes the capital city and its metropolitan area, as well as some further-flung towns and cities. Here, nature trails and city life are both never more than a stone’s throw away, and the area is overflowing with good food, great design, interesting museums and unique architecture. Visit Helsinki and discover why it's said to be one of the world's most liveable cities!

5 reasons to visit Helsinki region

The Helsinki region around Finland’s capital is a green, spacious, and vibrant region with world-class architecture and design, one-of-a-kind public sauna culture, unique Nordic restaurants, and picturesque villages and towns. Scroll left to see all the best reasons to visit this region!

Sustainable and green capital city

Helsinki is one of the most sustainable cities in the world with plenty of parks, green spaces, and fresh air. The city has a functional public transportation system with city bikes, trams, buses, water ferries, and the northernmost metro in the world to take you anywhere.

Interesting Nordic design and architecture

From the modern wooden saunas, Art Nouveau districts, celebrated Oodi Library, and Neoclassical gems of the Senate Square to the iconic buildings by Alvar Aalto, Helsinki offers plenty to see for architecture and design lovers. The many flagship stores of Finnish design companies, like Marimekko, are also located in Helsinki.

Unique public sauna culture

Finland is famous for is its strong sauna heritage. One of the best places to get to know the Finnish sauna culture is in Helsinki where public saunas are everywhere! Try the world-famous Löyly, go for a swim in Allas Sea Pool near the Market Square, or enjoy a more traditional smoked sauna experience at Kuusijärvi in Vantaa! There are many options to choose from around the region.

Credits: Harri Tarvainen

Picturesque villages and towns

The Helsinki region has many not-to-miss villages and towns to visit. These charming destinations from Old Porvoo to the ironwork villages of Fiskars, Billnäs and many more are great day-trip destinations for foodies, history buffs, and visitors looking for local goodies and crafts to take home with.

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Bustling culinary scene

Helsinki is perhaps the lesser-known cousin of other Nordic capitals, like Copenhagen, when it comes to its culinary scene. However, Helsinki and the surrounding areas are ready to make their mark. Wine and dine your way through the region’s many Michelin-starred restaurants, street-food vendors, and wild food establishments – to name a few. You won’t run out of options!

Credits: Toni Kostian, Grön

Get to know the region

All of Finland’s four regions are special in their own way. Here are a few things that are unique about this one.

Sustainable

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Porvoo & Fiskars: idyllic & creative towns

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Helsinki, the capital of Finland

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Best restaurants in Finland

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Helsinki region destinations

Would you like to know more about the destinations in the Helsinki region? Click on the pins in the map to discover the best places to visit.

Things to do in Helsinki Region

View all things to do in the Helsinki region

Attractions

Activities

Nature activities

Food and drinks

Sauna

Inspiration for your visit

View all routes

Here are a few selected routes through the Helsinki region with suggestions for what to see, eat and do. When you find something you like, click the heart icon to save it.