Did you know that Helsinki Airport is actually in Vantaa? Finland’s fourth biggest city has many more pleasant surprises waiting for you. Here are 10 things to do in Vantaa:
1. Visit Heureka, the Finnish Science Center
One of Finland’s most popular recreational centers, attracting an average of nearly 300,000 visitors each year, Heureka is great for both adults and children. In Heureka you can experience the joy of discovery through engaging and interactive exhibitions, planetarium films, educational programmes and events.
2. Shop til you drop at Jumbo Shopping Center
Jumbo is Finland’s largest shopping center. With over 200 stores, restaurants, bars and cafes, there’s something for everyone at Jumbo. If you are traveling with little kids, there’s also a children’s playground and baby changing facilities. At Jumbo, surfing the Internet is free of charge – thanks to the free WiFi access anywhere in the shopping center.
3. Soak in fun at Flamingo Entertainment Center
Right next door to Jumbo, the Flamingo Entertainment Center offers a water park, a movie theater, bowling, glow minigolf and many other entertainments in addition to cafes and restaurants and pampering to enjoy with family, spouse or group of friends.
4. Visit the Finnish Aviation Museum
The Finnish Aviation Museum is located in the Aviapolis area near Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and features dozens of aircraft, as well as exhibits on the history of Finnish aviation. You can also show off your pilot skills in four different simulators from Messerschmitt BF 109 to Airbus A320.
5. Try canoeing or kayaking
Vantaanjoki and Keravanjoki offer great opportunities to enjoy beautiful nature by canoeing or kayaking. From late spring to early autumn, Vantaanjoki flows gently, allowing you to easily travel in either direction. In early spring and late autumn, the flow is considerably stronger, and especially during floods, the larger rapids of Vantaanjoki are ideal for whitewater canoeing.
6. Try plane spotting on Lemminkäisen kallio
On Lemminkäisen kallio, right at the end of runway 1, the planes literally fly over you. Here you don’t need a long zoom lens to take close-up pictures of the planes taking off and landing. The best way to reach Lemminkäisen kallio is by car, heading to the intersection of Puusepäntie and Kulomäentie, from where the path leads up to the cliffs.
7. Go Go-Karting
VM Karting Center is one of the largest and undoubtedly the fastest inner carting center in the Nordic countries. The Center lies right next to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Enjoy over half a kilometer of fast-paced track, top gear and driving equipment. After a sweaty race you can relax in Finnish sauna.
8. Satisfy your sweet tooth
Finnish candy factory Fazer offers visitor tours to its brand new visitor center where you can learn about Fazer’s history, its product selection and new innovations. And of course you get to eat candy!
9. Visit Tammisto nature reserve
Tammisto may be known for its outlet stores, but it’s also a home for one of the finest hardwood forests in the capital area. Walk the trails and breathe in the beautiful Finnish nature. You can also do some bird watching as there are more than 30 species of birds nesting in the oak grove.
10. Go to a smoke sauna at Kuusijärvi beach
If you are visiting Vantaa in the summer, you should visit Kuusijärvi, a beautiful lake with a sandy beach, a restaurant and a cafe. Here you can also try a traditional smoke sauna. Best ways to get to Kuusijärvi are by car or bicycle. Bus 736 from Tikkurila also stops near the beach.
Need a cheap but comfortable accommodation for your stay in Vantaa? Try Forenom!
We recommend these accommodations in Vantaa:
Forenom’s furnished apartments and apartment hotels offer space for the whole family. The longer you stay, the less you pay per night. Book easily in our webshop!