Discover the 10 Best Year-Round Activities in Vantaa Finland Just Minutes from Helsinki

Key Takeaways:

• Vantaa is more than an airport city—it’s a hidden gem filled with forests, art, spas, and culture all year long.

• Whether it’s snowshoeing in winter or festival hopping in summer, Vantaa offers activities for every season and style.

• From science museums to nature trails, Vantaa proves you don’t need to go far from Helsinki to experience something special.

Often known simply as the home of Helsinki Airport, Vantaa is one of Finland’s most underrated cities—yet it’s bursting with personality, nature, and culture once you look closer. Located just north of the capital, Vantaa is where ancient trade routes meet modern innovation, where forest paths sit beside futuristic museums. The city has deep roots going back over 700 years, with a name that stems from the Vantaa River, a lifeline that still flows through its heart.

People love Vantaa for its balance of calm and energy. You’ll find dense forests to hike, saunas to unwind in, museums that inspire, and a community that proudly blends the old with the new. Whether you’re stopping over or staying longer, these experiences show why Vantaa deserves your full attention.

Table of Contents

1. Walk the Forest Trails of Kuusijärvi and Enjoy a Smoke Sauna

2. Dive into Science and Tech at Heureka

3. Explore Finnish Aviation History at the Aviation Museum

4. Enjoy the Art Installations at Tikkurila’s Street Galleries

5. Attend the Tikkurila Festivaali Music Festival

6. Bike the Riverside Route Along the Vantaa River

7. Tour the Old Church of St. Lawrence and its Historic Grounds

8. Shop and Snack at Jumbo Shopping Center and Flamingo Spa

9. Discover Hidden Nature at Sipoonkorpi National Park

10. Take a Day Trip to Haltiala Farm and Seasonal Markets

1. Walk the Forest Trails of Kuusijärvi and Enjoy a Smoke Sauna

Located just outside the urban center, Kuusijärvi is a beloved recreational area where locals come to hike, swim, and—very importantly—relax in a traditional smoke sauna. The area features well-maintained trails through pine forests and lakeside scenery that transforms beautifully with each season. In winter, brave visitors can even take an icy dip in the lake after heating up in the sauna.

Kuusijärvi is open year-round and offers a rare opportunity to experience Finnish nature and wellness in one place. Autumn brings golden leaves, while summer invites barbecues and picnics by the water. Whether you’re walking, warming up, or just enjoying forest silence, it’s a core Vantaa experience.

2. Dive into Science and Tech at Heureka

Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre, is a hands-on, interactive museum that makes science fun for all ages. From physics experiments and virtual reality to planetary exhibits and temporary international shows, Heureka is where curiosity comes to life. The exhibitions are in Finnish, Swedish, and English, so it’s accessible for global travelers too.

Open all year, Heureka also features a dome theater with stunning science documentaries and immersive space journeys. The museum sits beside a park and riverside path, making it perfect for a full day out. Whether you’re into biology or black holes, it’s impossible to leave without learning something cool.

3. Explore Finnish Aviation History at the Aviation Museum

Located near Helsinki Airport, the Finnish Aviation Museum gives visitors a fascinating look at the country’s aviation evolution. Step inside hangars full of vintage aircraft, gliders, jet fighters, and even airplane cabins you can walk through.

Open year-round, the museum is a hit with aviation fans, families, and curious travelers alike. Interactive displays and flight simulators give it extra energy, while the nearby airport buzz adds a unique vibe. Whether you’re a plane nerd or just want a break from standard sightseeing, this museum is a hidden gem.

4. Enjoy the Art Installations at Tikkurila’s Street Galleries

The central district of Tikkurila has transformed into a surprising hub of street art and public installations. Colorful murals decorate buildings, underpasses, and even stairwells, creating an open-air gallery that changes with new commissions every year.

The best part? It’s walkable, free, and open 24/7—perfect for a spontaneous art stroll no matter the weather. You’ll also find local cafés, bookstores, and design shops scattered between the artworks. Tikkurila proves that Vantaa is just as creative as it is green.

5. Attend the Tikkurila Festivaali Music Festival

Every summer, the Tikkurila Festivaali brings major Finnish and international music acts to Vantaa for a multi-day celebration of sound and community. Held outdoors, this event attracts thousands for a mix of pop, rock, rap, and electronic music—plus food stalls, beer gardens, and dancing well into the night.

Even if you’re not around for the festival itself, the venue area hosts other events, outdoor markets, and seasonal gatherings throughout the year. The fest reflects Vantaa’s rising cultural energy and youth-friendly vibe. It’s a good reason to plan your visit around the summer months—or to stay tuned in all year long.

6. Bike the Riverside Route Along the Vantaa River

One of Vantaa’s most scenic and accessible experiences is biking along the Vantaa River Trail, a winding path that flows through the city’s neighborhoods, forests, and bridges. You’ll pass peaceful picnic spots, old mills, bird-watching points, and the occasional art installation along the way.

This trail is open and rideable year-round—whether you’re cycling in the midnight sun of summer or snow-biking in winter. Rental bikes are available near major stations, and it’s easy to link your ride with a visit to a local café or museum. If you want to combine fitness, nature, and city exploration in one go, this trail delivers.

7. Tour the Old Church of St. Lawrence and its Historic Grounds

Dating back to the 15th century, the Church of St. Lawrence is the oldest building in the Helsinki region and a fascinating window into Finland’s medieval past. Surrounded by stone walls and a tranquil graveyard, it’s a peaceful stop with Gothic and Renaissance architecture, ancient wooden carvings, and seasonal concerts.

The church is open year-round, often hosting candlelit events during Christmas and choral performances during the warmer months. Even without a service, the grounds and neighboring cultural buildings are worth walking through. It’s a calm, reflective space that connects you to Vantaa’s deep historical roots.

8. Shop and Snack at Jumbo Shopping Center and Flamingo Spa

If the weather turns or you’re in the mood to mix retail therapy with wellness, head to Jumbo Shopping Center and the attached Flamingo Spa Complex. Jumbo offers Finnish and international shops, food courts, cinemas, and specialty stores for souvenirs or winter gear.

Next door, Flamingo Spa includes thermal pools, water slides, a sauna world, and a peaceful adult-only spa section with heated mineral baths. It’s open year-round and especially popular during winter months. Whether you’re recharging after sightseeing or spending a cozy day indoors, this combo has everything you need.

9. Discover Hidden Nature at Sipoonkorpi National Park

Only a short drive or transit ride from Vantaa, Sipoonkorpi National Park is a peaceful wilderness escape with forests, bogs, and ancient trails. It’s one of the most underrated national parks in southern Finland, perfect for hiking, berry picking, or photographing foggy pinewoods.

The trails vary in difficulty, and you can visit year-round—cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, hiking and foraging in spring through fall. There are fire pits and lean-to shelters where you can cook or simply enjoy the silence. For nature lovers, it’s a breath of fresh air just outside the city.

10. Take a Day Trip to Haltiala Farm and Seasonal Markets

Located just outside of Vantaa proper, Haltiala Farm is a working city farm where you can see animals, explore seasonal fields, and shop at rotating local markets. In spring and summer, sunflowers and tulips bloom in rows you can walk through; in autumn, it’s pumpkins and harvest displays.

The farm is family-friendly, open year-round, and hosts free seasonal events with live music, food trucks, and fresh produce stands. Even in winter, there’s something cozy and charming about the barn atmosphere and local treats. It’s an easy, rewarding outing just minutes away.

What to do if you have kids?

Vantaa is a dream for families looking for variety, safety, and fresh air. Heureka is packed with interactive science exhibits that kids love, while Kuusijärvi and Sipoonkorpi offer endless space to run, explore, and spot animals. The Flamingo Spa has water slides and family pools, and Haltiala Farm brings little ones face-to-face with goats, pigs, and seasonal magic. Many cafes and restaurants are kid-friendly with play areas or crayons on hand. With short distances between sights and a welcoming local culture, Vantaa makes traveling with children surprisingly easy—and fun.

Where can I find free events in Vantaa Finland taking place this weekend?

To find the best free things happening in Vantaa this weekend—think open-air concerts, food markets, pop-up art shows, and nature walks—head to PlanMyWeekend.ai. This smart, AI-powered platform helps locals and travelers discover free and low-cost events tailored to their interests. Whether you’re into live music, cultural workshops, outdoor fitness, or family-friendly fun, PlanMyWeekend finds it for you—no scrolling, no stress. It’s the easiest way to make the most of your weekend in Vantaa.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Vantaa

Vantaa is the kind of place that proves travel magic doesn’t always require long distances. From steamy saunas and river trails to museums that spark your brain and festivals that feed your soul, this city offers a slice of Finnish life that’s real, rich, and refreshingly underrated. Whether you’re here for a long layover or a long-term stay, you’ll find something memorable in every season. So slow down, step into the forest or the gallery, and discover why Vantaa is more than just a stop—it’s a destination.