Vantaa

Vantaa, Finland's fourth-largest city, is located just north of Helsinki. As home to Finland's main international airport, Vantaa serves as a gateway for international travelers. In the city, you can conduct experiments at Heureka Science Centre, examine vintage aircraft at the Finnish Aviation Museum, or swim in Lake Kuusijärvi. Vantaa's urban landscape includes modern shopping centers like Jumbo, as well as 15th-century structures such as the Church of St. Lauri.

Exploring Vantaa's Key Sites

At the Heureka Science Centre, you'll find over 200 interactive exhibits where you can conduct experiments and learn about scientific principles. The center also houses a planetarium and a science park, making it an engaging destination for curious minds of all ages. If you're interested in aviation, head to the Finnish Aviation Museum. Here, you can examine a wide range of aircraft and aviation artifacts, and even try your hand at flight simulators to experience what it's like to pilot different types of planes.

Shopping and Entertainment

The Jumbo Shopping Center is Finland's third-largest mall. You'll find a variety of stores selling clothing, electronics, home goods, and more. The center also includes numerous restaurants serving both Finnish and international cuisine. Adjacent to Jumbo is the Flamingo Spa & Leisure Centre, Finland's largest leisure complex. At Flamingo, you can swim in the water park, receive spa treatments, use fitness equipment, go bowling, or watch a movie at the cinema.

Nature and Outdoor Spaces in Vantaa

Vantaa has several parks, forests, and nature trails within its borders. In Sipoonkorpi National Park, which partially extends into Vantaa, you can hike through forests and pick berries and mushrooms when in season. At Kuusijärvi, a recreational area, you can swim in the lake during summer months. The area also features traditional smoke saunas where you can experience an authentic Finnish sauna ritual, complete with a dip in the cool lake water.

Getting Around Vantaa

Vantaa's transportation system is integrated with the Helsinki metropolitan area. Several train stations along the main railway line and the Martinlaakso line connect Vantaa to Helsinki. You can also use the numerous bus routes that run through the city to reach various neighborhoods and attractions. The Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, located within city limits, connects Vantaa directly to international destinations.

Historical Sites in Vantaa

Despite its modern appearance, Vantaa has roots dating back centuries. You can see this history at the Church of St. Lauri, constructed in 1492. This stone church still hosts weddings and religious services today. To learn more about local history, visit the Helsinge Parish Village on the banks of the Vantaa River. In this area, you can explore the old church, visit the local history museum, and walk across historic bridges that were once part of the King's Road, a significant route in Nordic history.