Northern suburbs Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Northern Suburbs, Helsinki? Read this comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, activities, and tips for an unforgettable visit.


Introduction to Northern suburbs

Located in the heart of Helsinki’s metropolitan area, the Northern Suburbs offer visitors a unique blend of city and nature. This region is known for its beautiful parks, scenic views, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, the Northern Suburbs have something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, activities, and tips for planning an unforgettable trip to the Northern Suburbs.

List of Places to Visit in Northern suburbs

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Helsinki City Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Helsinki through interactive exhibits and workshops.
  • Villa Hagasund: A beautifully preserved 19th-century villa that offers a glimpse into the lives of Helsinki’s aristocracy.
  • Siltavuorenpenger Museum: Located in a former prison, this museum tells the story of Finland’s struggle for independence.
  • Herttoniemi Manor: A historic manor house that is now home to an art museum and café.
  • Sipoonkorpi National Park: This park features ancient forests and walking trails that lead to historic sites, such as Iron Age burial mounds and medieval churches.

Natural Attractions of Northern suburbs: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Paloheinä Recreation Area: This vast forested area offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and skiing.
  • Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum: This island is a beautiful oasis just minutes from downtown Helsinki, featuring a collection of traditional Finnish buildings and natural scenery.
  • Nuuksio National Park: Located just north of Helsinki, this park offers pristine lakes and forests, as well as guided nature walks and canoe trips.
  • Haltiala Farm: This working farm showcases traditional Finnish agriculture and offers visitors the chance to interact with farm animals.
  • Tali Frisbee Golf Park: Popular among locals, this park features a challenging 18-hole frisbee golf course set amid scenic forests and hills.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern suburbs

The Northern Suburbs offer a variety of hiking and biking routes to suit every level of experience. Here are some of the most popular options:

  • Paloheinä Nature Trail: This easy 3-kilometer trail winds through a beautiful pine forest, with interpretive signs along the way.
  • Seurasaari Island Trail: This 2-kilometer trail offers stunning views of the sea and city, and features traditional Finnish buildings and natural scenery.
  • Nuuksio National Park Trails: This park boasts a variety of hiking trails, ranging from short, easy walks to more challenging routes that traverse rugged terrain and offer panoramic views.
  • Velodrome and Cyclocross Tracks: This cycling park features paved and dirt tracks for all levels of cyclists, along with rental bikes and gear.

Best Things to Do in Northern suburbs: Activities and Tours

  • CitySightseeing Helsinki Tour: Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour and explore Helsinki’s top attractions and landmarks.
  • Viking Line Cruises: Explore the stunning archipelago of Finland’s coast aboard a Viking Line cruise ship.
  • Day trip to Porvoo: Just 50 kilometers east of Helsinki, this charming medieval town is a popular day trip destination.
  • Linnanmäki Amusement Park: Fun for the whole family, this amusement park offers rides, games, and attractions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern suburbs

If you’re planning to spend a week in the Northern Suburbs, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1-3: Explore Helsinki’s top attractions, including the Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square, and the Finnish National Museum.

Day 4-5: Take a day trip to Porvoo, and explore the town’s charming medieval architecture and idyllic riverfront.

Day 6-7: Visit Nuuksio National Park, and spend two days hiking and exploring the park’s pristine lakes and forests.

Food and Drink Scene of Northern suburbs

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalakukko: A traditional Finnish pastry filled with fish and pork.
  • Lihapullat: Classic Finnish meatballs served with lingonberry sauce.
  • Karjalanpiirakka: Savory pastries filled with rice porridge and served with butter.
  • Kotikalja: A popular Finnish non-alcoholic malt beverage.
  • Kaalikääryleet: Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with minced meat and rice.

Local Beverages

  • Finnish Berry Wines: Finland’s northern climate is optimal for growing berries, resulting in delicious berry wines that are a popular choice among locals.
  • Finnish Craft Beer: The craft beer scene is growing in Helsinki, with many local breweries producing high-quality brews.
  • Finnish Vodka: Finland is known for its vodka, with popular brands including Koskenkorva, Finlandia, and Lapponia.

Where to Stay in Northern suburbs: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Northern Suburbs offer a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some recommendations:

  • Glo Hotel Kluuvi: Located in the heart of Helsinki, this stylish hotel features a sauna, restaurant, and rooftop terrace.
  • Hotel Rantapuisto: Set amid scenic parkland, this hotel offers a serene escape just 15 minutes from downtown Helsinki.
  • Eurohostel: A popular budget option, this hostel offers comfortable rooms and a sauna, all within walking distance of Helsinki’s top attractions.
  • Villa Sibbe: This lovely guesthouse offers cozy rooms and a friendly atmosphere, just a short drive from Nuuksio National Park.

What to Buy in Northern suburbs: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Moomin Products: Finland’s beloved Moomin characters are popular souvenirs, with a wide range of products available, including books, stuffed animals, and clothing.
  • Marimekko Products: This iconic Finnish design company produces a variety of products, including home goods, clothing, and bags.
  • Lapuan Kankurit Textiles: This family-owned company in Lapua produces high-quality linen and wool textile products, including blankets, towels, and tablecloths.

Local Culture and Customs of Northern suburbs

Finland is known for its unique culture and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting the Northern Suburbs:

  • Sauna Culture: The sauna is an important part of Finnish culture, and many hotels and guesthouses offer saunas for their guests to enjoy.
  • Respect Nature: Finland’s natural spaces are treasured, and visitors are expected to respect the environment and follow the principles of “everyman’s rights”.
  • Punctuality: Finns are notoriously punctual, so be sure to arrive on time for appointments and meetings.

Best Time to Visit Northern suburbs

The best time to visit the Northern Suburbs depends on your interests and preferences. Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit, with long days and mild weather. Winter (December-February) is a great time to experience Finland’s winter sports and activities, such as cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern suburbs

Do:

  • Enjoy the Outdoors: The Northern Suburbs offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to skiing and ice skating.
  • Try the Local Cuisine: Finnish food is delicious and unique, so be sure to sample some of the local dishes.
  • Engage in Sauna Culture: Sauna culture is an important part of Finnish life, so don’t be shy about trying out a sauna.

Don’t:

  • Be Rude: Finnish culture values politeness and respect, so avoid being rude or confrontational.
  • Overpack: Finland’s climate can be unpredictable, so pack light and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.
  • Be Late: Finns are punctual, so be sure to arrive on time for appointments and meetings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northern suburbs

The Northern Suburbs are generally very safe, and visitors can feel comfortable walking or cycling around the region. However, as in any urban area, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing and other petty crime.

Health in Northern suburbs

Finland has a high standard of healthcare, with modern facilities and highly trained medical professionals. Visitors can access medical care through the public healthcare system or private clinics, depending on their needs.

Getting to Northern suburbs: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northern suburbs

Helsinki Airport is the main gateway to the Northern Suburbs, with frequent domestic and international flights. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi, bus, or train to their destination.

Bus Stations Near Northern suburbs

Helsinki Bus Station is located in the city center and offers frequent bus connections to the Northern Suburbs.

Other Options

Other transportation options include taxi, rental car, and cycling. Helsinki also has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro.

How to Get Around in Northern suburbs

The Northern Suburbs are well connected by public transportation, with buses, trams, and the metro providing efficient and affordable options for getting around. Cycling is also a popular option, with many scenic routes and bike rental services available. Taxis are readily available, but can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Northern suburbs: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Finland, there are many nearby destinations and excursions to consider. Some options include:

  • Tallinn, Estonia: Just a short ferry ride from Helsinki, Tallinn is a beautiful medieval city that offers a unique blend of Scandinavian and Eastern European culture.
  • Stockholm, Sweden: A quick flight or ferry ride away, Stockholm is a stunningly beautiful city that offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.
  • Lapland: If you’re looking for a winter wonderland experience, Lapland is a must-visit destination, with opportunities for dog sledding, reindeer safaris, and northern lights viewing.

Conclusion

The Northern Suburbs offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience, with their unique blend of urban and natural attractions. From hiking and cycling to cultural and historical sites, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be sure to make the most of your visit to the Northern Suburbs and create unforgettable memories.

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