Hyvinkää Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Hyvinkää with this detailed travel guide featuring the best things to do, places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drinks, where to stay, and local culture and customs.


Introduction to Hyvinkää

Located in Southern Finland, Hyvinkää is a charming town with a rich history and natural beauty. The town is easily accessible from Helsinki, making it a perfect day trip destination.

Hyvinkää is known for its vibrant cultural scene, outdoor adventures, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. This makes it an ideal location for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit in Hyvinkää, hiking and biking routes, must-try local dishes, the best accommodation options, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Hyvinkää

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hyvinkää Art Museum: A modern art museum that showcases contemporary Finnish art.
  • Hyvinkää Church: A beautiful neo-Gothic church that dates back to the early 20th century.
  • The Finnish Railway Museum: A must-visit museum for train enthusiasts with an impressive collection of locomotives, wagons, and other railway-related artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Hyvinkää: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sveitsi Nature Park: A beautiful park with numerous trails for hiking and biking, a lake for swimming, and a high ropes course for adventurers.
  • Hyvinkäänvuori Hill: A scenic spot for hiking and enjoying panoramic views of the town and surrounding areas.
  • Willa Björkstrand: A historical manor house surrounded by a beautiful park and gardens.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hyvinkää

  • The Eastern Loop Trail: A 13-kilometer scenic trail that takes you through forests, lakes, and fields.
  • The Western Loop Trail: A 9-kilometer trail that starts from the railway station and takes you past some of the town’s cultural landmarks.
  • The Sveitsi Nature Trail: A 6-kilometer trail that takes you through the beautiful Sveitsi Nature Park.

Best Things to Do in Hyvinkää: Activities and Tours

  • Try your hand at traditional Finnish activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, and sauna bathing.
  • Take a guided tour of the Finnish Railway Museum to learn about the country’s fascinating railway history.
  • Go horse riding in the beautiful Finnish countryside with Hyvinkää Riding School.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hyvinkää

Day 1: Explore the town center and visit Hyvinkää Church and Art Museum.

Day 2: Head to Sveitsi Nature Park and enjoy a day of hiking, biking, and high ropes courses.

Day 3: Visit the Finnish Railway Museum and learn about Finland’s railway history.

Day 4: Take a day trip to nearby cities such as Helsinki or Tampere.

Day 5: Go horse riding at Hyvinkää Riding School.

Day 6: Enjoy a leisurely day in the town center and try some of Hyvinkää’s delicious local cuisine.

Day 7: Visit Willa Björkstrand and relax in the beautiful park and gardens.

Food and Drink Scene of Hyvinkää

Must-Try Dishes

  • Karjalanpaisti: A traditional Finnish stew made with beef, carrots, and potatoes.
  • Leipäjuusto: A local cheese that’s often served with cloudberry jam.
  • Kalakukko: A Finnish fish pie made with rye flour and filled with fish and bacon.

Local Beverages

  • Olut: Finnish beer is becoming increasingly popular, and many local breweries produce a range of delicious craft beers.
  • Lonkero: A popular Finnish mixed drink made with grapefruit soda and gin.

Where to Stay in Hyvinkää: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Cumulus Resort Aulanko: A beautiful resort with a spa, sauna, and multiple restaurants.
  • Scandic Hyvinkää: A modern hotel located in the town center.
  • Hostel Palopuro: A budget-friendly option located just a few kilometers from the town center.

What to Buy in Hyvinkää: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Finnish chocolate: Finland is known for producing some of the world’s best chocolate, so be sure to bring some back for friends and family.
  • Finnish design products: Hyvinkää is located near the city of Helsinki, which is known for its vibrant design scene. Look for unique home decor, clothing, and accessories from local designers.

Local Culture and Customs of Hyvinkää

  • Finns are generally quiet and reserved people, but don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation and ask for recommendations.
  • Finnish saunas are an important part of the local culture, and many locals enjoy them weekly.

Best Time to Visit Hyvinkää

The best time to visit Hyvinkää is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, the town is beautiful year-round, and outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and skiing are popular during the winter months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hyvinkää

Do:

  • Take a dip in one of the town’s many lakes or ponds.
  • Explore Sveitsi Nature Park and the surrounding forests and countryside.

Don’t:

  • Be excessively loud or boisterous.
  • Wear shoes inside homes or apartments.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hyvinkää

Hyvinkää is generally a safe town, but as with any destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, especially when parked in public areas.

Health in Hyvinkää

Finland has a high standard of healthcare, and emergency health services are available throughout the country.

Getting to Hyvinkää: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hyvinkää

  • Helsinki-Vantaa Airport: Located approximately 40 kilometers from Hyvinkää, Helsinki-Vantaa is the largest airport in Finland and serves numerous international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Hyvinkää

  • Hyvinkää Bus Station: Located in the town center, this bus station connects Hyvinkää to cities and towns throughout the country.

Other Options

  • Train: Hyvinkää has a train station that connects it to Helsinki and other nearby destinations.

How to Get Around in Hyvinkää

The best way to get around Hyvinkää is by bike or on foot. The town is relatively small and easy to explore on foot or bike. Car rental is also an option, but be aware that parking can be limited in some areas.

Where to Go Next from Hyvinkää: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Helsinki: The capital city is approximately 60 kilometers from Hyvinkää and is easily accessible by train or car.
  • Porvoo: A charming town located approximately 80 kilometers from Hyvinkää with a beautiful Old Town and waterfront.

Conclusion

Hyvinkää may not be the most well-known destination in Finland, but it’s certainly worth a visit. With its beautiful outdoor spaces, vibrant cultural scene, delicious local cuisine, and friendly locals, Hyvinkää has something for every traveler. Plan your trip to Hyvinkää and discover the hidden gems of Southern Finland.

Pond and buildings in Hyvinkää Pond and buildings in Hyvinkää Willa Shopping Centre Willa Shopping Centre Lunch restaurant Mesta along the Regional road 130 (Old Hämeenlinna road) in Veikkari, Hyvinkää Lunch restaurant Mesta along the Regional road 130 (Old Hämeenlinna road) in Veikkari, Hyvinkää