Uusimaa: Coastal Trails, Islands and Historic Places

Uusimaa can be experienced in many different ways: maritime walking trails in Espoo, the historic streets of Porvoo, Suomenlinna in Helsinki and forest areas such as Sipoonkorpi each offer something distinct. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering whether you would rather spend time by the water, explore nature trails, or plan visits to historic places and exhibitions.

Coastal Trails and Outdoor Activities

In Espoo, the more than ten-kilometre R2 route is a fully marked, trail-style path through the landscapes of Oittaa and Pirttimäki. It is suitable for hiking, trekking, trail running and mountain biking. The starting points at Oittaa and Pirttimäki are accessible by bus and offer car parking.

Espoo’s 40-kilometre Rantaraitti offers a different focus: a waterfront trail for walks and recreation in a maritime setting. Almost a hundred points of interest line the route, presenting local flora and fauna, cultural history and buildings, and sharing anecdotes about coastal life in the past. The trail combines exercise by the water with insights into Espoo’s natural and cultural history.

The distances also provide a practical guide for planning an outing: the Rantaraitti is 40 kilometres long, while Suomenlinna’s Blue Route is about 1.5 kilometres one way. The Blue Route runs from north to south, from the main pier to the King’s Gate. The two figures describe different route lengths and do not specify a walking time.

Woodland Landscapes and Seasonal Nature Experiences

The Varlaxudden recreational area on the island of Emäsalo in Porvoo offers views of the archipelago and open sea. The coastal landscape is ideal for a picnic in summer, while spring and autumn are good times for birdwatching. Each season offers a different way to enjoy a visit by the water.

Activities in Sipoonkorpi National Park in Sipoo include skiing, hiking, cycling, climbing and geocaching. Dense forests, untouched wilderness and gently flowing rivers define the landscape. The 1.4-kilometre Byabäcken Nature Trail passes through lush forests and golden fields. Another woodland landscape can be found in the Meiko Nature Reserve near Kirkkonummi, with Lake Meiko, smaller ponds and forest areas.

Island History, Old Town and Village Culture

Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a maritime district of Helsinki. The Blue Route crosses the island from the main pier to the King’s Gate. In Finland, the HSL ferry connects Helsinki’s Market Square with Suomenlinna all year round; the crossing takes about 15 minutes. Check the timetable before your visit if you plan to include the ferry in your day’s itinerary.

Old Porvoo reveals another side of the region’s history: stroll along winding cobblestone streets lined with colourful wooden houses, with red-ochre warehouses standing by the river. Founded in 1896, Porvoo Museum helps preserve and present the cultural and natural heritage of Porvoo and Eastern Uusimaa.

Local treats are also part of the Porvoo experience. Runeberg tarts, named after Finland’s national poet, are available there all year round. The Brunberg confectionery factory has been making chocolate and sweets in Porvoo since 1871.

In Raseborg, Fiskars Village combines history with contemporary art and culture. The former ironworks village was founded in the 17th century and is now considered a centre of Finnish design and art. Culture, exhibitions, crafts, activities and events are part of its year-round offering. The Fiskars Museum tells the story of the village through narratives and historical objects. Raseborg Castle also has historical ties to the region: in the Middle Ages, it served as the administrative centre of Western Uusimaa.

Choose the Right Base for Your Stay

If your group has varied interests, first decide what you want to focus on when choosing a location: coastal walks, nature trails and outdoor activities, or historic sites with museums and crafts. Examples from Espoo, Porvoo, Helsinki, Sipoo and Raseborg offer different points of reference for making this decision. Then choose your holiday apartment based on the place you would prefer as a base for your planned explorations.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hyvinkää, Porvoo, Åminnefors, Klaukkala, Espoo, Vantaa, Järvenpää, Helsinki, Tuusula, Kirkkonummi, Lohja, Pernå, Karjalohja, Hanko, Sammatti, Sipoo, Nummi-Pusula, Siuntio, Ruotsinpyhtää, Ingå, Svartå, Vihti, Lapinjärvi, Mäntsälä, Billnäs, Hattom, Kerava, Skuru, Hermala, Rajamäki, Kurkimäki, Savijoki, Raseborg, Nurmijärvi and Mörskom.

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