The Finnish capital of Helsinki lies at the southern tip of the country. The sea surrounds the city on three sides giving it almost 100 kilometres of shoreline and 300 islands. Make sure you visit Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari, or the saunas, cafes and beaches of Pihlajasaari and Uunisaari.
Hire a car from Rautatieasema Railway Station (often called Helsinki Central Station) and drive to Seurasaari, a peaceful retreat for city dwellers since the 1800s. You can visit the museum, restaurant, parks and swimming beaches, and beside the bridge leading to the island there's the Urho Kekkonen Museum in Tamminiemi.
The stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Suomenlinna, one of the world's biggest maritime fortresses, is just a 15 minute ferry ride away. Built in 1748 on a cluster of four islands connected by bridges, this sprawling fortress offers museums, cafes and guided walking tours, and has defended Sweden, Russia and Finland.
Choose to rent a car from Rautatieasema Railway Station and about half an hour's drive to the North West there's Vihti, where you can enjoy hiking, canoeing, horse riding and skiing. Or less than an hour away you can shop the street markets, boutiques and restaurants of historic Porvoo.
