Free Uusimaa Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Uusimaa
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Explore Uusimaa from Helsinki’s design districts to Porvoo, Nuuksio’s forests and the Baltic coast of Hanko and Raseborg.

Uusimaa forms Finland’s most populous and internationally connected region, stretching around the Gulf of Finland from the capital Helsinki westwards to the coastal towns of Hanko and Raseborg, and northwards through forest, lake country and commuter towns. Helsinki provides the region’s metropolitan centre, but Uusimaa is not simply a capital-city destination: its identity also rests on archipelago waters, manor landscapes, medieval settlements, Swedish-speaking coastal communities and extensive woodland.
Read more about Uusimaa
Helsinki is the natural starting point, with neoclassical streets around Senate Square, the market-lined South Harbour, design museums, contemporary architecture and neighbourhoods that range from historic Kruununhaka to seaside Eira and lively Kallio. Across the western city boundary, Espoo combines an urban coastline with Nuuksio National Park, where marked trails, rocky outcrops, lakes and coniferous forest provide a sharp contrast to the capital. Vantaa, north of Helsinki, is home to the region’s airport and important cultural sites including the Finnish Aviation Museum and the medieval Church of St Lawrence.
Further east, Porvoo is one of Uusimaa’s most appealing historic towns. Its old riverside quarter, red-painted storehouses and steep lanes preserve a distinctive mercantile character, while the surrounding countryside is known for farms, forests and villages. Western Uusimaa has a different rhythm: Raseborg Castle, Fiskars Village, Ekenäs and Hanko reveal layers of medieval power, ironworking, maritime trade and resort history. The coastline becomes more open towards Hanko, Finland’s southernmost town, where beaches, pine forests and the harbour shape the experience.
Nature is woven into everyday travel across the region. The Gulf of Finland coast is indented by bays and islands, while inland districts contain lakes, wetlands and forest paths suited to walking, cycling, canoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Sustainable access is possible in many places by train or bus, though a car becomes useful for combining rural sites, small museums and dispersed coastal communities. Weather can change quickly, especially beside the sea, and daylight varies dramatically between summer and winter.
Uusimaa’s cultural life reflects Finland’s bilingual history: Finnish and Swedish are both visible in place names, public life and coastal communities, while Helsinki adds international food, design, music and theatre. Regional eating ranges from rye bread, fish and seasonal berries to modern Nordic cooking and produce from nearby farms. The result is a destination where urban culture, maritime history and accessible wilderness can be combined without requiring journeys across the whole of Finland.

When is the best time to visit Uusimaa?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-140
February-135
March440
April1040
May1645
June (best)2055
July (best)2265
August (best)2170
September1660
October1155
November550
December045

Getting to and around Uusimaa

How to get there

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is in Vantaa, within Uusimaa, and is the principal international gateway for the region and for Finland. Helsinki Central railway station has frequent long-distance connections to other Finnish cities, while national and regional buses serve destinations not directly reached by rail. Helsinki is also connected by international ferry services across the Baltic. Trains and buses reach Porvoo, Raseborg and Hanko from the capital area, although some western and rural itineraries may involve changes. Major roads approach Uusimaa from Turku, Tampere and eastern Finland.

Transportation

Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa have extensive urban public transport, including trains, trams, buses, the metro and ferries. Regional rail and bus services connect the capital area with towns such as Järvenpää, Hyvinkää, Lohja and Karjaa, while Porvoo and many coastal destinations are commonly reached by bus. A car is useful for linking Nuuksio’s trailheads, Fiskars, Raseborg Castle, Ekenäs and smaller villages, though parking and narrow rural roads require care. Cycling is practical in urban areas and on selected recreational routes; walking is the best way to explore historic centres.

Top city travel guides in Uusimaa

The cities of Uusimaa, and the easiest places to base yourself.

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Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Uusimaa

Uusimaa’s attractions range from Helsinki’s museums, galleries, design venues and historic districts to open-air experiences along the Gulf of Finland. The capital’s Suomenlinna sea fortress combines military architecture, museums and island walks, while the nearby urban coastline provides access to parks, markets and public saunas. In Espoo, Nuuksio National Park offers marked trails, lakes, rocky forest scenery and nature interpretation close to the metropolitan area. Porvoo provides a compact historic setting of riverside warehouses, old lanes and cathedral surroundings. Western Uusimaa broadens the picture with Raseborg Castle, Fiskars Village, Ekenäs’s wooden townscape and Hanko’s beaches, dunes and maritime landscapes. Vantaa contributes museums and historic sites, including the medieval Church of St Lawrence and the Finnish Aviation Museum. Across the region, manor environments, local museums, bird-rich wetlands, cycling routes and archipelago excursions show how closely urban life remains connected to forest, farmland and sea.

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Best landmarks in Uusimaa

Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square form Uusimaa’s most recognisable neoclassical ensemble, expressing the city’s role as capital after 1812 through a unified composition of pale stone buildings and formal civic space. Across the water, Suomenlinna’s island walls, dry dock, tunnels and barracks preserve a major Baltic fortress landscape shaped by Swedish, Russian and Finnish periods. Porvoo Cathedral and the old riverfront, with its red-painted storehouses, define the historic core of one of Finland’s most significant old towns. In western Uusimaa, the medieval ruins of Raseborg Castle rise above a wooded valley and reveal the political importance of the region’s medieval coast. Fiskars’s former ironworks buildings preserve an industrial settlement pattern now associated with design and craft. Hanko’s water tower, villas, beaches and harbour give the southern tip a distinct maritime silhouette, while Nuuksio’s forested ridges and lakes provide a natural landmark system rather than a single monument. Vantaa’s Church of St Lawrence adds a medieval ecclesiastical landmark to the metropolitan landscape.

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Explore Uusimaa on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Uusimaa

Dining in Uusimaa reflects both Finland’s coastal pantry and the international character of the capital region. Helsinki offers an especially broad range, from market-hall stalls and neighbourhood cafés to contemporary Nordic restaurants, vegetarian cooking and cuisines brought by the city’s diverse communities. Fish, rye bread, potatoes, mushrooms, berries and seasonal vegetables remain central to Finnish food culture, while the coast and archipelago contribute Baltic herring and other local seafood. Porvoo combines cafés and restaurants in historic surroundings with produce from the surrounding countryside. In western Uusimaa, rural inns, farm shops and restaurants connected with manor or ironworks landscapes often emphasise local ingredients and seasonal menus. Traditional pastries, cinnamon buns and berry desserts are easy to find, while Finnish beer, small-scale drinks and coffee accompany much of the region’s everyday social life. Farmers’ markets and Helsinki’s market halls are useful places to see regional produce rather than a single narrowly defined Uusimaa cuisine.

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Best bars in Uusimaa

Helsinki is the centre of Uusimaa’s evening life, with cocktail bars, traditional pubs, wine bars, breweries, live music venues, theatres and clubs spread across the central districts and neighbourhoods. Kallio, Kamppi, Punavuori and the harbour areas each have different concentrations of bars and restaurants, though individual venues and opening arrangements change frequently. Espoo and Vantaa offer more dispersed nightlife, generally focused on restaurants, pubs, cultural venues and shopping or transport centres rather than a continuous late-night district. In Porvoo, evening options tend to centre on historic-town restaurants, cafés, bars and seasonal terraces. Hanko becomes more active in summer, when the harbour and seaside setting attract holiday crowds, while rural western Uusimaa is more likely to offer village pubs, breweries, restaurants or occasional live music than nightclubs. Check current transport connections before staying out late, particularly outside Helsinki.

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Best nightclubs in Uusimaa

Helsinki is the centre of Uusimaa’s evening life, with cocktail bars, traditional pubs, wine bars, breweries, live music venues, theatres and clubs spread across the central districts and neighbourhoods. Kallio, Kamppi, Punavuori and the harbour areas each have different concentrations of bars and restaurants, though individual venues and opening arrangements change frequently. Espoo and Vantaa offer more dispersed nightlife, generally focused on restaurants, pubs, cultural venues and shopping or transport centres rather than a continuous late-night district. In Porvoo, evening options tend to centre on historic-town restaurants, cafés, bars and seasonal terraces. Hanko becomes more active in summer, when the harbour and seaside setting attract holiday crowds, while rural western Uusimaa is more likely to offer village pubs, breweries, restaurants or occasional live music than nightclubs. Check current transport connections before staying out late, particularly outside Helsinki.

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Best shops in Uusimaa

Shopping in Uusimaa ranges from Helsinki’s international design and fashion scene to the everyday markets and independent shops of smaller towns. Central Helsinki is the region’s main destination for Finnish design, architecture books, clothing, antiques and contemporary craft, with market halls offering food products and practical souvenirs. Porvoo’s old town has galleries, workshops, homewares, confectionery and small specialist retailers in historic premises, while its market square serves as a more local commercial focus. Fiskars Village is associated with studios, craft, design and exhibitions in former ironworks buildings, though individual businesses vary by season. Hanko and Ekenäs offer smaller selections of seaside and town-centre shops, local food products and craft goods rather than extensive retail districts. Useful regional purchases include Finnish textiles, ceramics, woodwork, liquorice, rye products, berry preserves and sustainably produced foods. Farmers’ markets and food halls are generally better places to find local produce than souvenir-oriented shops.

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Uusimaa essentials

Currency and Payment
Uusimaa uses the euro, written as EUR, like the rest of Finland. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Helsinki, transport systems, hotels, restaurants and shops, and cash is often unnecessary in urban areas. Carrying a small amount of euros remains sensible for occasional rural purchases, market stalls, lockers or situations involving older payment terminals. Finland’s payment culture is highly digital, but visitors should ensure that their bank card permits contactless and international transactions.
Safety
Uusimaa is generally straightforward for visitors, but normal urban precautions are appropriate around busy stations, harbours and nightlife areas. In forests and on islands, carry a charged phone, follow marked routes and allow extra time for wet rocks, muddy ground and poor visibility. Coastal weather can change quickly, and cold water, strong wind and slippery shoreline rocks create genuine risks outside supervised bathing areas. Winter driving may involve snow, ice and limited daylight, while cyclists and pedestrians should take care on shared paths and at crossings.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies anywhere in Finland, including Uusimaa. The same number should be used for urgent incidents at sea, with emergency services coordinating coastguard assistance when required. Give the location as precisely as possible, using a street address, trail name, map reference or nearby landmark; this is especially important in Nuuksio, the archipelago and rural western districts. For non-urgent medical advice, pharmacies and local health services can indicate the appropriate service, but serious or rapidly developing situations require 112.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect quietness on public transport, queue carefully and keep cycle lanes clear, as these are everyday expectations in Finland. At churches, cemeteries, museums and fortifications, follow photography and access rules and do not climb protected structures. In forests and on the coast, keep to marked paths where requested, leave no litter and use designated fire sites only when conditions permit. Tipping is not obligatory, though rounding up or rewarding notably good service is accepted. In bilingual coastal areas, either Finnish or Swedish may appear first on signs; using a polite greeting in either language is welcomed.
Local Tips
Combine Helsinki with one contrasting excursion rather than trying to cover every corner of Uusimaa in a day. Porvoo works well for historic streets and riverside architecture, while Nuuksio offers accessible forest landscapes close to the capital. Western Uusimaa rewards slower travel through Fiskars, Raseborg, Ekenäs and Hanko, particularly in summer when coastal light and outdoor activity are at their best. In winter, plan around short daylight hours and verify seasonal arrangements for museums, ferries, trails and rural cafés before setting out.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHi[hai]
GoodbyeBye[bai]
YesYeah[yea]
NoNope[nohp]
Please/You're welcomePlease[pleez]
Thank youThanks[thangs]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[sorree]
How are you?How's it going?[hows it goin]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[gud. yoo?]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[doo yoo speek ing-glish?]
I don't understandI don't get it[ai dont get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[kan ai see thuh men-yoo?]
I don't eat meatI’m vegetarian[aim vege-tair-ee-an]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[kan ai get thuh chek?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Leave me alone![leev mee uh-lone]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call thuh cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a dok-ter]
I'm lostI'm lost[aim lost]
I'm illI’m not feeling well[aim not feel-ing wel]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[ai want to bai...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just brows-ing]
How much is it?What’s the price?[whats thuh pryce?]
That's too expensiveThat’s too pricey[thats too pry-see]
Can you lower the price?Can you give a discount?[kan yoo giv a dis-kount?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[whut taim iz it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o’clock[its wun uh-clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[haf past ten]
MorningMorning[morn-ing]
AfternoonAfternoon[af-ter-noon]
EveningEvening[eev-ning]
YesterdayYesterday[yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[to-mor-row]
1One[wun]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[for]
5Five[fiv]
6Six[siks]
7Seven[sev-en]
8Eight[ate]
9Nine[nain]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where’s the...?[wheres thuh...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[whats thuh ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[kan yoo sho mee on thuh map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[whens thuh nekst bus?]
A ticket (to ....)One ticket to...[wun tik-it to...]

History of Uusimaa

Early Settlement and Coastal Trade

Uusimaa’s coast and inland waterways have supported settlement, fishing, farming and trade for centuries. Archaeological evidence records prehistoric communities, while the region’s sheltered bays and river mouths later connected local producers with Baltic networks. Swedish-speaking settlement became particularly influential along the coast during the medieval period, leaving a legacy visible in place names, parish churches and the bilingual character of western and southern Uusimaa. Inland forests and lakes encouraged a more dispersed pattern of farms and small settlements, different from the concentrated urban form that later developed around Helsinki.

Medieval Porvoo and Swedish Rule

Porvoo grew around its river and became one of Finland’s important medieval town sites. Its cathedral and irregular streets reflect the religious and commercial structures of the period, when the area formed part of the Swedish realm. Medieval parish churches, estate landscapes and coastal settlements connected Uusimaa to wider Swedish administration and Baltic commerce. Although later rebuilding altered many towns, Porvoo’s historic centre retains a strong sense of its medieval and early modern urban pattern.

Helsinki’s Foundation and the Growth of the Capital

Helsinki was founded by King Gustav I of Sweden in 1550 on the Vantaa River, before moving to its present peninsula site in the eighteenth century. In 1812, after Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire, Helsinki was made the capital and began a major transformation. Carl Ludvig Engel’s neoclassical centre, including Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral, expressed the city’s new administrative importance. The capital’s expansion accelerated Uusimaa’s economic and demographic development, drawing transport links, institutions and labour into the surrounding region.

Sveaborg and Baltic Defence

The sea fortress of Sveaborg, now Suomenlinna, was built on islands off Helsinki from the 1740s as a major Swedish defence project against Russian expansion. Its docks, barracks, dry dock and fortifications made the harbour a military and commercial centre. The fortress surrendered to Russian forces in 1808 during the Finnish War and subsequently became part of the Russian imperial defence system. Today, Suomenlinna preserves layers of Swedish, Russian and Finnish history and remains one of Uusimaa’s most important historic environments.

Ironworks, Industry and Railways

From the eighteenth century onwards, ironworks and related industries shaped parts of western Uusimaa. Fiskars became the best-known example, developing around iron production before evolving into a centre for design and craft. Improved roads and railways in the nineteenth century connected inland works, market towns and ports, including Hanko, with Helsinki and wider export networks. Industrial heritage survives in mill buildings, workers’ housing, manor estates and transport landscapes, offering a counterpoint to the region’s better-known capital-city history.

Hanko, Shipping and Resort Culture

Hanko’s position at Finland’s southern tip made it a significant port and a gateway for maritime traffic. The town also developed as a seaside resort in the late nineteenth century, when villas, spa culture and summer bathing became fashionable. Its harbour has continued to support trade, while the surrounding coast and skerries retain strong maritime associations. Hanko’s twentieth-century history also reflects Finland’s strategic position on the Baltic, making the town an important place for understanding both civilian and military aspects of the country’s modern past.

Independence, War and Metropolitan Expansion

Finland became independent in 1917, and Uusimaa was central to the political and social changes that followed. Helsinki experienced the upheavals of the Civil War in 1918, while the capital region expanded through industrialisation, post-war reconstruction and migration from other parts of Finland. New housing estates, roads and rail connections transformed former rural areas into urban and suburban districts. Since the late twentieth century, Uusimaa has become Finland’s leading economic, educational and international region, while many historic villages, coastal communities and green corridors remain within its boundaries.

Uusimaa in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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The closest regions to Uusimaa, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Uusimaa, Finland

Discover Uusimaa with Evendo - a 100% free, app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan, book, and explore with ease.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Uusimaa, Finland with Evendo. This free app-based travel guide helps you discover attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Near me feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • Comprehensive history of Uusimaa and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Imagine embarking on a journey to Uusimaa, Finland, armed with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. This free app-based travel guide is designed to help you explore the region effortlessly. Whether you are intrigued by the medieval charm of Porvoo, the vibrant city life of Helsinki, or the tranquility of the Nuuksio National Park, Evendo has got you covered.

With detailed information on attractions like the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, the bustling Market Square, and the serene Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, the app ensures you won't miss a thing. Evendo also guides you to hidden gems such as the charming Fiskars Village and the historic Raseborg Castle. Food lovers can relish the culinary delights at renowned restaurants like Olo, Savoy, and Finnjävel, or discover local favorites through curated local tips.

Evendo is not just about finding places; it’s about experiencing them fully. The app provides rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location. This makes it incredibly easy to plan and organize your trip. You can even book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.

One of the standout features of Evendo is its ease of use. With the 'Near me' feature, you can quickly find attractions, restaurants, and activities close to your current location. The app also includes a comprehensive history of Uusimaa and travel essentials to ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable visit. Best of all, Evendo is completely free to use, with no hidden costs or in-app purchases.

So why wait? Download Evendo today and start your adventure in Uusimaa!

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