Where to go from Helsinki on a rented car

Helsinki is a thriving city that's easy to navigate on foot. But if you're going to be renting a car in Helsinki, it's worth exploring some of the surrounding areas. After all, this is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. And nothing says "beautiful" quite like getting out into nature!

So here are our top 10 spots for day trips from Helsinki if you're renting a car:

The Saimaa Canal

The Saimaa Canal is the longest canal in Finland and connects Lake Saimaa with the Gulf of Finland. It's also one of the most scenic routes you can take on your rented car. The best way to experience it is by boat, which you can do at many marinas along the route or even rent one yourself!

There are so many things to see along this route: islands, bridges and locks make up just some of its charms. You might even spot some wildlife like swans or reindeer grazing near waterfalls (or hanging out at restaurants). If you're lucky enough to be there during summertime when daylight lasts longer than usual then try visiting Savonlinna Opera Festival - one of Europe's oldest opera festivals takes place from June till August every year in this small town located near Lake Saimaa.

A day trip to Porvoo

If you're looking for somewhere to go on a day trip from Helsinki, Porvoo is the place. It's situated on the south coast of Finland and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Porvoo Cathedral.

The cathedral itself is worth seeing--it has been built in various styles throughout its history, including Gothic Revival architecture and Baroque Revival architecture. If you're feeling hungry after visiting the cathedral, spend some time wandering through one of Finland's oldest wooden house districts (which dates back as far as 1480). You'll find cobblestone streets lined with shops selling everything from pastries to jewelry made by local artisans!

Vihti

Vihti is a municipality in Southern Finland, located between Helsinki and Turku. It's known for its nature, history and culture. The municipality has an area of 1,038 square kilometres (403 sq mi) and a population of 18,879 (as of 31 December 2016). The population density is 12 inhabitants per square kilometre (32/sq mi).

Vihti was founded in 1550 by Gustav Vasa when he built a castle on an island near the current city center. The first inhabitants were Finns who moved there from Karelia because they were forced to do so by Russian authorities after being conquered by them during the Russo-Swedish War (1554–1557).

Hiking near Espoo

Hiking is a popular activity in Finland, and there are plenty of trails near the city of Espoo. To get started, you'll want to prepare yourself with proper clothing and equipment. Bring along a backpack with water and food supplies for the trail as well as any other items you might need for your hike (such as sunscreen).

If your plan is to go on long hikes or camp overnight along one of Finland's many beautiful hiking trails, then it's best to bring along sturdy boots or shoes that can handle slippery ground conditions and rugged terrain--you never know what kind of weather conditions might come up! A map may also be helpful if there are no signs at trailheads indicating where different routes lead off from each other.

Most guided tours last about three hours but can vary depending on itinerary choices made by tour operators themselves; however some companies offer longer excursions lasting up ˆ 6 hours per day depending on demand among clients' needs during high season periods such as summertime when tourists flock here every year seeking respite from hot temperatures elsewhere around Europe where most Europeans live now days due t o global warming affecting climate patterns worldwide causing higher temperatures everywhere except Antarctica which has remained relatively unchanged over time due mainly b ecause ice covers most continents except Antarctica making them colder than anywhere else.

Koli National Park

Koli National Park is a nature reserve in southern Finland, located about 100 km from Helsinki. It's home to some of Finland's highest peaks and offers some of the best hiking trails in the country. The park also has plenty of skiing opportunities for winter travelers; there are over 30 marked ski trails available for both beginners and experienced skiers alike.

In addition to its mountainous terrain, Koli National Park also boasts an abundance of lakes and glaciers which offer up stunning views from their lookout points on top of hillsides overlooking them (or even better: while you're swimming in them!). You'll also find many animals living here--including moose! There are several ways to explore Koli National Park depending on what kind of activity you want to do: if hiking is more your speed then try out one of the many paths through forests; if snowboarding appeals more then head out onto one of its 30+ marked trails; even if neither sounds appealing then just relax by taking advantage of all those beautiful lakes!

Kitee, "the city of well-being"

Kitee is a small town in eastern Finland, known as "the city of well-being." The region has been famous for its mineral water since the 1800s, when it was first bottled and sold as medicine. Today, there are over 40 different types of mineral water available in Kitee--you can even take a tour around town to visit some of them!

Kiviranta spa resort is located just outside Kitee; it's one of several spas that offer treatments based on local minerals and hot springs. If you're visiting during summer months (June through August), be sure to check out their outdoor pools: they're heated by an underground spring at 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit).

Lake Saarijarvi

Lake Saarijarvi is the largest lake in Finland and it's surrounded by forest. There are many islands on this lake, so if you're looking for an island getaway, this could be your spot!

The Häme region is known for its beautiful scenery and Lake Saarijarvi is certainly no exception. Many people come here for outdoor activities such as hiking or swimming--you can rent boats from local vendors too!

Parikkala

Parikkala is a small town in the east of Finland, known for its architecture which is influenced by the Russian and Swedish cultures. In Parikkala you can walk around and enjoy the scenery, visit museums and have some coffee at an art gallery.

Lappeenranta, "the town on the sea"

Lappeenranta is a town in the southeast of Finland, with a population of over 60,000 people. It's known as "the city on the sea", due to its location on Lake Saimaa and its close proximity to Russia. Lappeenranta has been an important trade center since Medieval times, when it was part of Russia until 1809 when it became part of Finland. Today it attracts many tourists who come to visit its beautiful sandy beaches or enjoy the sunshine during their summer holidays there.

Virolahti, "a city of lakes"

Virolahti is a small city in eastern Finland, located on Lake Saimaa. The largest lake in Finland has many islands and is known for its nature and wildlife. It's possible to swim in the lake all year round, thanks to its warm waters (around 25 degrees Celsius).

The best way to explore Virolahti is by renting a car at the airport and driving around Lake Saimaa. There are lots of places to visit: for example, you can go hiking or fishing on one of its islands; visit an open-air museum; take part in some water sports such as kayaking or canoeing; enjoy some peaceful time with family at one of the many campgrounds available nearby; stop by some historical sites along your route--there are plenty!

Renting a car in Finland

If you're renting a car in Finland, you have tons of options for day trips from Helsinki. You can go to the Saimaa Canal, which is about an hour away and offers great views of water lilies. Or check out Porvoo--it's only about 30 minutes away by car and has lots of cobblestone streets that make for good photo opps. If you want to get out into nature but don't want to spend too much time driving, head toward Vihti for some hiking near Espoo. Or take a trip up north near Koli National Park (about three hours from Helsinki), where there are plenty of trails through forests and mountainside paths that lead up toward open fields filled with wildflowers in summertime!

If you're renting a car in Finland and looking for some great places to visit, these are our top picks. We hope they inspire you to take a day trip from Helsinki!