Home by evening – day trips with children:

Sipoo, Porvoo and Loviisa

Published 29.6.2017, updated 8.7.2021

About an hour’s journey from Helsinki, there are many excellent and unique day trip destinations from a child’s perspective. The Pienten Helsinki summer series introduces child-friendly, low-threshold day trip destinations in neighboring municipalities and towns; for example, farm animals, nature spots, unique playgrounds and swimming areas, as well as cultural attractions. Also includes tips for childcare facilities along the way.

Eastern Uusimaa

Eastern Uusimaa's archipelago landscapes and varied nature, as well as diverse attractions, are good reasons to take a day trip east from Helsinki. From Helsinki, you can drive a maximum of an hour all the way to Loviisa through Sipoo and Porvoo. By car, the journey takes less than an hour; you can also reach Porvoo by bus or even by ship, as during the summer season, m/s J.L Runeberg operates between Helsinki and Porvoo (travel time Helsinki-Porvoo 3.5 hours). HSL buses serve Sipoo from the Itäkeskus metro station, to Söderkulla and Landbohon you can travel with an abc zone ticket, and when traveling with a child in a stroller, one adult's journey is free, just as in Helsinki (applies only to HSL buses).

[caption id=“attachment_50” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”] m/s J.L Runeberg in the Sipoo archipelago.[/caption]

East Uusimaa has several recreational areas from the Uusimaa Recreation Area Association, which are open to all. Some sites are located on islands, others on the mainland, and the facilities vary. Generally speaking, the sites are well-maintained and good places to visit with children. Note, however, that some sites may have difficult-to-access archipelago shores or steep drops along the route. For example, Varlaxudden at the southern end of Emäsalo is archipelago nature at its finest, but the terrain is quite rocky in places, so it may not be the best choice for the youngest children. Right next to the Emäsalo bridge is the Stornäsudden recreational area, and in Loviisa there is the Myllyjärvi recreational area, suitable for wilderness walks.

Trading vessel

Even today, Kauppalaiva Christina / Butiksbåten Christina operates in the eastern archipelago during the summer months. The trading vessel also has stops in places accessible from the mainland (e.g., Kitö), so you can also stop by for ice cream purchases on the trading vessel. If you want an unforgettable summer memory, the trading vessel is worth experiencing!

The trading vessel’s home port is in Karhusaari, and at the island’s harbor there is also a genuine archipelago shop and a summer café.

Kauppalaiva Christina at Kitö dock.

Sipoo

Sipoo Municipality spans a wide area with landscapes ranging from low-lying agricultural scenery to archipelago nature. Grazing cattle and horse farms are visible along the way, and horses can be admired from a close distance at Talosaaressa (Husö, now part of Helsinki). You can drive all the way to Husö Equestrian Center, and there are plenty of horse pastures. The equestrian facility's parking lot also serves as a City of Helsinki recreational area parking area, and the beautiful nature trail on Talosaari runs through a leafy forest to the sea. There is no longer a swimming area at the recreational area, but you can wade on the rocky shore. Talosaari is also a good destination on hot days due to the cooling sea breeze.

[caption id=“attachment_1459” align=“aligncenter” width=“2000”] Talosaari recreational area.[/caption]

Lunch places and cafés along the new Porvoo road include at least café-bakery N’avetta and home bakery Keidas, a kiosk at Gumbostrandi boat harbor (selling bulk ice cream!), and Konst&Form’s Bistro at Gumbostrandi. In Söderkulla center there is Ingmann’s bulk ice cream kiosk. At the Box junction, travelers are served by Box Burger at an old gas station, and a short distance south of the intersection is Majatalo Box. At the end of Karhusaari road at the boat harbor, there is still a traditional archipelago shop and café.

For book lovers, Söderkulla Library is a good stopping point and a nice destination for children. In addition to books, on sunny days you can relax on the library’s terrace, which has a small playhouse for children’s enjoyment. The library is located upstairs from the S-market. Childcare facilities are available on both the upper and lower floors of the building.

For outdoor activities, Siponkorpi National Park offers varied ready-made trails. Those hiking in Sipoonkorpi with children for the first time should try, for example, the Byabäcken nature trail (1.4 km), which is a good route for those starting out with hiking. An accessible route for those moving with strollers is the Tasakallio - Storträsk nature trail, which ends at a well-equipped picnic and rest area on the shore of a lake. More information about Sipoonkorpi and ready-made trails can be found on Metsähallitus’s website.

Joensuu Farm just before Söderkulla on the new Porvoo road is a family farm that has invested in summer outdoor activities. The area includes, for example, a disc golf course, sandy beach, and nature trails. Joensuu Farm also offers accommodation and the possibility of renting a small boat or kayak.

A child-friendly swimming beach can also be found north of Söderkulla at Taasjärvi. More information about Sipoo swimming areas can be found on Sipoo Municipality’s website. On the border between Porvoo and Sipoo is the Nikuviken recreational area owned by the City of Kerava, which has at least a grill area (current information about the swimming area is not available).

Porvoo

www.porvoo.fi/visit-porvoo

Porvoo’s old town is worth seeing and experiencing. The timeless toy shop Riimikko, numerous cafés and restaurants, and a beautiful setting are experiences in themselves. You must see Porvoo Cathedral on the hill, as well as the beautiful riverbank and the narrow alleyways between old buildings.

Right next to the old Porvoo is one of Uusimaa’s largest ancient monuments, Linnamäki, where you can also explore on hot days in the shade of large trees. At the town side edge of Linnamäki, in winter there is perhaps South Finland’s finest sledding hill!

[caption id=“attachment_4813” align=“aligncenter” width=“3428”] Toy shop Riimikko in Porvoo’s old town.[/caption]

For Moomin fans, Porvoo’s top destination is the Moomin Playground in the city park, a stone’s throw from Porvoo’s town square. The playground is excellently executed and there is plenty to do even for the youngest. The four slides at the Moomin Playground are a good reason to visit Porvoo more than once. Next to the Moomin Playground are the city park’s ~~water fountains where you can cool off on a hot summer day~~ (update 8.7.2021: the fountains were closed in July 2021 due to water quality issues). Update 2023: The beloved Moomin Playground has also deteriorated over the years, but it is still a fully functional playground.

Other nice playgrounds in Porvoo include, for example, the Toukovuori Playground and the Kodderviken Playground.

For animal lovers, Kungsbackan farm animal park located in Ilola in Porvoo is a nice destination where you can see animals up close and pet many of them. At Kungsbacka, you can find chickens, rabbits, donkeys, reindeer, pigs, wild boar, sheep, goats, horses… and machinery! Entry fee applies to the farm animal facility.

In Ilola is the Postimäki Open-Air Museum, which you can visit anytime. The museum’s cottages are open during the summer season Tuesday through Sunday from 11-17, and entry fees apply. The area also has a summer café. Entry fee applies.

Bosgård Farm east of Porvoo is also a good day trip destination. The farm has Charolais cattle grazing and often sheep during the summer season. The farm shop and restaurant serve partly year-round; you should check the farm’s website for exact opening hours. Bosgård also has a nature trail open to all, and along the routes you can get to know the farm’s animals.

[caption id=“attachment_49” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”] At Bosgård you can spot Charolais cattle.[/caption]

Porvoo has several swimming areas: for example, the Kokonniemi outdoor swimming pool, Hasselholmen beach on the shore of Veckjärvi (excellent with children!), and Sondbyn beaches south of Porvoo on the sea. More information about swimming areas can be found on Porvoo City’s website. Next to Hasselholmen beach is also a marked nature trail of about one kilometer.

Also, Kråkö has a large sand pit used by locals as a swimming area. This is not, however, an official swimming beach, so for example water quality is not monitored by authorities.

A good picnic spot near the center can be found at Kokonniemi’s tip, which has beautiful river views. The Hamarin harbor waterfront area also has nice places to sit down for a meal and enjoy beautiful cultural landscapes. There is also a café-restaurant Hamarinranta at Hamarin harbor.

In Porvoo you can also take a ferry when traveling to Pellinge Island. The ferry runs from Tirmo Archipelago Center to Sundö, from which there is a bridge connection to the Pellinge Archipelago. The journey is short, but the archipelago trip is a nice experience and the scenery is stunning. Ice cream is sold in Pellinge at least at Benita’s summer café. A summer market is also held in Pellinge during the summer season weekly, where locally produced food is sold. More information can be found on Pellinge area’s tourism website.

For older Moomin fans, Tove Jansson’s summer home Klovharn in the Pellinge outer archipelago is a worthwhile destination. Open trips to Klovharn Island are organized in July. More information about the trips can be found on the website of Pellinge Hembygdsförening local heritage association, which currently manages the island.

Souvenirs from Porvoo can be obtained from the small shops in the old town, as well as from, for example, Brunberg’s renovated factory store slightly outside the center. Brunberg’s other store is located in the old town, but factory special offers are not available there.

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Loviisa

www.visitloviisa.fi

Loviisa is a small summer town and an excellent day trip destination for a warm day. Old wooden houses and small alleyways invite exploration, and in July and August you can also explore Loviisa’s beautiful private gardens when the Roses and Gardens event is held in the city.

[caption id=“attachment_54” align=“aligncenter” width=“1023”] A miniature model of the Onneli and Anneli house can be found at Laivasilla Playground.[/caption]

Loviisa is the number one destination for Onneli and Anneli movie fans, as the city offers the chance to spot locations familiar from the movies and play in two different Onneli and Anneli playgrounds: At Laivasilla shore there is a themed play area, and at Kappeli Park playground you can play in the backstage house from the Onneli and Anneli movie.

Laivasilla Park is an Onneli and Anneli themed playground that is suitable even for the youngest due to its soft surface. Near the playground are Laivasilla’s old storage buildings with cafés and restaurants, as well as boat harbor facilities with public restrooms and childcare rooms. We haven’t been able to find an ice cream kiosk at the shore (summer 2020), but other treats are sold at the cafés and the shore kiosk. From Laivasilla shore you can also spot the ship from Onneli and Anneli’s winter film and explore a small stone labyrinth. The backstage house at Kappeli Park playground is open during the summer season weekdays from 9-18 and weekends from 9-17 (reliable information about summer 2023 opening hours was not available). Otherwise, the playground is always open.

[caption id=“attachment_55” align=“aligncenter” width=“768”] Laivasilla’s Onneli and Anneli Playground.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_5065” align=“aligncenter” width=“2048”] At Loviisa’s Kappeli Park playground there is an Onneli and Anneli house.[/caption]

Loviisa has several swimming areas. Plagen beach is child-friendly and a lifesaver on a hot summer day near the harbor. More information about other swimming areas in Loviisa can be found on the city’s website.

Svartholm Sea Fortress off the coast of Loviisa offers adventures in a historical setting for the whole family. You can explore the fortress on your own or participate in organized tours; for example, a children’s adventure tour is designed for the whole family. A ferry trip to the fortress is paid. Loviisa has numerous nature spots, for example, the Uusimaa Recreation Area Association sites are introduced at the beginning of this article. More information about other nature spots in Loviisa can be found on Loviisa’s tourism website.

Strömfors Mill north of Loviisa in Ruotsinpyhtää is a beautiful old mill site that is worth visiting for the wonderful mill environment alone. With children, you can visit the fascinating workshop museum (free admission!), marvel at the roaring rapids, and swim at the sandy-bottomed swimming area by the river. The mill area also has several cafés and restaurants.

Children's swimming area at Strömfors Mill.

As a childcare room tip, mention the Kuninkaaantie ABC on the Porvoo highway, just before Loviisa, which has a well-equipped childcare room and a memorable view across the highway.

If after Loviisa you want to go on an even longer trip, remember at least these:

Kotka: Vellamo Maritime Center and Kotka's beautiful parks, such as Katarina Sea Park and Sapoka Water Park.

Pienten Suomi

Pienten Suomi is Pienten Helsinki's little sister, offering suggestions for activities and experiences throughout Finland. Pienten Suomi's map also has many tips for Eastern Uusimaa as well!

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