In Vantaa's seven major areas, even locals can have a tourist's adventure

Vantaa is made up of seven major areas. I have had the opportunity to live in three of them, each of which has its own personality and surprises in a positive way. Although Vantaa is the fourth largest city in Finland, it feels like seven smaller cities, all with a similar uncomplicated and approachable atmosphere. Vantaa is well worth an adventure and exploring the unique attractions of the Greater Vantaa area, even if only this summer.

The Hakunila metropolitan area is home to a magnificent sports park, the Sotung cultural landscape and cultural attractions such as the Laila Pullinen Sculpture Park and Håkansböle Manor, which will open in its full glory in 2026, the nature lover's dream destinations Kuusijärvi and Sipoonkorvi National Park, and the tourist destination of Fazerila.

The Korso-Koivukylä area is home to Finland's largest single-family housing estate, beautiful natural sites such as the Keravanjoki river and Ankkapuisto, and cultural attractions from Rekola Cinema to Lumosal. The area will also see the opening of the fine Elmo swimming pool in a few years' time.

In the Tikkurila area, a renovated cultural factory in Vernissa and a summer café terrace by the river will open at the end of the summer. On the riverside you will find Heureka, Finland's most popular visitor attraction, from where you can continue along the riverbank to the Silk Factory theatre. In Tikkurila you can enjoy the summer stage, dances at Puistokulma, summer theatres and dozens of restaurants.

The Aviapolis area is home to the capital region's oldest building, St. Laurin Church, Finland's oldest school building still in use as a school, and the beautiful surrounding wooden houses and restaurants. Backas Manor's popular summer events will continue next summer. Next year, a new multi-purpose library will open in the Jumbo shopping centre and in a couple of years a new Aviation Museum will open near the train station.

In the greater Kivistö area, stop by Katrineberg Manor for a summer coffee and to admire the farm animals. In the countryside, you can cycle or paddle along the Vantaa River. The Mosaic City Cultural Centre has a new library, a versatile youth centre and cultural facilities.

The greater Myyrmäki area offers a lot: the Vantaa Art Museum Artsi, the Lobby jazz club, the Vantaa Summer Stage, the Martinus House of Culture and its summer events, and beautiful nearby nature spots such as the Lammaslampi pond and the Vantaankoski nature trail. The early summer Louhela Jam in Jokiuoma Park is not to be missed. One of Vantaa's architectural gems, the ‘Church of Light’ in Myyrmäki, designed by academic Juha Leiviskä, is also a favourite with many international tourists.

Vantaa has great cycling and walking trails, playgrounds and day-care centres, which are also worth using at weekends and in the evenings, park dining for children and the elderly, and beautiful local nature. The seven major areas of Vantaa are worth starting your adventure right away.

Riikka Åstrand, Deputy City Director