Vantaa, best known for the Finnish Science Centre Heureka and Helsinki-Vantaa airport, is a mixture of modern city and traditional rural idyll.
The history of Vantaa, which is part of the Helsinki metropolitan area, dates back to the 14th century, when the area was known as Helsinki parish. Vantaa, which is Finland’s fourth largest city in terms of population, was not granted city status until 1974. Today, Vantaa is a dynamic and growing city, where visitors can enjoy science, technology, cultural history and art.
All travellers arriving in Helsinki by air first come to Vantaa through Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. The development of Vantaa has primarily been based on migration from the countryside and growth of infrastructure in the area. 1989 was a watershed in Vantaa’s cultural life as this was the year the Finnish Science Centre Heureka opened its doors and the Ankkarock music festival was first held. The Finnish Science Centre Heureka enables visitors to discover the world of science through interactive exhibits and it attracts around 300,000 visitors each year. If you have a particular interest in science and technology you can also visit the Finnish Aviation Museum, which is located near the airport and whose collections include nearly 9,000 aviation industry objects.
Vantaa Art Museum is a must-see attraction during your holiday in Vantaa. The museum, which opened in 1994, presents temporary exhibitions of domestic and international contemporary art, many of which are free admission. In Tikkurila, the Vantaa City Museum’s permanent exhibition The River: from Stone Age to Beer Floating depicts life in Vantaa from 10,000 years ago all the way through to modern times, and admission is free thanks to the educational purpose of the museum. Concert Hall Martinus in Martinlaakso is home to the Vantaa Pops Orchestra and the venue is also used for various musical performances, conferences and seminars. Multipurpose Centre LUMO in turn provides a programme of culture for all ages, including an indoor sports facility and performing arts classes.
In Vantaa, you and your children can enjoy the Hurraa! Children’s Festival or take to the dance floor at the Vantaa Dance Festival. In summer, there is the big Tikkurila Festival, which features top Finnish artists. An interesting addition to the events calendar is the baroque music festival BRQ Vantaa Festival. Next to Tikkurila station, the Vernissa cultural centre, which is located in an old varnish factory, a local heritage site, arranges various arts and music events and activities.
Vantaa is known as a real shopper’s paradise and is home to several factory outlets and shopping centres such as Jumbo and Porttipuisto in the area around the Kehä III ring way. Flamingo Shopping Centre’s spa is a good place for relaxation at the end of a long day. Vantaa also has a wide range of excellent dining options, so everyone can find a cuisine to suit their taste.
Vantaa’s extremely central location and short distance from Helsinki-Vantaa airport make the city an excellent holiday destination, especially for longer stopovers. Vantaa also offers excellent transport links to nearby cities, whether by air, train or bus.
Visit Vantaa in order to enjoy beautiful countryside, culture and excellent shopping facilities. Vantaa offers something for the entire family to see, do and experience.
