Autumn holidays by bus – discover Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites without a car

Autumn is a great time to see Finland from a different perspective. Aalto Works, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in summer 2026, brought the number of World Heritage Sites in Finland to eight. And best of all, many of them are easy to visit without a car.

We’ve picked four destinations that are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway during the autumn holidays. So pack a pair of sturdy shoes and a little sense of adventure – let the Matkat app help you plan the journey.

Suomenlinna, Helsinki

Just off the coast of Helsinki, Suomenlinna is one of Finland’s best-known World Heritage Sites. In autumn, its historic fortifications, seaside paths and sweeping views across the water make it a brilliant destination for a day out – and a little sea breeze only adds to the experience when you’re dressed for it.

Getting there: Travel by bus or train to central Helsinki, then take the ferry to Suomenlinna.

Matkahuolto tip: Still hungry for culture? Add a couple of Aalto Works sites to your day, such as Finlandia Hall or the House of Culture. The Matkat app combines different modes of transport into travel chains and shows routes and timetables in a single search.

Old Rauma, Rauma

Old Rauma is one of the best-preserved wooden towns in the Nordic countries. Its narrow lanes, courtyards and colourful wooden houses bring history into everyday life even today. Autumn is a lovely time to wander at your own pace along the cobbled streets – with the occasional stop to warm up in a café or browse the small independent shops along the way.

Getting there: Take a bus to central Rauma, just a short walk from Old Rauma.

Matkahuolto tip: Leave a little room for surprises – some of Old Rauma’s best finds might be waiting down the very side street you hadn’t planned to take.

Aalto Works, Jyväskylä and beyond

Finland’s newest World Heritage Site, Aalto Works, consists of 13 sites designed by Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto in different parts of Finland.

Jyväskylä is a great choice for an autumn break, with several buildings belonging to the collection, including the Aalto Campus and Säynätsalo Town Hall. You’ll also find Aalto Works sites in Helsinki, Seinäjoki, Kotka, Pori, Paimio and Imatra – so there’s a little Aalto in almost every direction.

Getting there: Take a bus to central Jyväskylä and continue by local bus to the Aalto sites. With the Matkat app, you can plan your entire travel chain and buy all your tickets in one go.

Matkahuolto tip: In Jyväskylä, you can visit several Aalto Works sites in a single day. Plan your route in advance and check routes and timetables easily in the Matkat app.

Petäjävesi Old Church, Petäjävesi

Petäjävesi Old Church in Central Finland is an impressive example of Finnish wooden church architecture. Built in the 18th century, the church and its surroundings make a wonderfully peaceful cultural destination for an autumn break. The surrounding lakes and countryside views are the icing on the cake.

Getting there: Take a bus to central Jyväskylä and continue to Petäjävesi by bus or train. Check the connections and timetables in the Matkat app to find the option that suits you best.

Matkahuolto tip: Combine your visit with some of Jyväskylä’s Aalto Works sites and turn the day into a cultural adventure through the landscapes of Central Finland.

Where will you be heading this autumn?

Finland’s World Heritage Sites have plenty to discover, whether you’re into history, architecture or simply exploring more of Finland. And best off all, you don’t have to spend the whole trip sweating behind the wheel. On the bus, you can watch the scenery roll by and focus on what really matters – enjoying the journey.

Find a suitable connection in the Matkat app, buy your tickets and set off to discover Finland’s unique World Heritage Sites.

Author: Ella Paimander, Matkahuolto Ella works with marketing and content at Matkahuolto. She is inspired by overland travel in Finland and abroad, experiences that are easy to reach and new destinations you can explore without a car – including by bus.

Photos:

Suomenlinna: Jussi Hellstén, Rauma: Raumankaupunki ja Alvar Aalto University Jyväskylä: Julia Kivelä