Nordic Countries - Helsinki, Oslo or Stockholm?

Hi all peops.


I'm planning to use 9.000 pt. on a one day trip from CPH to either Oslo, Stockholm or Helsinki.

I don't know what to choose. Actually i'm mostly hooked on Helsinki, but i'm not sure about the Airport->City center transportation? Is it easy navigate in Helsinki? Short or long distances? Please bare in mind that I land in the morning (8 morning) and will be departing like 7-8 evening.

What is the best option for a one-day trip?

From Helsinki Airport Finnair bus takes you to the railway station in city center in about 30 minutes. It costs 6.20 euros one way. The city bus 615 goes to the same place taking a different route and it takes 40-50 minutes, depending on letters after the 615. It is 4.50 for a regional ticket valid 80 minutes. If you opt 615, it might be good idea to buy 24 hour regional ticket for 12 euros. It should be available from vending machine by the bus stop, or from the driver. It is good for all public transportation in greater Helsinki area including the ferry to Suomenlinna. Both bus lines are frequent enough.

Oslo and Stockholm have both fairly high speed trains to city center, but they are more expensive. There are cheaper options, but they take more time.

I consider Helsinki a compact city with short distances. There are some things outside the walking distance from the city center that tourists might want to see, but they are easily accessible by bus or tram. And Suomenlinna fortress island by ferry. Pretty much same goes for Stockholm and Oslo as well. The places of interest are maybe a bit further apart in those cities than in Helsinki, but both of them have excellent public transportation as well.

I think that when it's only 'one day trip' I will go for the sights inside the city near the train station. What about: The distances from the train station to the beautiful Cathedral and the harbor?

If you mean Tuomiokirkko (Lutheran Cathedral, the big white one), it is less than a kilometer from the railway station. Harbor: Well, Helsinki is surrounded by different harbors, but the Market Square by the sea is maybe two hundred meters farther from the cathedral.

Here is the map of Helsinki centered to the railway station:

http://kartta.helsinginseutu.fi/index_en.html

The cathedral is a little bit east where it says "Kirkko". The market square is south from the cathedral where it says "Kauppatori". I'm sure there's a lot of tourist maps available that have the sights in English but right now I cannot think any of them online. Google map has some places in English and some places in Finnish.

Taking the risk of being unpatriotic, I think Helsinki is a great idea for a day trip. I have done it several times, coming over on the cruise ships from Stockholm.
Helsinki is more compact than Stockholm, (almost) as beautiful, and great for walking if the weather is good. Public transport is also very good, and since it's trams as opposed to the subway in Stockholm you'll get to see the city while you're traveling. There are lots of nice restaurants and bars in the city centre for a lunch break or a drink.
Transport from the airport is a little slower than in Stockholm, but, as pointed out above, much cheaper.

I would vote for Helsinki also, but make it a saturday, i tried a sunday in helsinki. and everything was closed!