Vihti

Vihti (Swedish: Vichtis) is a municipality in Uusimaa, some northwest of Helsinki. Vihti is the northernmost part of the Helsinki region and it has a population of about 29,000 residents (2021).

History
Archaeologists have found traces of human settlements on lakeshores since the Stone Age. First historical mention of Vihti dates to 1433 at time being a part of Lohja parish. Vihti parish was founded on 1507 when first vicar was appointed and (now ruined) St. Bridget’s Church was built.

From 1950 to 2021, Vihti’s population has almost tripled (and Nummela’s population increased tenfold) due to massive growth of the Helsinki region.

Orientation


From the traveller's perspective, Vihti can be divided into three areas:
 * is a town and the municipality seat. With the population of 15,000 (2016), it holds roughly half of the municipality's population. Here's where you can find most of the shopping options, restaurants, nightlife, etc.
 * or Vihdin kirkonkylä (the parish village) is a much smaller town, yet more historical and a former municipality seat. It is often abbreviated as Vihti kk. In road signs and bus windows Vihti refers to this particular town, not the municipality as a whole.
 * The surrounding rural area (including small settlements like Ojakkala, and Otalampi) has very limited shopping and eating options but some of the top attractions of the area.

By bus
Buses to Vihti from Helsinki depart from Kamppi long distance terminal. They charge €9.80 (Nummela) or €11 (Vihti kk), although buying in advance from Matkahuolto or Pohjolan Liikenne website you might find a ticket as low as €3.90. Travelling time is 40 - 65 minutes.

In weekdays there is also a hourly connection bus 275 operated by Taxiline Koskinen to Nummela from Leppävaara, Espoo (stop E1116). Ticket price is €6. Travel time is 35 - 40 minutes.

In weekdays line 375(V) of Tilausliikenne Nikkanen Helsinki Oy has departures between Myyrmäki, Vantaa (stop V1562) and Vihti kk via Otalampi. Ticket price is €4 and travel time 45 minutes.

About 15 daily connections run from Lohja to Nummela. Ticket costs €5.90.

If you come from Pori direction, you can get off the bus at Nummela th stop for Nummela and at Vihti th stop for Vihti kk.

By car
Vihti is in a triangle within three major roads, so getting in by car is easy.
 * From Helsinki, take Highway 1 (E18) towards Turku, then turn right to Highway 2;
 * From Turku, take Highway 1 towards Helsinki, then turn left to Highway 2;
 * From Tampere, take Highway 3 towards Helsinki, then turn right to Highway 25;

By bus
About 20 daily connections link Nummela and Vihti kk. Full price ticket costs / one-way. Buses to minor settlements are more infrequent, so consult the timetables carefully beforehand. Buses are most frequent on schooldays.

By foot
Both urban centers, Nummela and Vihti kk, are itself easily covered by foot. Entire municipality is rather large (approx 550 km²) and the distances between different locations can be too long to walk. For example, the distance between Nummela and Vihti kk is roughly.

Do






Work
One of the most significant workplaces in Vihti is the industrial area near Nummela at the corner of highways 2 and 25. About 200 companies operate there.

Money
The vast majority of places of business, including shops, bars, buses and taxis, accept Finnish and foreign credit and debit cards. To withdraw cash euros, there are six ATMs (four in Nummela and two in Vihti kk). However, there are no currency exchanges in Vihti.

Internet
Many businesses have Wi-Fi for customers; ask the staff for details. For free Wi-Fi and internet terminals, check the Vihti Public Library. The branches of the library are in Nummela at Pisteenkaari 9 and in Vihti parish village at Nietoinkuja 1.

Post offices
Vihti has two post offices: Nummela (at the K-Supermarket Nummela premises, Keskikuja 3) and Vihti kk (at the R-kioski, Vaunukuja 1).

Go next

 * Karkkila, a small town next north along Highway 2
 * Helsinki, the capital of Finland
 * Hyvinkää, an industrial town and a railway hub.
 * Lohja, a town with an interesting mine, with museum, and a beautiful medieval church
 * Nurmijärvi, an eastern neighbouring municipality