Southern Finland

Travel Guide

Helsinki showing night scenes and heritage architecture
Finlandia Hall which includes theatre scenes
Suomenlinna Fortress showing general coastal views
Southern Finland
Finlandia Hall featuring modern architecture
Lively cities, secluded villages, miles of pretty coastline and unspoiled national parks feature in Finland’s most densely populated region.

From the nation’s vibrant capital city to quaint port towns and pristine wilderness areas, Southern Finland is a tourist region with varied attractions. The region stretches from Finland’s border with Russia, along the Gulf of Finland to the Baltic Sea and out across an archipelago of 6,500-plus islands. Southern Finland is also one of the country’s earliest inhabited regions, making it a destination loved by history buffs as well as outdoor enthusiasts.

The region’s heart is the Finnish capital, HelsinkiOpens in a new window. Its galleries, museums, cafés and centuries-old landmarks exude an air of sophistication and cultural vibrancy. Visit the Ateneum Art Museum and the grandiose Helsinki Cathedral. Attend free festivals at Esplanade Park and tour the UNESCO-protected Soumenlinna Sea Fortress.

Travel inland from Helsinki to Hämeenlinna, famous for its medieval castle and the Aulanko Nature Reserve. Head along the eastern coast to Kotka, a gateway to beach, sailing, rafting and islands trips. Nearby Hamina is recognizable for its wooden architecture and star-shaped forts. Pick berries while walking around the lakes and woods in Kouvola.

A 2-hour drive west of Helsinki is Finland’s oldest city, Turku, which dates back to the 1200s. Keep heading west to unwind at the tranquil summer retreat of Naantali and admire the wooden houses of storybook Rauma on the west coast. Relax on pristine beaches in Hanko and learn about Finnish mining history in Lohja.

Dedicate time to exploring Southern Finland’s beguiling national parks. Hike amid the pine forests, hills and lakes of Repovesi National Park and spot myriad birdlife in Torronsuo National Park. Noux National Park offers excellent hiking and camping close to Helsinki. Rent a bike and discover the quiet country roads of the coastal Uusimaa region.

Island-hop around the Åaland Islands, an autonomous, Swedish-speaking archipelago located at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia. Worth visiting are Brändö, Kumlinge, Kökar, Sottunga and Vårdö.

Reach Southern Finland by flying to Helsinki. Then travel between destinations by bike, boat, rented car and public buses. Summer temperatures are mild and enhanced by the extraordinary midnight sun. With the cold and snowy winter months come opportunities to spot the dazzling northern lights.

Where to stay in Southern Finland

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Helsinki City Centre

Noted for its museums and live music, there's plenty to explore in Helsinki City Centre. Top attractions like Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Vironkatu Station or Hallituskatu Station to see more of the city.

Helsinki City Centre
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Kamppi

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

Travellers choose Kamppi for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Kamppi Station or Simonkatu Tram Stop and check out top sights like Tennispalatsi Finnkino Cinema.

Kamppi
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Kluuvi

4.5/5(53 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Kluuvi. If sightseeing is on the list, Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Rautatientori Station or Rautatieasema Station to see more of the area.

Kluuvi
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Pasila

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Pasila. Mall of Tripla is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Pasilan asema Tram Stop or Esterinportti Station to see more of the city.

Pasila
Kauppatori Market Square featuring a city, a fountain and a square or plaza

Etelainen District

4.5/5(72 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Löyly Helsinki and take some time to enjoy the interesting museums during your time in Etelainen District. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Länsiterminaali T2 Tram Stop or Eiranranta Tram Stop.

Etelainen District
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Aviapolis

4/5(77 area reviews)

While you're in Aviapolis, take in top sights like Finnish Aviation Museum or Jumbo Shopping Center, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Aviapolis Station or Lentoasema Station.

Aviapolis
Marski by Scandic
Marski by Scandic
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
The price is €99 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
€99
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,115 reviews)
"perfect"

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2025

Marski by Scandic
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
The price is €127 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
€127
includes taxes & fees
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,473 reviews)
"Great Location, beautiful building, outstanding breakfast buffet"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Hobo Helsinki
Hobo Helsinki
4 out of 5
Kluuvikatu 4, Helsinki
The price is €98 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
€98
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Helsinki Cathedral and Maxim ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (483 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel, location and price. Staff is first class and have a personal touch"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

Hobo Helsinki
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Noli Katajanokka
Noli Katajanokka
Kanavakatu 1, Helsinki
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,270 reviews)
"I loved Noli overall. Be vigilant of your card since the fee is too high in case you miss it, especially on a Sunday night."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Noli Katajanokka
Noli Sörnäinen
Noli Sörnäinen
Hämeentie 33, Helsinki
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (300 reviews)
"The inclusion of a sauna and gym in the property made for s truly special stay, with excellent staff. Will be staying here again."

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2025

Noli Sörnäinen
Bob W Turku City Centre
Bob W Turku City Centre
4 out of 5
12 Eerikinkatu, Turku
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Turku. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Viking Line Terminal and Port of Turku ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (287 reviews)
"Excellent location and fast digital service. Our room was not properly cleaned before checkin and we hadn't received enough sheets and had to pick up the missing sheet ourselves. Otherwise a pleasant stay."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2025

Bob W Turku City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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