Southern Finland

Travel Guide

Helsinki featuring heritage architecture and night scenes
Finlandia Hall showing theater scenes
Suomenlinna Fortress featuring general coastal views
Southern Finland
Finlandia Hall which includes 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

Senate Square showing street scenes

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
Old Church of Helsinki which includes a garden

Kamppi

Travelers choose Kamppi for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Kamppi Station or Simonkatu Tram Stop and check out top sights like Kamppi Shopping Center.

Kamppi
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Kluuvi

4/5(1 area review)

Consider a visit to Helsinki Central Library Oodi and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Kluuvi. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Rautatientori Station or Rautatieasema Station.

Kluuvi
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Pasila

Pasila is a destination travelers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Pasilan asema Tram Stop or Esterinportti Station to explore sights like Mall of Tripla.

Pasila
Vantaa featuring rafting, kayaking or canoeing and a lake or waterhole

Aviapolis

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 the city at Aviapolis Station or Lentoasema Station.

Aviapolis
Katajanokka featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

Known for its ample dining options and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. You can visit top attractions like Helsinki Sky Wheel and Uspenski Cathedral, and jump on the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
Marski by Scandic
Marski by Scandic
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
The price is P6,691 per night from 11 May to 12 May
P6,691
P7,628 total
includes taxes & fees
May 11 - May 12
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! (1,142 reviews)
"The hotel staff were friendly and helpful. The location of the hotel was great, with easy access to the main attractions by tram or on foot."

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

Marski by Scandic
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
The price is P8,676 per night from 11 May to 12 May
P8,676
P9,891 total
includes taxes & fees
May 11 - May 12
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! (1,500 reviews)
Great convenience
"Loved this place"

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Hobo Helsinki
Hobo Helsinki
4 out of 5
Kluuvikatu 4, Helsinki
The price is P5,841 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
P5,841
P6,658 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 24 - Apr 25
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! (516 reviews)
"In a perfect location, with friendly and genuinely helpful staff. My room was spacious and comfortable plus the breakfast is great. A really good place to stay and explore Helsinki."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,300 reviews)
"The studios were very clean, well designed and laid out and very quiet. The property is centrally located close to the waterfront and all the main attractions are within easy walking distance. There is a supermarket very close by. The studio was too warm and the heating difficult to control. Self ..."

Reviewed on Apr 18, 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! (342 reviews)
Great short stay, don’t lose your key.
"Great, independent accommodation that was not like a hotel but had the same services. Perfect short stay. DO NOT LOSE YOUR KEY. The locksmith is outrageously expensive."

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025

Noli Sörnäinen
Forenom Apts Hämeenlinna Katuma 3
Forenom Apts Hämeenlinna Katuma 3
3 out of 5
3 Mansikkapolku, Hameenlinna, Kanta-Häme
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hameenlinna. Enjoy free WiFi, cable TV channels, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Helgelidin Nature Reserve and ...
Forenom Apts Hämeenlinna Katuma 3
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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