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 Tennispalatsi Finnkino Cinema.

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
Kauppatori Market Square which includes a square or plaza, a fountain and a city

Etelainen District

You might take some time to check out the interesting museums in Etelainen District. Spend some time visiting top spots like Löyly Helsinki, and catch the metro at Länsiterminaali T2 Tram Stop or Eiranranta Tram Stop to see more of the area.

Etelainen District
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
Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti
Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti
4 out of 5
Etelaeinen Rautatiekatu 4, Helsinki
The price is P6,901 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
P6,901
P7,867 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Helsinki Cathedral and Finnish Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Brilliant location and great to have pool and sauna on site. Everything was good."

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2025

Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti
Marski by Scandic
Marski by Scandic
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
The price is P5,638 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
P5,638
P6,427 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
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! (1,122 reviews)
"perfect"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2025

Marski by Scandic
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
The price is P6,993 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P6,993
P7,972 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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! (1,480 reviews)
"Great Location, beautiful building, outstanding breakfast buffet"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Scandic Grand Central 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! (1,273 reviews)
"Would highly recommend and stay here again. In fact, I wish our stay was longer in order to have more time to enjoy. Staff communication is great, breakfast is yummy with nice portions, every amenity you can think of, room is spacious and functional. All around great!"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 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! (334 reviews)
"Excellent place. Was difficult find personal for simple questions but everything went well."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 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! (290 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 Mar 25, 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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