Southern Finland

Travel Guide

Helsinki featuring heritage architecture and night scenes
Finlandia Hall which includes theatre 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

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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 Kamppi Shopping Center.

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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Aviapolis

4/5(77 area reviews)

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

Aviapolis
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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City Center

If you're spending some time in City Center, Turku City Theatre and Paavo Nurmi Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

City Center
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$174 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$174
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,588 reviews)
"Excellent location, excellent breakfast"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109, Helsinki
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,598 reviews)
"Quiet and clean. Staff friendly The television did not work because their was no Internet No phones are in the room"

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki
4 out of 5
Asema-Aukio 2, Helsinki
The price is S$190 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$190
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Old fashioned with small lifts and long walks to rooms. Old bathrooms. Restricted electricity plugs so need specific sized as well type of connectors, but reception very helpful."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna 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.
Bob W Helsinki Kamppi
Bob W Helsinki Kamppi
4 out of 5
20 Lönnrotinkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Helsinki Cathedral and Olympic ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (36 reviews)
"The room was still very new and clean. I had an issue with passcode not showing, but it was solved quickly by chatting on WhatsApp."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Bob W Helsinki Kamppi
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! (354 reviews)
Nice visit in the City Center of Turku
"This was my first visit in Bob W, but not the last :) It took me a bit of effort and time to learn and apply the non-key system. Because of the many e-mails from hotels.com and Bow W I did not find the link to the guest area easily (and I couldn't find it via the Hotels.com app either.) But after ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Bob W Turku City Centre
Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
3.5 out of 5
22 Välimerenkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (133 reviews)
"Great place to stay, the rooms are clean and equipped with all you need including fridge and electric cooker and microwave. There is not much to do in the area of the hotel but well connected with several trams"

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
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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