Helsinki, Tampere, Turku are undoubtedly the highlights, but visiting the small Finnish villages gives the traveler a more intimate, authentic, and relaxing. Dotted around this land of lakes and forests are a number of truly stunning towns in Finland. Here are 7 of our favorites.
1. Porvoo
Porvoo has been loved by some of Finland’s greatest poets and artists. It is the second oldest city in Finland and evidence of its long history can still be seen and felt as you walk its charming streets. The historic old town boasts lots of pretty, colorful traditional wooden houses, which are an amazing sight to see. Porvoo is also famous for its countless interior design shops and always has been a source of inspiration for many local designers. Definitely one of the towns in Finland you should visit at least once!
2. Hanko
Hanko beach
It may come as a surprise for some people, but Finland has beaches too. Hanko is a summer paradise for anyone who loves sun, sandy beaches and sea combined with the old town’s charming atmosphere, colorful events and enticing restaurants. Hanko is often spoken of as Finland’s Hampton or the Finnish riviera.
3. Mariehamn
The town is the capital of Åland Island, an autonomous Swedish-speaking territory in Finland. Walking around the small center, you will see streets full of colorful wooden buildings and houses that really bring the town to life, either in summer or in winter. It is the perfect antidote to a hectic, big city lifestyle of the Baltic Sea capitals: Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and St. Petersburg. The town was also once the home for the world’s largest oceanic sailing ships and therefore, there is a large marina to explore and a museum ship anchored in the city’s western harbor.
4. Raseborg
There are a number of things to see in Raseborg, both man-made and natural. There are historic ironworks of Fiskars and Billnäs, Raseborg castle ruins, the Svartå Manor and Ekenäs with its quaint small wooden houses to cheer you up on a dark day. On the natural side, Raseborg is a good jumping-off point to explore the magnificent archipelago, which contains Ekenäs National Park.
5. Naantali
Naantali is the town of a thousand islands. The highlights of sunny Naantali are the idyllic old town and the nearby archipelago. There is a shimmering energy in the heart of the town with its lively cafes, restaurants, terraces and a world of colorful boutiques. The town’s well-known sights are Moominworld, Naantali Spa Hotel and Kultaranta – the summer residence of the President of Finland.
6. Savonlinna
One of the most ancient towns in Finland, Savonlinna was founded in 1639. It was built up around the Olavinlinna castle, which you can still visit. Although it’s an inland town, you would be forgiven for forgetting that, thanks to the prominence of the area’s numerous lakes in the landscape. If you come at the right time in the year, you might be lucky enough to catch one of their big events – the Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships. By the way, there are plenty of other crazy Finnish sports in Finland which you should definitely check out.
7. Saariselkä
Ever dream of sleeping in an igloo? Ever dreamt of sleeping in an igloo with a glass roof, perfectly suited for Aurora Borealis-hunting? Then Saariselkä is your place to go. You can take a sled-dog safari to witness the beauty of what real winter looks like or come in June or July to find out the real meaning of White Nights.
Also, don’t forget to check our Finland’s Bucket List for the best experiences in this magic country.
