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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Kauppatori showing 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

City Center

If you're spending some time in City Center, Paavo Nurmi Stadium and Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova are top sights worth seeing.

City Center
Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
The price is €121 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
€121
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,401 reviews)
"Breakfast was exceptional."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Marski by Scandic
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2, Helsinki, Uusimaa
The price is €140 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€140
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,343 reviews)
Good hotel with some areas for improvements
"Nice rooms, however one of the two rooms we stayed in was distinctly smaller than the other. The blackout blinds were suboptimal with openings on the sides that were hard to fix/plug. The relax area and swimming pool was top notch. We could hear the trams even though we were on floor 7, albeit not ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Hobo Helsinki

Hobo Helsinki

4 out of 5
Kluuvikatu 4, Helsinki
The price is €128 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€128
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Kauppatori Market Square and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (766 reviews)
"I have stayed here for 7 years about 8 times per year (not during the renovation) and it is really really good, fair priced and convenient. Never an issue in 8 years."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 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.
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 Kauppatori Market Square and Sinebrychoff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at Bob W Kamppi, the prosperity and the rooms are beautifully designed and the locations is excellent - lots of nice cafes, restaurants, shops etc. at a walking distance. Both the app and communicating with the team via WhatsApp worked great as well. The only „minus points“ ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 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! (406 reviews)
Fantastic place in a fantastic location
"Loved this place! Will definitely stay again. Everything one needs while traveling is here."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 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. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (155 reviews)
"I recently returned for my second 7-night stay at UNITY Helsinki, and it was just as impressive as the first time. The staff are genuinely kind and welcoming, always ready to help with a smile, which makes the whole experience feel personal and comfortable. The service is consistently excellent, ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 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.

Popular places to visit