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

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
Katajanokka featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. Top attractions like Helsinki Sky Wheel and Uspenski Cathedral are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
The price is €122 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€122
7 Sept - 8 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! (1,369 reviews)
Ok hotel - but not as good they advertise
"Shower in room had bad design- water everywhere and oblivious hotel knew about. Reception luggage storage was just a room - on your own responsibility. Fair value for € but what keeps them fixing obvious issue? Also - access to Yrjönkatu rooms was complicated including 2 elevators. Not great with ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Marski by Scandic
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2, Helsinki, Uusimaa
The price is €127 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€127
17 Aug - 18 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! (1,331 reviews)
"I enjoyed my 3 night weekend stay very much and am happy I took a friend’s recommendation to stay at Clarion during my time in Helsinki. I appreciated the later breakfast times finishing at 11:00AM and the facilities (scenic rooftop sauna and pool) on offer. However, during my last morning before ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €122 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€122
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,709 reviews)
"Loved my stay!"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 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.
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! (84 reviews)
"Good."

Reviewed on 7 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! (396 reviews)
Lovely stay
"This was our first time staying at a Bob W hotel and we will do it again. Very comfortable stay. It was hot in Turku and the A/C worked great. It was nice to have access to a kitchenette and be able to do laundry."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 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! (149 reviews)
"My recent stay at Unity Hotel was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by warm, attentive staff who went above and beyond to ensure every aspect of my visit was smooth and comfortable. Whether it was offering local recommendations, handling special requests, or ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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