Southern Finland Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around in Southern Finland. This guide covers a week-long itinerary, cultural attractions, natural wonders, and local customs.


Introduction to Southern Finland

Southern Finland is a beautiful region located in the Nordic countries of Europe. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and stunning architecture, it offers travelers an unforgettable experience. The region is home to the bustling capital city of Helsinki, as well as charming small towns, picturesque islands, and breathtaking natural attractions.

Whether you are interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, local cuisine, or simply wandering through the picturesque streets, Southern Finland has something to offer everyone. In this travel guide, we will explore the best things to do, places to visit, and local customs of Southern Finland.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Finland

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Southern Finland is steeped in history and culture, with numerous museums and historical sites to explore. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions include:

  • The Finnish National Museum - located in Helsinki, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of Finnish history and culture, dating back to the Stone Age.

  • Suomenlinna Fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Southern Finland. The fortress is located on an island just outside of Helsinki and is famous for its historic architecture and stunning views.

  • Turku Castle - located in the town of Turku, this castle dates back to the 13th century and is the oldest and largest in Finland. It serves as a museum today, with exhibits showcasing the castle’s fascinating history.

  • Seurasaari Open-Air Museum - located on an island just outside of Helsinki, this museum offers visitors the chance to explore traditional Finnish life and architecture.

Natural Attractions of Southern Finland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Southern Finland is also an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and rugged coastline, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, and more. Some of the natural attractions worth visiting in Southern Finland include:

  • Nuuksio National Park - located just 30 km outside of Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. With over 30 square kilometers of forests, lakes, and trails to explore, it offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.

  • Lake Saimaa - located in the eastern region of Southern Finland, Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and islands.

  • The Archipelago Sea - the Archipelago Sea is a vast network of over 40,000 islands and islets along the southwestern coast of Finland. It is a popular destination for sailing and boating trips.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Finland

Southern Finland has many trails and routes that are perfect for hiking, biking and getting out in nature! Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Helsinki Central Park - Central Park is Helsinki’s backyard. It’s a huge park with beautiful nature trails that are great for hiking and biking. You can also find many picnic spots and birdwatching opportunities.

  • The Archipelago Trail - this 200km-long trail is one of the best ways to experience the stunning scenery of the Archipelago Sea. The trail is made up of scenic roads, bridges, and ferry rides, making it a unique biking experience.

  • Haltia Nature Centre - located in the heart of Nuuksio National Park, the Haltia Nature Centre offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. The trails are well-marked and offer stunning views of the surrounding forests and lakes.

Best Things to Do in Southern Finland: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Southern Finland, including guided tours, cultural experiences, and local adventures. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Sauna Tour in Helsinki - Finland is famous for its saunas, and a visit to Helsinki wouldn’t be complete without experiencing one. Take a guided sauna tour to learn about the history and culture of Finnish saunas, and experience the ultimate relaxation.

  • Finnish Wildlife Safaris - there are many opportunities for wildlife spotting in Southern Finland, from elk to brown bears. Take a guided wildlife safari through Nuuksio National Park for a chance to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

  • Linnanmäki Amusement Park - located in Helsinki, Linnanmäki is the largest amusement park in Finland, with over 40 rides and attractions for all ages. It’s a great place to spend a day with family and friends.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Finland

For those planning a visit to Southern Finland, here is a week-long itinerary that covers some of the most popular attractions in the region:

Day 1-2: Helsinki - Spend the first two days exploring Helsinki, visiting attractions such as Suomenlinna Fortress, the Finnish National Museum, and Temppeliaukio Church. Enjoy the local cuisine and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 3-4: Nuuksio National Park - Take a day trip to Nuuksio National Park to enjoy the beautiful nature trails, lakes, and forests. Stay overnight in one of the park’s cabins or tent sites.

Day 5-6: Turku - Visit the historic town of Turku, home to Turku Castle and the Turku Cathedral. Take a guided tour to learn about the town’s fascinating history.

Day 7: Porvoo - On your final day in Southern Finland, visit the charming town of Porvoo, known for its picturesque wooden houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Visit the Porvoo Cathedral and enjoy a traditional Finnish meal in one of the town’s many restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Finland

Southern Finland has a rich culinary heritage, with a range of delicious dishes and local beverages to try. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Karjalanpiirakka - a traditional Finnish pastry made with rye flour and filled with rice porridge or potatoes.

  • Kaalikääryleet - cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and seasoned with herbs and spices.

  • Kalakukko - a savory fish pie made with rye flour and filled with fish and bacon.

Local Beverages

  • Koskenkorva Vodka - a popular Finnish vodka made from barley and pure spring water.

  • Lonkero - a Finnish long drink made with grapefruit soda and gin.

  • Kahvi - Finnish coffee is famous for its strong and rich flavor, and it’s a staple of the Finnish diet.

Where to Stay in Southern Finland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Finland has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses and hostels, here are some of the best places to stay in Southern Finland:

  • Klaus K Hotel - located in the heart of Helsinki, the Klaus K Hotel offers stylish and comfortable accommodations with a spa and fitness center.

  • Nuuksion Taika - nestled in the heart of Nuuksio National Park, Nuuksion Taika offers cozy cabins and tent sites for those looking to experience the great outdoors.

  • Hostel Linnasmäki - located in Turku, Hostel Linnasmäki offers affordable and comfortable accommodation in a quiet residential area.

What to Buy in Southern Finland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to bring home a piece of Southern Finland, here are some great souvenirs and local products to consider:

  • Finnish Design - Southern Finland is famous for its innovative designs in furniture, fashion, and homeware. Check out local boutiques and markets for unique pieces to bring home.

  • Marimekko Fabrics and Textiles - Marimekko is one of Finland’s most famous textile companies, known for its bold prints and colorful designs.

  • Finnish Sweets and Chocolates - Finland is home to a wide range of delicious candies and chocolates, including Fazer chocolates and lakka (cloudberry) sweets.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Finland

Southern Finland has a unique and fascinating culture, with its own customs and traditions. Here are some of the customs and habits to keep in mind when visiting Southern Finland:

  • Sauna Culture - the sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture, and it’s not uncommon to see locals enjoying a sauna session on a regular basis.

  • Respect for Nature - Finns have a deep respect for nature and the environment. As such, it’s important to be mindful of your impact on the environment when visiting Southern Finland.

Best Time to Visit Southern Finland

The best time to visit Southern Finland depends on your interests and travel preferences. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and the most daylight hours, making it a great time for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. Winter months (December-February) offer the opportunity to experience winter sports and the Northern Lights.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Finland

Do:

  • Do visit the sauna and experience this important part of Finnish culture.

  • Do try the local cuisine, including Finnish pastries, fish dishes, and local drinks.

  • Do respect the environment and the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be too loud in public places, as Finns value quietness and privacy.

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.

  • Don’t wear shoes inside homes or buildings, as it’s considered impolite in Finnish culture.

Safety and Health

When visiting Southern Finland, it’s important to stay safe and healthy. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Southern Finland

  • Southern Finland is generally a very safe destination. However, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

  • The emergency number in Finland is 112.

Health in Southern Finland

  • Tap water in Southern Finland is safe to drink.

  • Make sure to have travel insurance that covers medical care in case of emergency.

Getting to Southern Finland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southern Finland is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Here are the most common options for getting to Southern Finland:

Airports Near Southern Finland

  • Helsinki-Vantaa Airport - the largest airport in Finland, located just outside of Helsinki.

  • Turku Airport - located in Turku, with flights to other cities in Europe.

Bus Stations Near Southern Finland

  • Helsinki Bus Station - the main bus station in Helsinki, with connections to other cities in Finland and Europe.

  • Turku Bus Station - the main bus station in Turku, with connections to other cities in Finland.

Other Options

  • Train - there are frequent train connections between Helsinki and other cities in Finland.

  • Ferry - there are numerous ferry connections between Helsinki and other destinations in the Baltic Sea, including Tallinn, Estonia and Stockholm, Sweden.

How to Get Around in Southern Finland

The best way to get around Southern Finland depends on your travel itinerary and preferences. Here are some options to consider:

  • Public Transportation - Southern Finland has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines or using the HSL mobile app.

  • Car Rental - renting a car is a great option for those who want to explore the region at their own pace.

  • Biking - biking is a popular mode of transportation in Southern Finland, especially in Helsinki and other cities.

Where to Go Next from Southern Finland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Southern Finland is a great starting point for exploring other destinations in the Nordic region and Europe. Some nearby destinations to consider include:

  • Stockholm, Sweden - located just a short ferry ride from Helsinki, Stockholm is a beautiful and historic city with a rich culture and heritage.

  • Tallinn, Estonia - located just across the Baltic Sea from Helsinki, Tallinn is a charming medieval city with a vibrant arts and culture scene.

  • St. Petersburg, Russia - located just a few hours’ train ride from Helsinki, St. Petersburg is a cultural capital of Russia and home to stunning architecture and museums.

Conclusion

Southern Finland is a beautiful and diverse region with something to offer every traveler, from outdoor adventurers to cultural enthusiasts. With its stunning natural attractions, rich history and culture, and delicious local cuisine, Southern Finland is a must-visit destination in the Nordic region.

Ekenäs from the air Ekenäs from the air Skyline of central Helsinki Skyline of central Helsinki Harbour in Kotka Harbour in Kotka Lättähattu ( Lättähattu ("flat hat") heritage train in Porvoo Farmstead in Ekenäs Archipelago National Park Farmstead in Ekenäs Archipelago National Park Verla groundwood and board mill Verla groundwood and board mill Serena Water Park in Lahnus, the northern district of Espoo Serena Water Park in Lahnus, the northern district of Espoo


    Päijänne Tavastia
    South Karelia
    Tavastia Proper
    Uusimaa