Ready to explore a little farther from the capital? While Helsinki is surrounded by great day trip options, some of the best sights in Southern Finland lie just a bit beyond—and are best enjoyed with an overnight stay or a slow weekend getaway.
This region offers the perfect mix of historic towns, national parks, coastal charm, and cultural landmarks, all within a few hours of Helsinki. Think sunset strolls in Hanko, quiet seaside nights in Loviisa, or design shopping and forest trails in Fiskars. It’s Finland in a slower, more scenic key.
And if you’re the type who enjoys hiking, history, or the occasional natural oddity (we’re looking at you, Höggberget Cave), you’ll find Southern Finland full of unexpected gems that reward a little extra travel time.
So if you’re planning a short road trip or a mini getaway beyond Helsinki, these are the top places to visit in Southern Finland—laid-back, low-key, and full of character.
Looking for something closer to the city? Don’t miss our separate guide to the Best Day Trips from Helsinki.
Explore the South-East of Finland – Top Places to Visit East of Helsinki
Head east of Helsinki and you’ll find a stretch of Southern Finland that’s full of quiet beauty and local character. From the storybook streets of Porvoo to the coastal calm of Loviisa, this region blends history, nature, and small-town charm. It’s an easy escape from the city—where old wooden houses, fortress ruins, and sea breezes await, all just a short bus ride away.
Porvoo – Cobblestones and Riverside Charm
Porvoo is a small wooden town loved by Helsinki residents. It’s a romantic day trip destination where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a historical wooden centre, good restaurants and lovely boutique hotels such as Pariisin Ville. Wander through the Old Town’s art galleries and antique shops, or stop for coffee and Runeberg torte—the signature pastry named after Finland’s national poet, who once lived here.
Porvoo can be easily reached by bus, but a more adventurous way is to travel in one direction on a boat. The cruise from Helsinki to Porvoo goes through the beautiful archipelago scenery and takes 3.5 hours.
Getting there: Hourly buses from Helsinki; about 50 minutes each way.
Loviisa – Small Town, Big Character
Much quieter than Porvoo, Loviisa is a charming coastal town known for its old wooden neighborhoods, ironwork villas, and relaxed vibe. In summer, the seaside promenade is perfect for slow walks, ice cream in hand, and the town’s antique fairs and open house weekends draw design lovers from all over Finland.
This is the kind of place where time slows down—in a good way. Visit the small fortifications, browse the local crafts, and end the day in a cozy seaside café.
Don’t miss: The annual Loviisan Wanhat Talot event at the end of August, when private historic homes open their doors to the public.
Strömfors Ironworks – Industrial History in a Riverside Setting
Located in Ruotsinpyhtää, Strömfors Ironworks is often considered Finland’s most beautiful historic ironworks setting. Red-painted wooden buildings are perfectly reflected in the calm waters of the pond, and the old hose tower still stretches proudly toward the sky. Today, these picturesque structures house artisan shops, cozy cafés, restaurants, and even an inn—making it a peaceful and scenic stop for history lovers and weekend wanderers alike.
At the workshop museum, visitors can see how cookware was made in the past and get a glimpse of Finland’s only functioning hamari, a massive water-powered forging hammer. In summer, you can even catch live demonstrations where glowing iron is hammered into hand-forged nails using this dramatic piece of industrial heritage.
The ironworks area also includes the charming Ruotsinpyhtää Church, home to an unexpected artistic treasure: the altarpiece Resurrection (1898) by Helene Schjerfbeck. Painted before her stark and introspective self-portraits, this hopeful depiction of Christ rising from the grave is not instantly recognizable as her work—but look closer, and you’ll sense the emotional depth she later became famous for. The message may be one of renewal, but even here, a quiet sorrow lingers: Christ rises, but the drowsy guards miss the miracle.
Kotka – More Than Just a Port City
If you continue further East still, you will arrive to Kotka. Known for its harbor, this seaside city surprises visitors with green parks, quirky museums, and maritime flair. Highlights include the impressive Maritime Centre Vellamo, the Maretarium aquarium, and summer island-hopping to spots like Kaunissaari and Ulko-Tammio.
Just 1.5 hours from Helsinki, Kotka is a great addition to a trip combo with Porvoo or Hamina.
Hamina – Circles, Cannons, and Borderland History
With its unique circular city plan, star-shaped fortifications, and military past, Hamina is one of Finland’s quirkiest historic towns. Built for defense and diplomacy, it feels like a living museum of maps, treaties, and uniforms. Located near the Russian border, this small town has played a big role in Finnish history—and it’s just weird enough to be unforgettable.
Discover the Best of Southern Finland West of Helsinki
Head west of Helsinki and you’ll uncover some of the most rewarding sights in Southern Finland—from charming coastal towns to creative countryside escapes and the occasional curious natural wonder. Whether you’re basking on the sunny beaches of Hanko or browsing the boutiques of Fiskars, this part of Southern Finland offers a perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and scenic drives.
All these destinations lie within a couple of hours of the capital, yet feel like a true getaway. You can reach Hanko by train, but the best way to explore Western Southern Finland is by car—giving you the freedom to discover hidden gems along the way.
Hvitträsk – Visit the Most Beautiful House of Finland
For architecture lovers, a visit to Hvitträsk in Kirkkonummi is a must. Built by three young Finnish architects—Eliel Saarinen, Armas Lindgren, and Herman Gesellius—as a home-studio in 1903, it’s a stunning blend of National Romanticism, Arts and Crafts, and wild Finnish nature.
Perched on a lakeside hill and surrounded by forest, Hvitträsk feels like a creative sanctuary—and it kind of was. It’s also full of juicy architectural history and complicated personal drama (think romantic partner swaps and architectural legacies). Today it’s a museum, garden, and café, perfect for a half-day escape from the city.
Högberget Cave – Nature’s Pinup Star
Högberget Cave in Kirkkonummi is arguably one of Finland’s most striking, and most provocative natural formations. Its unique shape has drawn comparisons to the female form, earning it a reputation as both beautiful and bold. Some have even suggested it could be used as a natural setting for a sex education lesson, given its anatomical resemblance.
The cave is spacious enough to step inside comfortably. Its gently curving interior invites you to venture deeper, creating an almost womb-like sense of enclosure and calm. Whether viewed as a geological curiosity or a symbol of nature’s artistry, Högberget leaves a lasting impression.
Porkkalanniemi – Where the Archipelago Feels Close
Not far from Högberget Cave, the road leads to the Porkkala peninsula. Walking along the smooth coastal rocks of Porkkalanniemi recreational area, you might think you’ve ventured deep into the outer archipelago—yet you’re only about an hour’s drive from Helsinki. From the parking areas, it’s just a short walk to barbecue shelters, picnic spots, and panoramic sea views.
For birdwatchers, Cape Pampskatan is a highlight. Especially in spring and autumn, it’s a prime spot to watch migratory birds glide across the sky. As they pass overhead, the world seems to slow down—just enough for you to enjoy the silence.
Fiskars – Where Design Meets Axe-Wielding History
Fiskars sparked a movement to transform historic ironwork villages into vibrant, bohemian communities. When industrial activity in the area came to an end in the 1980s, it wasn’t abandoned instead, it attracted people from the creative industries: artisans, designers, and artists. Today, Fiskars is a lively village of around 500 residents. The old buildings now house galleries, boutiques, and eateries, while a clear river runs through the heart of the village.
The buildings in the ironworks area still echo the history of Finnish industrialization. Although Rautaruukki, founded in 1649, wasn’t Finland’s first ironworks, Fiskars, which began in the village, is considered the country’s oldest company still in operation. Originally, the site processed iron and copper, but by the early 19th century it was producing everything from horse-drawn plows to steam engines and of course, the iconic orange-handled scissors that now cut paper in over 100 countries.
Remember to check out KWUM, the ceramic art museum founded by artist Karin Widnäs. The museum building itself, a fusion of wood and ceramics, is a true work of art.
If you decide to stay overnight, check-in at Hotel Tegel, a wonderfully historic ironworks building.
Raasepori Castle – Ruins with Serious Gothic Energy
Tucked away in the countryside near Fiskars, the ruins of Raasepori Castle rise unexpectedly from the flat land like something out of… a low-budget vampire film. If Dracula lived in Finland, this would probably be his lair. It’s brooding, dramatic, and perched on a large, smooth rock. All that’s missing is a thunderstorm and a raven on the battlements.
Built in the 1370s, the castle withstood several battles, but was eventually rendered obsolete by rising land and a receding coastline, which left it stranded inland. The final blow came when the castle’s beer cellar collapsed. In the Middle Ages, beer was the main drink of choice, as water was often unsafe to consume. Without a place to store beer, the castle became uninhabitable.
There’s a small wooden footbridge leading up to the ruins, where you can explore the inner courtyard, climb narrow stone stairs, and look out over the surrounding landscape from the old watchtower. It’s a fun and oddly majestic detour—especially if you’re already visiting Fiskars or Tammisaari. Just don’t stick around after dark… unless you brought garlic.
Ekenäs – Bilingual Beauty by the Sea
Halfway between Helsinki and Hanko, Tammisaari—or Ekenäs, as it’s known in Swedish—is a coastal town where Finnish tranquility meets Swedish seaside elegance. This laid-back gem is known for its wooden villas, tree-lined promenades, and a harbor dotted with sailboats that look straight out of a Nordic lifestyle catalogue. It’s also a great place to experience Finland’s Swedish-speaking culture—many locals are bilingual, and the atmosphere reflects it.
It’s not just the scenery that draws people in. Artist Helene Schjerfbeck, one of Finland’s most beloved painters, lived and worked here for many years, and her quiet, introspective spirit still seems to linger in the winding streets and soft seaside light.
Jussarö – The Magnetic Ghost Island of Finland’s Coast
From the town of Ekenäs (Tammisaari), you can take a summer boat trip to the peculiar island of Jussarö. Located far out at sea, this rugged island combines an eerie abandoned mining village with stretches of untouched old-growth forest—a surreal contrast that makes it unlike anywhere else in the Finnish archipelago.
Jussarö is home to a ghost town, the remains of a former iron mine that operated until the 1960s. After mining ended, the island was used by the Finnish military for urban warfare training, leaving behind deserted buildings and an atmosphere straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie.
One of the strangest features is Iron Beach, where the dark “sand” is actually mining residue. Bring a compass—not for navigation, but for entertainment. Due to the island’s high iron content, compasses go haywire here, which historically caused shipwrecks in the area. At least ten old wrecks lie nearby, and the waters are popular with divers.
In summer, you can also bring your snorkeling gear. Visibility can reach up to 12 meters, which is impressive by Finnish standards. Try snorkeling near the rocky shore by Iron Beach for a peek beneath the surface.
Overnight stays are possible at Kontoret, a hostel housed in the island’s former mine office, or you can camp for free on the campsite. Meals are served at Café Ön, and hiking trails lead through the island’s enchanted old forest, protected as part of the Ekenäs Archipelago National Park. The forest trail is clearly marked, and stepping off it is not allowed to protect the fragile environment.
Hanko – Where Finland Goes to the Beach
Located at the southernmost tip of the country, Hanko is Finland’s beach town. With its sandy shores, wooden villas, and historic spa hotels, it has long been a summer retreat for Helsinki residents seeking sun and sea breezes.
Beyond the beaches, Hanko has great biking paths, sea kayaking, and a curious mix of Russian, Swedish, and Art Nouveau influences in its architecture. The sea views are endless, and so are the sunsets.
Best National Parks in Southern Finland
Southern Finland has some great national parks to explore. Nuuksio is the most visited national park in Southern Finland. What makes the place so popular is the location: Nuuksio is right next to the Helsinki metropolitan area – you can get there by public bus! The Nuuksio lake plateau is an excellent example of Finnish nature: small lakes, high cliffs and dense forest. The park has many marked trails and campfire sites where you can stop for a picnic. Like in all national parks in Finland, services like firewood and restrooms are completely free or charge.
A calmer alternative to super-popular Nuuksio is Sipoonkorpi National Park, which is just as close to Helsinki and can also be reached by public transport. Sipoonkorpi, dominated by gloomy spruce forests, is especially popular with mushroom pickers in August and September.
If you’re traveling by rental car, you’ve got much more freedom to explore. About 100 km from Helsinki, you’ll find two often-overlooked national parks: Liesjärvi, known for its peaceful lakes and scenic ridge trails, and Torronsuo, home to one of Southern Finland’s largest bogs, easily explored via an excellent boardwalk that cuts straight across the wetlands.
The best national park in Southern Finland is Repovesi, located about 200 kilometers from Helsinki. Repovesi is the perfect destination for a one-night camping trip. On the way to Repovesi you should visit the nearby Verla Factory Museum, which is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland.
Read more: National Parks in Finland – 10 Best Places for Hiking and Camping
Repovesi National Park – Southern Finland’s Wilderness Gem
Often considered the best national park in Southern Finland, Repovesi lies about 200 kilometers northeast of Helsinki and makes an ideal destination for a day hike or one-night camping trip. Though one of Finland’s smaller national parks, Repovesi packs in dramatic scenery—shadowy groves, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear lakes—making it a favorite for families, nature lovers, and weekend adventurers.
Highlights include the wooden observation tower on Mustalamminvuori, the charming Kettulossi hand-operated ferry, and the Lapinsalmi suspension bridge, scheduled to reopen in 2025 after major renovations. The park features a variety of well-marked hiking trails, including the 26-kilometer Kaakkurin Kierros loop, as well as service roads suitable for mountain biking.
Repovesi’s narrow, winding lakes are also perfect for kayaking and canoeing, with rental services available just outside the park. For those seeking a real adrenaline rush, the sheer rock face of Olhavanvuori—Finland’s most legendary climbing spot—rises more than 40 meters above the lake. On a quiet morning, you might even hear the haunting call of the red-throated diver echoing from nearby Olhavanlampi—a true wilderness soundtrack.
Best time to visit Southern Finland
Unlike in Lapland, where the best time to visit is from February to April, the winter in Southern Finland is nowadays often wet, dark and snowless. The best time to visit Helsinki is definitely the summer season from May to September.
The onset of spring is at its most beautiful in May. It is worth noting that during Midsummer and the July holiday season, Helsinki can be a ghostly deserted place – in early summer it‘s best to follow the example of the Finns and head to Turku Archipelago or Lakeland region for some quality time at a summer cottage.
Read more: Cottages in Finland
The best month to visit Helsinki is August. The weather is usually beautiful and often very warm, and there are various festivals and cultural events, such as the Helsinki Festival in the end of August and early September.
September, too, is an excellent time to visit Helsinki and other parts of Southern Finland.
How do you travel from Helsinki to other parts of Finland?
Helsinki is a great starting point for a holiday In Finland, as public transport efficiently takes you anywhere in the country. Turku and Tampere can be reached by train or bus. Rovaniemi, which awaits in Lapland a thousand kilometers away, can be reached by night train or plane.
Helsinki is also a port for cruise ships. Several shipping companies take passengers every day to Stockholm, Tallinn and even St. Petersburg, Russia.
By a rental car it’s easy to reach the best road trip routes in Finland.
Check out the best offers for car rental in Finland: Booking.com
Map of Finland’s best travel attractions
The map below shows the best tourist sights, museums, family attractions, hiking trails, outdoor activities, wildlife safaris and ski resorts of Finland.
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