Stunning Towns to Visit in Finland

1. Porvoo — A Glimpse into Finland’s Oldest Town

Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest towns, boasts a rich history that stretches nearly 700 years. Just over 30 miles from Helsinki, this enchanting destination can be reached via a scenic summer steamboat ride from the capital. While not directly on the coast, Porvoo connects to the Gulf of Finland through the Porvoo River, which winds gracefully through the city. Historically, it has served as a bustling center for trade, with its riverside warehouses once brimming with exotic goods from around the globe.

With its vibrant wooden houses and charming cobblestone streets, Porvoo is often hailed as one of Finland’s most photogenic cities. The Old Town is adorned with quaint little shops, cozy cafes, galleries, and museums. The Porvoo Doll and Toy Museum invites nostalgia, while the Porvoo Museum offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of a wealthy merchant family from the late 18th century. For those looking to shop, Porvoo’s design stores are renowned across Finland, featuring everything from antiques to modern chic.

For over a century, travelers have flocked from Helsinki to savor Porvoo’s culinary offerings. Among its notable eateries is SicaPelle, situated in the historic residence of artist Ville Vallgren, and recognized as the finest restaurant in town. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Brunberg’s Chocolate Factory—beloved by Finns and a must-visit for chocolate lovers.

2. Utsjoki — The Land of Endless Summer and Winter Nights

In the far north lies Utsjoki, Finland’s northernmost and smallest municipality, comprised of a handful of Sámi villages nestled amid pristine Nordic wilderness. Despite its sparse population, with roughly one person per 1.5 square miles, Utsjoki offers an abundance of activities both in summer and winter.

The landscape is predominantly made up of protected nature reserves. During the summer, the phenomenon of the “nightless night,” or Midnight Sun, invites you to hike or bike along expansive trails that stretch for hundreds of kilometers, many of which begin in the village of Utsjoki. Come winter, the serene landscape transforms for skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling under the ethereal glow of the “polar night.”

For those yearning to reach the remotest parts of Finnish Lapland, Nuorgam is your destination. Located on the Norwegian border and only hours from the Arctic Ocean, this village is home to Suvanto Summer Café, the northernmost café in the European Union. The Tenojoki River, which borders the region, has been a fishing haven since the Stone Age, welcoming Sámi, Finnish, and Norwegian fishermen alike to cast their lines under the Midnight Sun or the shimmering northern lights.

Utsjoki is accessible via Ivalo Airport, just a two-hour drive away, with regular flights from Helsinki. Alternatively, you can fly into Kirkenes Airport across the Norwegian border and enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive along the Arctic Coast.

3. Savonlinna — An Island Gem of Finland

In the heart of Finland’s Lakeland lies Savonlinna, an exquisite city built upon islands, with the expansive Lake Saimaa always nearby. As Finland’s largest lake, Lake Saimaa is not only picturesque but also the refuge of the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal.

Nature enthusiasts will find Savonlinna to be a paradise. Linnansaari National Park offers breathtaking Lakeland scenery and is the ideal spot to catch a glimpse of the elusive Saimaa ringed seal. To fully experience the beauty of this area, summer calls for canoeing or boating, while winter brings unique ice skating opportunities across frozen lakes.

Savonlinna is perhaps best known for its namesake Opera Festival, an internationally recognized cultural celebration held in the stunning Olavinlinna Castle. Beyond the opera, the town pulses with music, art, and theatre performances throughout the year. Surrounding Savonlinna, charming villages like Kerimäki, home to the world’s largest wooden church, beckon visitors to explore further.

Located in eastern Finland near the Russian border, Savonlinna is conveniently reachable by train, plane, car, or bus. A four-hour drive from Helsinki leads you to this enchanting destination, which is also served by a small airport with domestic flights.

4. Naantali — A Spa Retreat and Moomin Haven

With its joyful and sunny disposition, Naantali stands as a beloved spa town in Finland. The phrase “smiles like the Naantali sun” has long been used to describe someone exuding happiness, a fitting tribute to this vibrant community.

Not only is Naantali the proud home of the beloved Moomins—endearing characters cherished by Finnish children—but it also features Moominworld, a whimsical theme park located on an island just offshore, easily accessible by car, bus, or boat. Additionally, it houses Kultaranta, the presidential summer residence, originally built as a villa by merchant Alfred Kordelin and utilized by Finnish presidents since 1922.

Since the early 18th century, whispers of the Viluluoto Spring’s healing waters have attracted visitors, leading to the establishment of Naantali’s spa treatments, which gained official recognition in the early 1800s. Today, those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation can find a variety of spa services at the Naantali Spa Hotel.

Conveniently located near Turku, Finland’s oldest city, Naantali is easily accessible by frequent trains from Helsinki, which take around two hours. You can also explore the coastal beauty surrounding Naantali by boat, adding an extra layer of adventure to your journey.

5. Mariehamn — The Heart of Swedish Finland

Mariehamn serves as the capital of Åland, Finland’s Swedish-speaking autonomous territory comprising over 6,700 islands in the Baltic Sea. The laid-back lifestyle of its residents opens a warm welcome to visitors. Like many of Finland’s coastal towns, Mariehamn comes alive in the summer months, inviting easy exploration on foot or by bike along its charming peninsula.

The maritime ambiance permeates the air, with the Åland Maritime Museum offering fascinating insights into the islands’ nautical heritage. For those interested in shopping, the Sjökvarteret, or Maritime Quarter, showcases local crafts, silversmith workshops, and offers a scenic marina filled with traditional wooden boats. You’ll also find a plethora of delightful cafes and restaurants on Torggatan street, where you can savor local delicacies.

Exploring Mariehamn opens the door to the beauty of the wider Åland archipelago. For golf enthusiasts, Ålands Golfklubb stands out as one of Finland’s most picturesque courses, accompanied by the renowned restaurant Smakbyn nearby.

Reaching Mariehamn is a breeze, with numerous ferries and boats connecting it to Helsinki, Stockholm, Tallinn, Turku, and Naantali throughout the day. While flights from Helsinki, Turku, and Stockholm are available, the scenic ferry journey through the archipelago is highly recommended for the breathtaking views.