After a cold winter, many of the towns in Finland come to life, particularly during the months of May through August. So, what’s summer like in a Finnish city? Think festivals, saunas, kayaking, paddling, cruises, events, white nights and so much more.
Here are just some of the top Finnish getaways for this summer!
Sodankylä – Movies and the Midnight Sun
The village of Sodankylä is located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, around 75 miles above the Arctic Circle where the sun doesn’t set at all in the summertime. The Midnight Sun Film Festival is why crowds flock to this town in mid-June. The festival’s atmosphere is best characterized by its pure love for cinema, as films are shown all day and night across four venues.
Sodankylä is located between two national parks, Urho Kekkonen National Park and Pyhä-Luosto National Park, making it a great destination for hiking and trekking. In Sodankylä, you can relax in the wild fells, explore northern art and enjoy the peace of Lapland.
Åland – 6,500 Islands Celebrate 100 Years of Autonomy This Year
Åland is an autonomous and monolingual Swedish region of Finland that consists of more than 6,500 islands. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Åland Islands’ autonomy, and the celebrations will begin June 9 and continue throughout the year.
The capital of Åland, Mariehamn, is a cute village-like town with a strong maritime and shipping heritage – and the only city in the unspoiled, ruggedly beautiful archipelago. The town centre has a lot to offer within a small area; you are always near shopping, restaurants, culture and experiences. It’s easy to discover the harbor and shipping town of Mariehamn on foot, by bicycle or by bus. If you want to experience the Åland archipelago from a boat, there are day excursions to the old pilot station Kobba Klintar and to the little island Rödhamn.
Porvoo – A Charming Coastal Town
Founded nearly 800 years ago, Porvoo is best known for its old wooden town, charming cafés and the ochre painted riverside warehouses. In the summer, the city is full of art exhibitions and fairs, music festivals and flea markets, concerts and riverside attractions. Food lovers must try SMAKU – an award-winning food festival taking place for two weeks in late August. While bustling with culture, Porvoo is still a countryside city, surrounded by natural landscapes and just a short bus ride from the seaside.
Visitors can swim at Kokonniemi Beach – a small, deep pond surrounded by white sand and grassy hills. Less than an hour from Helsinki, the city is easy to access by bus or by steamboat in the summer. The charming restaurants and idyllic B&Bs, boutique hotels, manors and home stays in the Old Town will be memorable experiences in themselves.
Savonlinna – Home of the Opera Festival
Savonlinna has become a mecca for opera-lovers thanks to the world renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival in July, hosted in an ancient castle. However, the idyllic little town set amid lakes, islands and forests has plenty to offer everyone: summer theatre, guided tours, concerts and exhibitions are combined with beautifully light summer nights.
Located in the Finnish Lakeland region, Savonlinna is a prime destination for kayaking, paddling and paddle boarding. Lake cruises are a big part of summer in Savonlinna and its surrounding areas; a cruise along Lake Saimaa on a nostalgic steamboat or a handy motorboat is a relaxing way to spend a sunny summer day while enjoying the scenery.
Naantali – The Sunniest Town in Finland
Naantali has many stories to tell and they’re best discovered on a guided walking tour or a boat cruise. Naantali is also the site of the President’s summer residence, Kultaranta, and guided tours in its beautiful garden are arranged for visitors during the summer months.
On a beautiful island called Kailo, opposite Naantali’s old convent, lies Moomin World – a must-visit for families. Moomin World is an enchanting blend of archipelago nature and the magical creations of author Tove Jansson, with activities, attractions and experiences to fill a day.
Hanko – Endless Beaches at the Southern Tip of Finland
Hanko, the southernmost part of Finland, is a summer paradise for those who love sandy beaches and secret little nooks. The atmosphere of this historic spa city makes it a great day-trip destination. For a small town, Hanko also has an impressive number of restaurants as well as events like Poker Run and Seahorse Week.
Hanko has almost 20 miles of sandy beaches and 80 miles of coastline. The water tower in the center grants visitors 360-degree views over the coast and the beautiful old wooden villas. From Hanko, you can take a day trip to the beautiful Bengtskär Lighthouse, or even attend a seal-spotting safari. Cycling is a great way to get around the area, and riding to the town Tammisaari is a great option for activity enthusiasts.
Turku – Events and Culture
During the summer, the riverbanks of Turku come to life when people gather to eat, drink and listen to music. Old sailing ships dock along the riverside, and you can take cruises to the archipelago or to nearby Naantali. Cruise ships sail daily from Turku Harbor across the Baltic to Sweden.
Turku has a great selection of restaurants and cafés. On a summer’s day, visitors can grab something tasty from the Market Hall and bike to the charming Ruissalo Island for a picnic or enjoy the sunshine along the Aura River next to the Turku Cathedral.
During June and July, there’s no shortage of events in this city: Ruisrock Festival, Down by the Laituri Festival, Medieval Market and more.
So don’t delay, book your Finland summer getaway today!
