Being both the capital and the largest city in Finland, it’s no wonder that most tourists have made Helsinki a priority on their Finland holiday agenda. However, there are a few other destinations worth noting that will no doubt make your trip more fulfilling. Mostly scattered a manageable distance from Helsinki, these small towns embody a quaint, otherworldly quality to them — as if time has stopped.
Naantali
Sunny and stunning, Naantali is constituted by as many as a thousand islands. The idyllic town thrums with old world charm and is picturesque at every turn; In its heart, the marina promenade is a beacon that draws visitors in with a deluge of lively cafes, restaurants, terraces and pleasant streets crammed with bright, colourful boutiques. Known as one of the more popular tourist destinations, the town’s highlights include Moominworld, Naantali Spa Hotel and Kultaranta, the beautiful summer residence of the President of Finland. Apart from these key attractions, one can also venture out to explore the thousand islands of the surrounding archipelago, all of them within easy reach. In the summer, bike tours are occasionally offered, giving visitors the opportunity to ride along a scenic route into the archipelago, typically from Naantali to Taivassalo, a municipality in southwestern Finland.
Porvoo
Being the second oldest city in Finland, Porvoo’s history is woven into the very essence of this delightful town. It is one of the six medieval towns in Finland, and home to an abundance of colourful, traditional wooden houses and interior design shops, which has inspired many local budding designers; Cross the bridge over the Porvoonjoki river, where you can admire the beautiful town from a better vantage point. Apart from the eye-catching myriad of doll-like houses, Porvoo also boasts a number of other highlights: Visit the 15th century cathedral atop the tiny hill, take your time browsing in the Porvoo Museum, or spend a quiet afternoon in one of the city’s quaint cafés. With its atmospheric streets and rich historic charm, it’s no wonder that the town was loved by a great many poets and artists alike.
Saariselkä
Most notorious for its hotels offering glass-roofed igloos, Saariselkä is where many visitors flock to for a night of Aurora-hunting. Perched at the northernmost region of Finland, Saariselkä is more popularly known as a ski resort, and the Lapland winter activities center. Despite having a small, modest population, the village buzzes with activity all year around: As the original inhabitants of the region, the Sámi operate guided tours for visitors interested to learn about the Sámi history, culture and arts; For the ones smitten by reindeers, visit a reindeer farm or a reindeer safari to get to know them better. With its prime location deep above the Arctic Circle, nature in Saariselkä is largely unspoilt, promising the best scenic views and the most stunning snowscapes.
Savonlinna
Established sometime in the first half of the 17th century, in the year of 1639, Savonlinna is one of the most ancient towns in all of Finland. The town was built to revolve around the Olavinlinna Castle, whose construction began in 1475 under orders of the knight Erik Axelsson Tott, in defence against Russian attacks. Today, the castle sits in the heart of the town, a grand structure that calls out to visitors. A number of lakes make up the scenic landscape, and a stone’s throw from the castle, visitors can experience old historical Savonlinna by strolling along the atmospheric cobblestone avenues lined with wooden houses. Once summer rolls around, activity picks up by the waters, and Lake Saimaa offers daily cruises — there is no better way to admire the scenery of the lake and town than from the water.
Tampere
Located in southern Finland, nestled between Näsijärvi Lake and Pyhäjärvi Lake, is Tampere, the third largest city area in the country. Despite being rather populous, the city retains the casual, laid-back accents of a small town and gives off a friendly atmosphere. The oldest part of the city is the downtown area, where all the major attractions are dotted within reach of the other; Its main street, Hämeenkatu, winds through the main square and is a stretch of heaven — on each side, the many shops, restaurants and bars are set in charming historical buildings. Tammerkoski rapids race through the heart of downtown, adding to the city’s unique identity. Tampere is also home to a number of cathedrals and churches that date back to the 19th century: The buildings are elegantly gothic style and stacked high in distinctive red brick. Other notable attractions include the Moomin Museum and Särkänniemi Theme Park, which encompasses an aquarium, planetarium, the famed Näsinneula observation tower and its possible highlight: The world’s first Angry Birds themed land.
Be it a half day trip or a short stop along the way during a road trip across Finland, take the opportunity to revel in these little time capsules and tranquil ambience. Recharge, admire and don’t be surprised if you find yourself returning for more.
