Top 5 Places to Chill Like a Finn near Helsinki

Want to chill like a Finn just one hour From Helsinki? Explore the untouched East Coast on your way to Lakeland.  Enjoy the colors of the award-winning parks of Kotka, marvel at the architectural wonders and listen to the stories from the past. Kotka, Hamina and Loviisa are unique coastal towns with maritime traditions and historical buildings waiting to be discovered.

Itäinen Suomenlahti auringonlasku

Gorgeous Archipelago of the Eastern Gulf of Finland

Where the gaze may freely wander along wind-swept islets, where the barren meets the beautiful. There lies an archipelago that has remained hidden from many and is becoming one of the most attractive travel destinations in southern Finland. Enjoy the gorgeous archipelago of the Eastern Gulf of Finland!

Check out the Beautiful Archipelago
Itäinen Suomenlahti auringonlasku

World-class fortress town of Hamina

Hamina is an eye-candy lover’s dream and will spark your imagination. It is the oldest town in Southeast Finland and is built on a rare circular town plan. In the middle of the circle stands the Town Hall, from which the streets of the old town and their colorful houses, museums, churches, boutiques, and cafés intersect. Be careful, you might be going in circles!

Get Around Hamina

Kotka’s Glorious Parks, Moomins and Imperial Heritage

Kotka’s famous parks are the perfect place to chill like a Finn. While exploring the park capital of Finland, make sure to visit the Moomin Exhibition at Maritime Centre Vellamo. Discover how the Russian Emperor spent his summers at the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, and meet over 60 species of fish and aquatic creatures at Maretarium – the Underwater World of Finnish Fish.
Explore Maritime Town Kotka
Finland_Strömforsin_Ruukki

Strömfors Ironworks

One of Finland’s oldest ironworks villages charms visitors with its beauty, atmosphere and wide range of experiences. Listed among the Top 10 destinations in the ‘100 Reasons to Travel in Finland’ campaign, the village offers delightful boutiques, beautiful photo spots, year-round nature activities and unique accommodation

Read More About Strömfors Ironworks
Finland_Strömforsin_Ruukki

Charming Old Loviisa

For those who love old wooden houses and picturesque townships, Loviisa is an absolute treasure so take the time to explore it. Wander the little alleys and admire the courtyards and gardens in this lovely little town by the sea.

Fall in Love with Loviisa
Santa Glass Sauna, Santalahti Resort, Kotka

Explore the Finest Saunas

For Finns, the sauna is a beloved tradition — and on Finland’s East Coast, it takes many unforgettable forms. Would you prefer steaming gently on a floating sauna raft, inside a barrel sauna, within a work of art, or even in a natural cave? Do you dream of warming up by the sea, along a peaceful riverbank, or deep in the forest’s calming silence?

East Coast sauna experience awaits only an hour’s drive from Helsinki.

Discover the Sauna Experience of Your Life
Santa Glass Sauna, Santalahti Resort, Kotka

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