Top 5 Places to Chill Like a Finn near Helsinki

Want to chill like a Finn just one hour from Helsinki? Explore Finland’s untouched East Coast on your way to Lakeland. Enjoy the gorgeous archipelago of the Eastern Gulf of Finland, the colours of Kotka’s award‑winning parks, and the unique atmosphere of one of Finland’s oldest ironworks villages.

Wander through the charming coastal towns of the Loviisa–Kotka–Hamina region, with their old wooden houses, picturesque town squares and world‑class fortresses.

Steam gently on a floating sauna raft, in a barrel sauna or even inside a natural cave — and spend night in a Marimekko‑themed seaside cabin, on the banks of the Kymijoki River or in an authentic dome bunker.

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

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

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

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

Enjoy The Extraordinary Accommondations

Stay in a Marimekko‑themed luxury cabin in the archipelago or at a five‑star resort by the sea. Spend the night in an atmospheric Laawu hut on the banks of the Kymijoki River after a day filled with rapids, sauna and river adventures, or enjoy an archipelago escape in cosy seaside villas just steps from the shoreline. And if you’re looking for something truly unforgettable, spend the night in an authentic dome bunker.

Check out the Extraordinary Accommondations

Maritime Centre Vellamo

Maretarium – Underwater World of Finnish Fish

Valkmusa National Park

Malmgård Manor

It's time to Chill like a Finn

Apply now for the 7 Day Challenge in Lakeland!

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This action is part of Eastern Finland Sustainable Tourism Growth Program and is funded by South Savo Regional Council from Appropriation for Sustainable Growth and Vitality in Regions (Finnish AKKE funding).