Southwestern Coast and the Ålands: Places to Explore

In the coastal town of Hanko (Hangö), you'll find long stretches of beach—about 30 km (19 mi) of it—some sandy and some with sea-smoothed boulders. Sailing abounds here, thanks to Finland's... Read more

The Ålands are composed of more than 6,500 small rocky islands and skerries, inhabited in large part by families that fish or run small farms. Virtually all of the more than 25,000 locals are Swedish... Read more

Built around a convent of the Order of Saint Birgitta in the 15th century, the coastal village of Naantali is an aging medieval town, former pilgrimage destination, artists' colony, and modern resort all... Read more

Tammisaari (or Ekenäs) has a colorful Old Quarter, 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and a lively marina. The scenery is dazzling in summer, when the sun glints off the water and marine traffic is... Read more

Founded at the beginning of the 13th century, Turku is the nation's oldest and fourth-largest city and was the original capital of newborn Finland. Its early importance in the history of Finland has earned... Read more