Journey

Island hopping in eastern Coast and Archipelago

Explore the eastern part of the Coast and Archipelago

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Starting Point: Helsinki

1-3 days

Journey: Island hopping in eastern Coast and Archipelago

This summer journey takes you island hopping from Finland's capital Helsinki to the maritime city of Kotka and explores interesting sights and cities along the way. We start this journey in the island of Vallisaari in Helsinki. The best time to take this journey is between May and September.

Retkeilijöitä polulla suuren puun luona Vallisaaressa. Taustalla aurinkoinen merimaisema. Kuva: Katri Lehtola

Helsinki

Island hopping tip:

The next destination on our journey is the historic town of Porvoo east of Helsinki. In true island hopping fashion, we recommend that you travel from Helsinki to Porvoo on the iconic steamboat M/S Runeberg. Cruises are available weekly in the summer. Read more at Msjlruneberg.fi.

Porvoo

Old Porvoo

Old Porvoo, with its red-ochre painted riverside warehouses, is one of the most photographed national landscapes in Finland. The city's numerous award-winning restaurants, romantic hotels and B&B's, little cafes and shops, and chocolateries make it a perfect destination for travellers of all ages.

Porvoo

J. L. Runeberg's Home in Porvoo

Among the many interesting historical places to visit in Porvoo, the home of Finland's national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg and his wife Fredrika Runeberg is among the most fascinating ones. This house museum showcases wealthy family life in the 19th century including works of art, Runeberg's hunting weapons, and even porcelain in the cupboards.

Porvoo

Castle hill in Old Porvoo

If you're looking to see more history in Porvoo, head to the castle hills situated north of Old Porvoo. Iso Linnamäki (Great Castle Hill) is the site of one of the biggest ancient fortresses in Finland. On Pikku Linnamäki (Lesser Castle Hill) there is an Iron Age burial site that was discovered in 1965.

Travel tip:

Next the journey moves further east to the Loviisa region. Loviisa is famous for its wooden houses, cozy alleyways, charming gardens, interesting history, and lovely culinary experiences. This leg of the journey is fastest by car, the ride takes about 30 minutes.

Lovisa

Malmgård Manor house -Estate Shop

Malmgård Manor’s long tradition reaches all the way to the 17th century. Today, Malmgård is specialized in hosting house guests, in organic farming, and in brewing beer available at the estate shop.

Ruotsinpyhtää

Strömfors Ironworks

15 minutes east of Loviisa, you can find the charming old ironworks called Strömforsin Ruukki with its picturesque surroundings steeped in artisanal traditions. Strömfors provides gorgeous nature trails and waterways for the outdoor enthusiasts with various equipment for hire. Extend your stay at a local hotel, guesthouse, or cottage, and you will find yourself at the heart of Finnish artisan history.

Island hopping tip:

The last stop on the journey is the Kotka-Hamina region. If you are looking to make this – or any other leg of the journey – by boat, Bout is an option. Bout is a platform where you can book a (boat) ride or a cruise anywhere between Helsinki and Kotka. Read more at Bout.fi.