Welcome to Coast and Archipelago

Experience maritime culture and an easy-going island lifestyle that's easy to fall in love with.

Credits: Julia Kivelä

About Coast and Archipelago

From lively coastal cities to secluded lighthouses, historic manors and national parks, Finland's coast has it all. With more than 50,000 beautiful islands scattered across the sea, this is the world’s largest archipelago, and there are plenty of hidden gems to be discovered.

7 reasons to visit Coast and Archipelago

There are plenty of things to love in Finland's coastal region from the laidback way of living, charming wooden towns, fresh, local food, beaches, and much more. Here's a look at some of the reasons to choose Coast and Archipelago as your next holiday destination.

Credits: Visit Aland, Rebecka Eriksson

Visit a lighthouse island

One of the most unique features of this region are the lighthouse islands. Take a trip to Bengtskär near Turku where you’ll find the tallest lighthouse in the Nordics. Söderskär is a 150-year-old lighthouse located only one-hour boat trip from Helsinki. These lighthouses and many others are a must-see in the Coast and Archipelago.

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Explore five UNESCO sites

The coastal region is home to five of Finland’s seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit them all from the famous Fortress of Suomenlinna to Old Rauma, the Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki, the Struve Geodetic Arc, and the Kvarken Archipelago in the Gulf of Bothnia.

Take a trip to a historical village

Finland’s coast – with its close historical ties to the Swedish kingdom – has many charming, old towns and villages to visit. Some of the most popular ones include historical Porvoo near Helsinki, the ironwork villages of Fiskars, Billnäs, and Mathildedal, as well as the wooden towns from Hamina to Naantali, Old Rauma, and Pori.

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Visit Finland's best beaches

The coastal region is home to the longest and sunniest beaches in Finland, loved by Finns and visitors alike. Take a trip to Kalajoki, Yyteri, Hanko, or Nallikari to experience the best of the short but oh-so-sweet Finnish summer. The best months for beach visits are July and August.

Credits: Anssi Koskinen

Go cycling on famous routes

If you’re an activity lover, head to Coast and Archipelago. Some of Finland’s best cycling routes, like the Archipelago Trail – 250km ring route through the Turku Archipelago – and Åland’s famous cycling roads, are all located here.

Credits: Juho Kuva

Try Finland’s freshest delicacies

Due to the mild weather and sunny summer days, the coastal region produces some of Finland’s best produce from sweet tomatoes to the ripest organic apples. You’ll also find great seafood, some of the country’s best restaurants, like Kaskis in Turku, and top distilleries and craft beer makers in this region.

Credits: Mikko Suosukainen

Experience Finland's bilingual culture

Finland used to be a part of Sweden until 1809 and Swedish has remained the second official language of Finland to this day. In the coastal regions, especially in the Åland islands, you’ll get to experience the country’s bilingual culture from the language to the traditions.

Credits: Sara Terho

Get to know the region

All of Finland’s four regions are special in their own way. Here are a few things that are unique about this one.

Turku

Turku, Finland's oldest city, is a great destination for history buffs, foodies, and those looking for a laidback city break in a charming Nordic town.

Top things to do in the Åland islands

Discover some of the many things to do, see and experience in the Åland archipelago with these recommendations from Finland's official tourism website.

Hidden gems of the Finnish archipelago

Discover a few of the archipelago's hidden gems and start planning your trip to the coast of Finland, which has a different rhythm altogether.

Where to meet the Moomins in Finland

Discover the magical world of the Moomins in Finland from the world’s only Moomin museum to Moominworld and scenic Moomin themed cruises.

Cruise your way to Finland

If you're looking for an alternative to flying, a Baltic Sea cruise is a great way to reach Finland.

From Fiskars to Verla: Finland’s ironworks villages

Explore Finland’s historic ironworks villages where industrial heritage, design, great food and countryside charm meet.

Tour of the old wooden towns of Finland

Finland's wooden towns, such as Old Porvoo or Old Rauma, are interesting pieces of history that shouldn't be missed.

B&B and hotel accommodation on the Finnish coast

Discover a unique, sea-faring way of life and choose from a handful of family-run accommodations for your next trip to Finland's coast and archipelago.

Guide to Alvar Aalto's architecture in Finland

Explore Alvar Aalto’s architecture in Finland, from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Visit his iconic works and discover why he is one of the world’s most influential modern architects.

Coast and Archipelago destinations

Would you like to know more about the destinations in Coast and Archipelago? Click on the pins in the map to discover the best places to visit.

Things to do in Coast & Archipelago

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Inspiration for your visit

View all routes

Here are a few selected routes through the coast and archipelago with suggestions for what to see, eat and do. When you find something you like, click the heart icon to save it.