The Most Beautiful Finnish Islands You Can Visit

Finland might not be the first destination that springs to mind when you think of island hopping, but the Nordic nation has more islands than any other in Europe. The country has upwards of 70,000 islands – the majority are located in the Baltic Sea, alongside rivers and lakes inland, with some even above the Arctic Circle. To inspire your next off-the-beaten-track adventure, these are the most beautiful Finnish islands you can visit.

Stay overnight on an island as you explore the Arctic Circle on Culture Trip’s epic five-day tour to Finnish Lapland.

Vartiosaari

Serviced Apartment, Cottages

A thin islet in a calm river amid autumnal forest with a thin bridge connecting it to the mainland

Hotel Vartiosaari is located on a secluded island that’s not only in the middle of the Kemijoki River, but it’s directly on the Arctic Circle. The island itself is just a ten-minute drive from Rovaniemi, but you’re far enough from civilization that you’ll see the Northern Lights with ease during the winter months. To reach the 11 boutique rooms on the island, you have to cross a suspension bridge over the river; once you’re across, you’ll be able to enjoy the warmth of a Finnish sauna, as well as the unique flavours and dishes of Lapland at the restaurant.

Pihlajasaari

Natural Feature

Are you looking for a beautiful island to visit close to Helsinki? Why not take a boat over to Pihlajasaari, where you can escape the city and enjoy some of the best beaches closest to the capital. Pihlajasaari is uninhabited, but there’s something for everyone here – including a nudist beach. The island is very popular in summer when the water is refreshing enough for a swim and you can camp out under the midnight sun.

Bjorkholm

Natural Feature

Red wooden finnish traditional cabins cottages in green pine forest near river

Travel to the Finnish city of Turku and, in the sea to the west, you’ll find thousands of islands, begging to be explored. One of the best islands to visit is Bjorkholm; drive (or cycle) from Turku to a tiny ferry port called Granvik, and from there take a 10-15 minute ferry ride to the island. The island is tiny, but you can easily spend days enjoying the nature, the beauty and the isolation of Bjorkholm. The island is home to a few small cottages – and, yes, you can rent them out during your stay.

Aland

Natural Feature

The Aland Islands are not only beautiful, but they are rather unique, too. The archipelago is technically part of Finland, though this collection of around 300 small islands speaks Swedish and is almost entirely self-governing. Uncover the rich history of these independently-minded islands, which lie between Turku and Stockholm, in the museums of the islands’ capital Mariehamn, the capital. Head further afield, and you’ll find beaches, hiking trails and spectacular coastline as you hop from one island to the next.

Suomenlinna

Archaeological site, Building, Natural Feature, Church, Historical Landmark

Enjoy history and nature in spades on Suomenlinna Island. The island is located just off the coast of Helsinki and is recognised as a Unesco-listed site for the impressive fortifications that turned this island into a fortress. It wasn’t the Finns who built the giant bastions and walls you still see today; the Swedes constructed the fortress in the 18th-century in an attempt to hold onto Finland. Learn all about that, and more, on a day trip from Helsinki.

Nauvo

Natural Feature

Nauvo (or Nagu) is one of Finland’s most beautiful islands and you can visit it on an island-hopping trip from Turku. The island is actually connected to the mainland by a series of roads and bridges that cross the Baltic Sea – once you reach it, you’ll find it easy to immerse yourself in raw nature. Visit centuries-old churches, tackle hiking trails or just rent a cottage with a Finnish sauna and do very little at all.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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