Southern Finland and Archipelago
As the most densely populated and culturally rich area of the country, Southern Finland, including the sprawling archipelagos that fragment its Baltic coast, is packed with attractions and historical interest.
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The western extreme of Southern Finland is marked by the city of Turku, the oldest in the country and the former capital. The seaside town of Naantali, with its Moomin World theme park for children, is also nearby, while the archipelago is a restful and scenic leisure playground, where cycling, boating or simply enjoying the scenery are favourite activities.
Further east, the town of Kouvola is a gateway to classic Finnish scenery, such as that in the Repovesi National Park, while the towns of Hamina, with its distinct circular military plan, and Kotka, with its Imperial Tsarist fishing lodge, are historical landmarks.
The coastal islands are strung along the Gulf of Finland as far as the Russian border in the east. The 6,500 islands and skerries of the Åland archipelago form a breathtakingly beautiful archipelago in south-western Finland whose ancient Swedish culture traces its roots back to pagan times. Historical monuments in Åland and the rest of the southern archipelago include the oldest churches in Finland, dating back to the 12th century, and some dignified Swedish manors. The roads leading through the gently undulating landscape of deciduous trees and meadows are ideal for cycling holidays, and the islands are linked by local ferries.
Travel Connections
Helsinki-Vantaa international airport - Finland’s biggest - is located roughly halfway along the King’s Road and in the heart of Southern Finland. Regional airports at Turku and Lappeenranta also serve the area. Cruise ferries from Stockholm arrive at Turku, Naantali and Helsinki, and there are various other ferry links, for example, between Germany and Helsinki and Hanko. Main rail lines extend between Helsinki and Turku, and between Helsinki and Riihimäki and Lappeenranta. Excellent express bus services operate in all areas.
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