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.

1. 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.

2. Pihlajasaari

Natural Feature

Beach huts on Pihlajasaari beneath trees in the Helsinki archipelago

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.

4. Aland

Natural Feature

Pilot house of Kobba Klintar on the approaches to the port of Mariehamn in the Aland Islands Finland on a sunny day

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.

5. Suomenlinna

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

Suomenlinna island shore with fortress walls and sea beyond, flowers in the foreground

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.

6. Nauvo

Natural Feature

Women on a bike ride along a gravel road in the countryside of Nagu or Nauvo island in Vastaboland in Pargas in Southwest Finland

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.