Journey

Island hopping in eastern Coast and Archipelago

Explore the eastern part of the Coast and Archipelago

Starting Point: Helsinki

1-3 days

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.

The island of Vallisaari near Suomenlinna is a great day trip destination in Helsinki. Formerly used by the Finnish Defence Forces, the island offers visitors the chance to enjoy its interesting history, diverse flora, nautical views, as well as café and restaurants services. If you wish to stay overnight and camping is your thing, try a Tentsile experience!

Next experience the Baltic Sea like never before - on this tour city sights are combined with the thrilling experience of riding a speed boat. You'll see famous Helsinki landmarks, such as the Market Square, uniquely from the sea.

No island tour in Finland is complete without a trip to a lighthouse. Söderskär, one of the most famous lighthouse islands in Finland, can be found amid the islets in the outer archipelago of Porvoo, 1,5 hour boat ride from Helsinki. Visit the island to explore its barren nature, explore the exhibition in the lighthouse, and experience the maritime lifestyle of olden days. For information about Söderskär cruises, go to Portoline.net.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kotka is famous for Maritime Center Wellamo, the old Imperial Fishing Lodge at Langinkoski, and the city's parks, like the Sapokka Water Garden. In the spring, the park erupts into life with tens of thousands of bulbous plants, which continue in a rainbow of colours until the late autumn.

The Cave Sauna Spa in Kotka's Santalahti is a unique destination. The spa has a smoke sauna in a cave, as well as heated and cold pools. The arched caves open out towards the Baltic sea, where a beautiful sea view can be admired from the heated pool under the arched ceiling.