5 Finnish summer cities not to be missed

Because of the long cold winters that their country is experiencing, the Finns celebrate the summer with a lot of passion. This is also why most Finnish cities are particularly lively throughout the summer, from the end of May to the end of August. In May, we are still looking forward to the warming of the weather, and as soon as we return from the first days of great sweetness we do not lose a minute to go and expose ourselves to the divine rays of the Sun star and to take advantage of the temperatures that fly away, even If this increase in mercury remains within generally fairly reasonable limits

What ingredients are included in the composition of the Finnish summer? There are festivals, sauna, kayak excursions and water outings in stand-up paddle, cruises and events for all tastes, all of course under the midnight sun with the magical atmosphere that goes along. We have established a list of nine cities that we really promise to visit in the summer months

 Porvoo

Founded here almost 800 years ago, Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland. It is famous for its historic quarter with wooden houses, its small cafes with old-fashioned charm and its ancient warehouses of a characteristic red or ochre colour bordering the river that crosses the city. Nevertheless, in summer, Porvoo offers more to its visitors than opportunities to walk in its cobbled alleys or shopping in its charming little shops of yesteryear.

You have to know about it that the city is the setting for the beautiful season of several art fairs and many local events, including flea markets, concerts and various animations on the banks of the river. On the other hand, the asset of Porvoo, a small town in the province, is to be surrounded by woods and fields while only a few minutes by bus or by car from the seaside. Located about fifty kilometers east of Helsinki, the city is easily accessible from the capital by coach or even by steamboat in summer

In the summer, we advise you to board and get off at any time of the free municipal bus Rinkeli which will take you around the national Park of Porvoo before you drop on the very pretty little island of Sikosaari. You could also go swimming at the public beach of Kokonniemi bordering a small pond with relatively deep waters and the white sand beach planted in a decor of green hills, this site is only a 15 minute walk from the city centre of Porvoo.

Gastronomists will certainly enjoy participating in the SMAKU Festival, an event taking place over two weeks every year in August and giving rise to a culinary contest, awards in support, while music enthusiasts Will find their happiness at the Jazz event organized on the site of the Manoir de Haikko or even at the Festival Tirmo Blues, which takes place in the idyllic setting of the archipelago of Porvoo.

We recommend that you linger somewhat at Porvoo by spending at least one night to discover the many facets. Going down in a charming guest room, staying in a boutique hotel or in one of the mansions of the region converted into Hostellerie de standing, or even lodging a furnished apartment in Porvoo, will leave you a memorable souvenir

Helsinki

Needless to say, there is something going on in Helsinki every day of the year, and even more so in the summer months. The inhabitants gather there for a picnic in the many green parks of the city, for example the gardens of the Esplanade, the park of Kaivopuisto or that of Tokoinranta, while the terraces do not fill with merry Finnish all to their delight to enjoy their summer holidays.

In recent years, new public saunas have appeared in Helsinki, adding to the many traditional saunas that the city already had. When you are passing through the Finnish capital, try the Allas Sea Pool, the Löyly, the Lonnan sauna, the Kulttuurisauna or the Kotiharju sauna. As for the events taking place in Helsinki in the summer, you will be spoilt for choice between the Helsinki Day, the numerous flea markets that are held in the four corners of the capital, the festivities of St. John organized on the island of Seurasaari, the Tuska Open Air Metal Festival and the Flow Festival, to name but a few

Located in the Haaga district, Rhododendron Park has become one of the most popular green areas in Helsinki. The park attracts many visitors especially from mid-June, time of year when the rhododendrons of this eight-hectare green space are at the pinnacle of their bloom. The island of Lauttasaari is also a true gem of nature only five minutes by Metro from the city centre of Helsinki. This otherwise rather densely populated area has several remarkable beaches offering breathtaking views in all directions.

Visiting successively several islands located off Helsinki is also a great idea to enjoy a sunny day in the Finnish capital. Maritime shuttles regularly and in a short time serve the fortified island of Suomenlinna at the start of the Helsinki Market Square, as well as the small islands of Lonna and Vallisaari, which have recently been opened to the public. As for the island of Mustikkasaari next to the Kalasatama district, it is one of the most popular outdoor activity areas in Helsinki since 1921, when this great island was transformed into a public park. Characterized by rocky beaches and occupied in large part by Pinewoods, Mustikkamaa offers some of the best fishing spots in the city

Savonlinna

Over the years, Savonlinna has become an indispensable visiting place within the community of opera enthusiasts: this small town in deep Finland welcomes the Savonlinna opera Festival in the walls of its château-Fort every year. Medieval. It is also a charming lake town located on several islands in the midst of a forest setting, all in a vibrant culture atmosphere. Even if it is not the opera that motivates you essentially your visit, you can enjoy your stay in Savonlinna to see Summer theatre shows, take a guided tour of the city and its surroundings or attend concerts or Exhibitions organized in the nearest region

Located in the middle of Great Lakes Finland, Savonlinna is a prime destination for canoeing or stand-up paddle. You can also make a cruise on the lakes, very popular formula of visitors of Savonlinna and its region, as nothing better to relax on a beautiful sunny summer day than to glide on the Great Lake Saimaa on a retro steamboat , unless you prefer to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area from a motor boat rental

Naantali

The sun of Naantali is well known to the Finns: Indeed, this small town is reputed to be "the sunniest place in Finland". Because of the richness of its history and the numerous anecdotes related to it, you are advised to discover Naantali by taking a guided tour of the city on foot, formula that you can complete if you wish by a cruise.

Villa Kultaranta, the official summer residence of the Presidents of the Finnish Republic, is located in Naantali; In the summer, guided tours of the beautiful gardens of the property are organized occasionally.

In case of small hollow when you find yourself in Naantali, you will have only the embarrassment of choice between the many restaurants of quality of the city, among which we want to quote you the Merisali, the trapper, the Hasta la Pasta and the Pohjakulma

Located on the beautiful island of Kailo in front of the site of the former convent of Naantali, the amusement park of Moomin World is a must for all families passing through the region! The Moomin World Associates for the delight of visitors an authentic maritime environment and a magical atmosphere where one is warmly welcomed by the sympathetic characters of comics created by Tove Jansson. The activities, attractions and experiences on the island are so numerous that small and large people find their account and are unlikely to get bored all day long, assuming that they do not decide to come again the next day!

Unique in its kind, the Sleepyhead Festival ("The Big Sleeper's Feast") is an annual fun event that also makes families happy. A hundred years old, this tradition is now a tourist attraction giving rise to an open-air festival which lasts several days: On 27 July, the one who has received the title "official" of the biggest sleeper of the year is thrown ritually in the sea at 7 o'clock in the morning accurate, after which the festivities begin in the city to continue without discontinuing from the dawn to the sunset

Hanko

The northernmost city of Finland, Hanko is a summer paradise for visitors enjoying the fine sand beaches and small secret coves. The relaxed atmosphere that reigns in this historic seaside resort, the many colorful events that are organized there and the relaxing vicinity of the sea make Hanko an outstanding destination for a pleasant day of holidays and leisure.

As a small town, Hanko has an impressive selection of restaurants and events to suit all expectations: These include the Hanko Regatta, the Poker Run contest and the Seahorse Week

Hanko has 30 kilometers of sandy beaches and a coastline of no less than 130 kilometers long. The water tower located in the city centre offers visitors superb views at 360 ° on the coast and on the beautiful old wooden villas of the seaside resort.

You can take a day trip from Hanko to the lighthouse in cutting northwestern Peninsula, located on a small island facing the wide open, or participate in a seal-watching safari. Cycling is also a popular way to travel in the area: You could for example be tempted by a cyclist who will take you to the very pretty little town of Tammisaari, where different visits and activities await you