Finland's top attractions – the best summer holiday des­ti­na­tions by train

Historical sights in Finland

When planning a summer trip to Finland, it is a good idea to include at least one historic destination on your list. Which of these would you prefer to visit?

Kenkävero

Located in Mikkeli, Kenkävero is full of historic vicarage atmosphere on the shore of Saimaa. In Kenkävero, you can find Finland’s largest garden area, which blossoms in the summer with hundreds of plants. In the area, you can enjoy local delicacies at the manor restaurant, visit handicraft shops and look at cute summer sheep.

How can I get to Kenkävero?

Travel by train to Mikkeli railway station. You can walk or take a local bus to Kenkävero, which is located approximately 1.5 kilometres from the station. If you take a Menevä taxi, remember to take advantage of the -10% discount for train passengers.

Ainola

You can visit the artist's home of master composer Jean Sibelius and his wife Aino in Järvenpää. In Ainola, you can take a look at the family’s original home, visit the beautiful garden and enjoy refreshments in the café. Would you like to also visit other artist's homes in the Lake Tuusula area during your trip?

How can I get to Ainola?

You can take the R commuter train directly to Ainola railway station, which is located one kilometre from Ainola. You can also get off at Järvenpää station, which is a 2.5-kilometre walk from Ainola. If you want to take a taxi from the station, take advantage of the -10% taxi benefit for train passengers. Long-distance trains do not stop at Ainola, so when you arrive from elsewhere in Finland, you can switch to a commuter train in Tampere, Riihimäki, Tikkurila or Helsinki, for example.

Serlachius museums

The two destinations of the Serlachius museums in Mänttä are ideal for spending a whole day enjoying art and history. You can learn more about the history of Mänttä and Serlachius at the Serlachius Headquarters. At the Serlachius Manor, on the other hand, you can enjoy the lake landscape and the art exhibition in the manor environment. In the manor area, you can also borrow a rowing boat and go to the lake, as well as enjoy the Art Sauna.

How can I get to the Serlachius museums?

Travel by train to Vilppula railway station and continue your journey to Serlachius by taxi or bike. You can buy a carpool taxi ride from the railway station to the museum in advance while buying the museum ticket. You can also rent a city bike at the railway station and return it to the museum. You can also travel between the two destinations conveniently on a Jopo bike that you can borrow from the museum.

Olavinlinna Castle

The mediaeval Olavinlinna Castle is full of interesting stories. You can explore the castle on your own or on a guided tour. After your visit, head to the Savonlinna market square next to the harbour to enjoy lörtsy pastries.

How can I get to Olavinlinna Castle?

Savonlinna railway station is a walk of approximately one kilometre from Olavinlinna Castle. You can walk there in approximately 15 minutes.

Verla Mill Museum

Verla, which has been selected as a Unesco World Heritage Site, is a magnificent wood mill and cardboard factory environment in Kouvola. In the area, you can explore the historic 1800s cardboard factory and wood mill, tour the factory environment and enjoy nature and the river landscape. Where would you like to go first: to a guided tour of the factory museum, to the nature trails along the river or to the atmospheric handicraft shops?

How can I get to Verla?

Travel by train to Kouvola railway station. During the summer season, a local bus runs directly from the railway station to Verla on Saturdays and Sundays. The bus journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

Aalto2 Museum Centre and Aalto locations in Jyväskylä

If you want to see some of Finland’s internationally famous sights, it’s a good idea to visit the places designed by Alvar Aalto. At the Aalto2 Museum Centre in Jyväskylä, you can learn about Aalto’s life and work. The city has many buildings designed by Aalto, which you can also visit independently. Or would you rather book a guided tour of Säynätsalo Town Hall designed by Aalto or the Muuratsalo Experimental House, the summer home and studio of Aalto? You can get to these destinations by local bus from the centre of Jyväskylä.

How can I get to the Aalto2 Museum Centre?

Travel by train to Jyväskylä railway station, from where you can walk to the Aalto2 Museum Centre in approximately 20 minutes. You can also travel by local bus, electric scooter or taxi. You can buy a ticket for a local bus in advance conveniently in the VR Matkalla app. If you take a Menevä taxi, remember to take advantage of the -10% discount for train passengers.

Iittala Glass Capital

Iittala Glass Capital is a well-known village of Finnish design, art and artisans. At the Glass Capital, you can follow the work of professionals at the glass factory, visit the design museum and explore the factory shop and charming small boutiques. In the summer, children will enjoy the area’s play areas and the colourful Naivistit Iittalassa art exhibition.

How can I get to Iittala Glass Capital?

Take the R commuter train directly to Iittala railway station, which is less than a kilometre’s walk from the Glass Capital. You can already admire art at the station, which is also called the Art Station.

Summer destinations in the archipelago and on the coasts

You don't always have to go abroad to go on a beach holiday. You can also relax on sandy beaches and explore the marine scenery at the destinations in Finland.

Hanko and Tammisaari

What do you think is the most beautiful summer town in Finland? If you want to spend your summer holiday in Finland touring beautiful summer towns, you should head to Hanko and Tammisaari. Hanko offers spacious sandy beaches, beach cliffs and lace villas, while Tammisaari delights with its idyllic wooden house town, tranquil alleys and bays. In both, you can eat in harbour restaurants, shop in boutiques and stroll through the alleys of the coastal towns known as the Riviera of Finland.

How can I get to Hanko and Tammisaari?

If you’re arriving from further away, travel to Riihimäki by long-distance train first. From Riihimäki, you can hop on board a summer train to Hanko and Tammisaari.

Yyteri

You can enjoy your beach holiday in Finland on the long sandy beach of Yyteri in Pori. There’s something for everyone in the area. If you want to be active, you can head to the Surf Centre, the Adventure Park or the hiking trails of the Bothnian Sea National Park. If you want to relax, you can spend a day on the beach and swimming.

How can I get to Yyteri?

Travel by train to Pori railway station. You can get to Yyteri by local bus from the bus station next to the railway station in approximately 20 minutes.

Suomenlinna and Vallisaari

On the historic fortress islands of Helsinki, you can spend a summer day far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. In Suomenlinna, you can explore the old ramparts, tunnels and seaside cafés, while Vallisaari charms with its forest paths and marine scenery. The day is rounded off with a lunch break on the cliffs by the sea. Spend a day on one island, or experience more than one on the same day!

How can I get to Suomenlinna and Vallisaari?

Travel by train to Helsinki Central Railway Station. From the station, you can easily reach the Market Square on foot or by public transport, from where ferries and water buses depart to the islands. , Opens in a new tabIf you want to take a taxi to the Market Square, take advantage of the -10% discount for train passengers on taxi fares from Lähitaksi and Menevä.

Kalajoki Hiekkasärkät

The Hiekkasärkät area in Kalajoki with its diverse activities invites you to enjoy a holiday by the sea. Would you like to surf on a SUP board, ride a fatbike, visit a water park or relax on a sandy beach? Kalajoki is a great summer holiday destination to visit without your own car, as you can easily move around the compact area on foot.

How can I get to Kalajoki?

Travel by train to Ylivieska or Kokkola railway station. You can get to the Hiekkasärkät tourist area by bus from the station in approximately an hour.

Örö Fortress Island

The formerly closed military area Örö is a gem of the Archipelago National Park. Örö is a perfect destination for the whole family. You can explore the island’s unique nature and historical locations on foot or by bike. During the summer season, you can also stay overnight on Örö, enjoy the sauna and dine at the island’s restaurants.

How can I get to Örö Fortress Island?

Travel to Helsinki or Turku by train first. There is a bus connection from both cities to Kasnäs in Kemiönsaari in the summer. There is a ferry connection from Kasnäs to Örö Fortress Island all year round.

Peaceful nature attractions in Finland

Finnish nature in full bloom is one of the country's most stunning sights in the summer. Explore Finland’s national parks and nature attractions!

Repovesi National Park

Located near Kouvola, the Repovesi National Park charms with its magnificent landscapes. The terrain of Repovesi is known for its dramatic height differences, steep cliffs and clear lakes. The landscape is reminiscent of the fells of Lapland, even though it is located in the middle of Southern Finland.

How can I get to Repovesi?

During the summer season, the train stops at the Hillosensalmi stopping point, from where you can take a bus to Repovesi.

Read more about travelling by train to national parks and nature attractions here.

Koli

Koli is perhaps one of the most beautiful and classic sights in Finland. The top of Koli offers views of Finland’s national landscapes over Pielinen. Hike along steep cliffs, admire the sunset at the top of Ukko-Koli and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the landscape spa.

How can I get to Koli?

Travel by train to Joensuu. From the station, you can get to Koli with a connecting bus or by water.

Tahko

Summer in Tahko is full of activities. Climb the stairs to the top of the slopes to admire the lake landscape or spend a summer day on the shores of Lake Syväri. You can also enjoy your summer holiday at Tahko on mountain bike trails and golf courses or in the Forest Spa.

How can I get to Tahko?

Travel by train to Kuopio. From Kuopio, you can get to Tahko by local bus. You can buy a bus ticket in advance conveniently in the VR Matkalla app.

Punkaharju

Surrounded by Lake Saimaa, the iconic Punkaharju ridge road is worth visiting at least once in your life. In Punkaharju, you can, for example, swim on the shores of the ridge and visit the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto and the Retretti art caves.

How can I get to Punkaharju?

The train takes you directly to the heart of Punkaharju Nature Reserve, where you get off at Lusto railway station.

Unusual sights in Finland

Would you like to experience something you won't be able to find anywhere else on your holiday? Experience these unusual sights in Finland!

Lappeenranta Sand Castle

Every summer, a giant sandcastle with a new theme rises in the harbour area of Lappeenranta. You can visit the sand castle free of charge, and there are also plenty of activities nearby for people of all ages. After visiting the sand castle, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the harbour as well as the local delicacies, vety and atomi meat pies.

How can I get to the Lappeenranta Sand Castle?

Travel by train to Lappeenranta railway station. The station is located approximately 2.5 kilometres from the harbour through the city centre. The easiest way to get to the harbour is by walking, city bike or electric scooter. If you want to take a Menevä taxi, remember to take advantage of the -10% discount for train passengers.

Hämeenlinna's prison museum — the Prison

At the Prison in Hämeenlinna, you can take a look at the harsh everyday life of the former county prison. Visit the old prison cells and learn more about prison life and stories from the past. Would you rather explore the prison independently or participate in a guided tour?

How can I get to the Prison in Hämeenlinna?

Travel by train to Hämeenlinna railway station. The Prison is a walk of less than 2 kilometres from the station.

Summer holiday in Finland with children

Wondering where to go with your children this summer? There are plenty of summer holiday destinations that you can visit with children in Finland, in any weather!

Moominworld

At Moominworld in Naantali, you can meet the residents of Moominvalley. Visit Moominhouse, watch the performances at Theatre Emma and take a look at the Groke's cave. At the end of a day full of adventure, you can stay overnight in the beautiful Naantali Old Town.

How can I get to Moominworld?

Travel to Turku by train. You can get to Naantali by local transport from Turku railway station.

PowerPark

Where to go with children in the summer, if not to the amusement park? In Finland’s largest amusement park, PowerPark, you can enjoy the rides and the karting track, play minigolf and visit Troll Village. If the day feels too short, you can also stay overnight in the area.

How can I get to PowerPark?

During the summer season, many long-distance trains stop directly at Härmä railway station. From the station, you can get directly to the amusement park’s gates with free bus services that have been adapted to the train timetables. At the end of a fun day, you can also get to your return trail in time by bus.

Heureka Science Centre

Heureka offers the joy of discovery and functional exhibitions where you can try things out for yourself. In the summer, Heureka’s exhibitions also expand to the Galilei Science Park outdoors. Heureka is a great destination in any weather, and it offers plenty of activities for people of all ages.

How can I get to Heureka?

Travel by train to Tikkurila railway station. There is a pedestrian route of less than a kilometre from the platform directly to Heureka.

Moomin Museum

At the Moomin Museum in Tampere, you can experience the wonderful world of the Moomins through Tove Jansson’s illustrations and memorable exhibitions. After the visit, you can continue the summer day with your children at the nearby playground of Sorsapuisto or go and have fun in Särkänniemi.

How can I get to the Moomin Museum?

Travel to Tampere railway station, which is a walk of less than a kilometre from the Moomin Museum.

Linnanmäki

The classic amusement park Linnanmäki is a great place to spend a fun summer day. Have fun on the rides, eat some cotton candy and try your luck in the games. You can also admire tropical fish in the SEA LIFE aquarium. If you want to extend your summer trip, it’s a good idea to explore the other sights in Helsinki.

How can I get to Linnanmäki? You can easily get to Linnanmäki by travelling by train to Helsinki or Pasila. From the train, you can easily continue your journey with HSL by bus or tram. You can buy HSL's single tickets conveniently in the VR Matkalla app as a connection to your train ticket or take advantage of the -10% taxi benefit from Menevä or Lähitaksi. Pasila is located less than two kilometres from Linnanmäki, so you can easily walk to Linnanmäki from the station.

Laune Family Park

If you’re looking for an inexpensive summer destination that will entertain children, head to Lahti. The large Laune Family Park offers activities from climbing frames to slides and a traffic park. The Yli-Marola City Farm is also located next to the park. The area’s flat terrain is also suitable for prams.

How can I get to Laune Family Park?

Travel by train to Lahti railway station, which is a walk of just over a kilometre from Laune Family Park. You can also get to the park by local bus. Buy a bus ticket as a connection to your train ticket in the VR Matkalla app.

Please check the up-to-date opening hours on the locations’ websites.

Article's images: Visit Finland/Julia Kivelä, Serlachius museums/Sampo Linkoneva, Visit Saimaa, Alvar Aalto University Jyväskylä/Julia Kivelä, Visit Raasepori/Johan Ljungqvist, Visit Finland/Harri Tarvainen, Kuopio-Tahko Marketing, GoSaimaa, Powerpark, Visit Tampere/Laura Vanzo, Linnanmäki/Aku Pöllänen