Tag: Summer Destinations in Finland

Amusement Parks in Finland

What a better way to spend a summer day in Finland than a visit to an amusement park

Amusement parks are great family fun destinations as there is always something to do for the whole family. In addition to the rides, there are usually many fun activities for visitors of all ages. So what a better way to spend a summer day in Finland than a visit to an amusement park. There are four amusement parks in Finland to choose from…or why not visit all of them.

These are the 4 Amusement Parks in Finland

Linnanmäki, Helsinki

Probably the best known amusement park in Finland is the Linnanmäki in Helsinki. Opened in 1950, it is the oldest amusement park in Finland. Linnanmäki’s best known attraction is an old wooden roller coaster called “Vuoristorata” (which is a Finnish word for a roller coaster). Although the Vuoristorata is almost as old as the amusement park itself, it is still the most popular ride, and one of the must-to-do things in Linnanmäki. In total there are about 40 rides for visitors of all ages. And in addition to the rides, there are also games, cafes and restaurants. And another interesting destination, the Sea Life Helsinki aquarium is located right next to Linnanmäki.

Address Tivolitie 1, Helsinki
Visit Linnanmäki’s website for more information

Särkänniemi, Tampere

Särkänniemi is the number one attraction in the city of Tampere. Located on a beautiful place by the Lake Näsijärvi, Särkänniemi is a real family fun destination. In addition to the amusement park, there is also a petting zoo, aquarium and Särkänniemi’s best known landmark, an observation tower which offers great views of the city of Tampere. Of course, the Särkänniemi amusement park is worth a visit alone with about 30 rides for visitors of all ages

Address Laiturikatu 1, Tampere
Visit Särkänniemi’s website for more information

PowerPark, Alahärmä

PowerPark in Alalahärmä, in Ostrobothnia is the latest and the largest amusent park in Finland. In total the PowerPark covers an area of 160 hectares. The amusement park has over 40 rides, including 8 roller coasters. But PowerPark is much more than just an amusement park. You can experience the 5D movie theatre with special effects, go racing on an international-level karting circuit, try minigolf, play games in the arcade center, or visit the wonderous troll village. So the PowerPark isn’t just an amusement park, it is called Funland PowerPark (Huvivaltio PowerPark in Finnish)

Address Puistotie 3, Härmä
Visit PowerPark’s website for more information

Tykkimäki, Kouvola

Tykkimäki is located on top of a hill in the city of Kouvola. Tykkimäki amusement park has almost 40 amusement parks as well as cafes and restaurants. On a hot day, you might also want to visit the water park and cool off on wild water rides. Luckily, there is one just around the corner. The Tykkimäki water park is located on the shore of a lake, within walking distance from the amusement park. You can visit these parks separately or both at the same time. There is also a beach and a nature trail by the lake, which are open to everyone.

Address Kanuunakuja 2, Kouvola
Visit Tykkimäki’s website for more information

6 Charming Towns on the South Coast

If you’re planning a summer trip to a Finnish seaside town, you have found your destination!

If you are looking for ideas for a day trip or a longer vacation in Southern Finland, look no further. In addition to the well-known Helsinki, Turku and Kotka, there are many cool seaside towns that are definitely worth exploring. Here are six charming towns on the south coast of Finland that are must-visit destinations, especially in summer!

6 Charming Towns on the South Coast of Finland

Tammisaari

Our first destination Tammisaari is located in the town of Raseborg, about an hour away from Helsinki. The history of Tammisaari began in 1546, when the King of Sweden Gustav Vasa granted city rights to Tammisaari. In addition to its many nature destinations, the most charming place in Tammisaari is its old town. You can take a walking tour along the seashore and narrow alleys, and admire the old wooden houses, many of which date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Go visit parks, small shops, cafes and restaurants. And when in Tammisaari, remember to also visit the ruins of Raseborg Castle, which is located not far from Tammisaari.

Hanko

If you travel further south, you will find another amazing destination. Hanko is located about half an hour away from Tammisaari on the southern tip of the Hanko peninsula. This is as far south as you can go, as Hanko is the southernmost place in Finland, excluding islands. With its long sandy beaches, small shops and excellent restaurants, Hanko is a perfect summer destination. Don’t forget to visit Tulliniemi and hike a short distance to explore Finland’s most southern point.

Porvoo

Porvoo is a beautiful town about half an hour away from Helsinki. Especially the Old Porvoo (Vanha Porvoo in Finnish) is a very popular destination. Perhaps Porvoo could also be called chocolate town, because there are several chocolate makers and shops in Porvoo. And when you visit Old Porvoo, be sure to climb the hill to admire the Porvoo Cathedral, which dates back to late 13th century.

Loviisa

If you travel about half an hour towards east from Porvoo, there is another cool town destination. Especially Loviisa’s Laivasilta is worth a visit. At one time, Loviisa was an important port for foreign trade. At that time, there were around 50 wooden sheds where imported goods such as salt, tobacco and spices were stored. Today, some of these old sheds still exist. But unlike in the old days, these cool red sheds now house the Loviisa Maritime Museum, a restaurant, summer shops and art exhibitions. Another cool destination nearby is the Strömfors Ironwords (Strömforsin Ruukki in Finnish), and also the Svartholma Sea Fortress is only a short boat ride away.

Hamina

Hamina is a beautiful seaside town in southeastern Finland. One of the unique features of Hamina is its circular streets within the old fortress. A fun way to get to know Hamina is to take a walking tour around the town center following the walls of the fortress. Another cool place to visit is the Tervasaari park and beach. Hamina is located right next to the city of Kotka, so why not visit both of these towns on a same trip…or better yet, make two trips to southeastern Finland and visit both Kotka and Hamina seperately. These town are both worth a trip!

Nauvo

Our last, but not the least destination is a beautul place in Turku Archipelago. There are many great destinations in the archipelago, but if you have to choose just one place to visit, then perhaps Nauvo is your destination. Nauvo is a small and charming island community. It is quite close to the city of Turku, but still far enough from the mainland to offer that perfect archipelago experience. Nauvo is located on an island, but is connected to the mainland by bridges and a 10-minute free ferry ride, so it is very easy to reach. Or perhaps this is just a starting point on your trip along the Archipelago Trail…