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Wonders of Finland

Lapland, view from Livaara mountain
Lapland, view from Livaara mountain. / Guillaume Baviere, Flickr / CC BY 2.0

WorldBlue  Highlights

The landscape and art of this northern land are somewhat restrained, but nevertheless, Finland offers diverse and interesting landmarks. The most exciting wonders of Finland are archaeological and architectural monuments.

Map with the described wonders

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WorldViolet Top 25 wonders of Finland

Geological wonders

Björkö (Korsholm) moraine ridges

Ostrobothnia

An impressive landscape that formed 10,000 – 24,000 years ago by De Geere moraines formed by the melting of continental ice sheet. This area is experiencing one of the quickest uplifts in the world: 8 – 10 mm per year.

Björkö (Korsholm) moraine ridges
Björkö (Korsholm) moraine ridges. / AleGranholm, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Paasselkä devils

Southern Savonia

Light phenomena occasionally appearing above Lake Paasselkä and areas near it, mentioned since the 18th century. Usually, it is a ball of light that sometimes behaves as if has its own will. Paasselkä lake has formed in a meteorite crater.

Ylämaa spectrolite

South Karelia

This area has the highest concentration of spectrolite – unique iridescent variety of labradorite feldspar.

Pihtsusköngäs

Lapland

The most powerful waterfall in Finland, height 17 m.

Pihtsusköngäs
Pihtsusköngäs. / Antti Leppänen, Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
Julma Ă–lkky canyon lake

Northern Ostrobothnia

Impressive, narrow, more than 3 km long lake surrounded by up to 50 m (100 m?) high granite cliffs. Ancient paintings.

Julma Ă–lkky canyon lake
Julma Ă–lkky canyon lake. / Juho Holmi, Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
Lostenen

Ostrobothnia

Largest (at least – tallest) erratic boulder (piece of bedrock moved by glacier) in Finland, 16 m high.

Archaeological wonders

Wolf Cave of Vargberget (Susiluola)

Ostrobothnia

Large cavern in granite rocks, unique in Northern Europe as it shows that people lived here, in this cave before the last Ice Age, 120,000 years ago.

Sammallahdenmäki

Satakunta

Impressive Bronze Age burial site consisting of 36 granite cairns of different styles. Developed in 1,500 – 500 BC.

Sammallahdenmäki
Sammallahdenmäki. / Rauma museum, Wikimedia Commons / public domain
Shrine of Ukonsaari (Ă„ijih)

Lapland

Ancient sacred site of Saami people with Ukonkivi – sacrifice stone. Possibly used by Saami until the 19th century. Contains also sacrifice cave on the western side – a fragment of silver jewelry was found here.

Ukonsaari
Ukonsaari. / Ninara, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Pattijoki Kastelli

Northern Ostrobothnia

Prehistoric structure that was built approximately 2000 BC. It represents a stone circle – 36 x 62 m large, 2 m high rampart with 6 gateways. There are more, although less impressive kastelli in Finland.

Architecture wonders

Olavinlinna

Southern Savonia

Impressive medieval castle from the 15th century, the northernmost medieval castle of the world still in use. Located on small granite island.

Olavinlinna castle, Finland
Olavinlinna castle / Walter Rodriguez, Flickr. CC BY-SA 2.0
Turku Castle

Finland Proper

Largest surviving medieval castle in Finland and the oldest building in Finland still in use. Construction was started in 1280 by Swedes, mainly built in the 16th century.

Turku Castle
Turku Castle. / Matthew Clark, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Turku Cathedral

Finland Proper

National shrine of Finland, one of historically most important buildings in Finland. Consecrated in 1300, belongs to the brick Gothic style characteristic for Northern Europe of this time.

In the Turku Cathedral
In the Turku Cathedral. / Ninara, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Old Rauma (Vanha Rauma)

Satakunta

Unique, well preserved complex of the 19th century historical wooden architecture complete with historical streets, typical for Northern Europe.

Old Rauma in Finland, note the hedgehog crossing the street
Old Rauma, note the hedgehog crossing the street / Wikimedia Commons, user Pöllö. CC BY-SA 3.0
Espoo Cathedral

Uusimaa

Medieval stone church, the seat of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The oldest parts of the church are from 1480ies. Interior is adorned with frescoes from the 1510ies.

Old Porvoo

Eastern Uusimaa

Town has retained medieval street network and numerous old wooden buildings, including a group of unique storage houses.

Old Porvoo
Old Porvoo. / kallerna, Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Verla Groundwood and Board Mill

Kymenlaakso

Well preserved factory settlement from the 19th century. It formed around paper mill that was working on water power. The settlement was founded in 1872 and operated until 1964. Preserved technological equipment.

Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
Verla Groundwood and Board Mill. / Dmitry Kirillov, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Helsinki Cathedral

Uusimaa

Imposing domed building in Neoclassical style, built in 1830 – 1852. One of symbols of Helsinki.

Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral. / Olivier GRYSON, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Temppeliaukio Kirkko

Uusimaa

Rock-cut church, made in 1969. Topped by unusual dome made of copper wire.

Kerimäki Church

Southern Savonia

Considered to be the largest wooden church in the world, built in 1844 – 1847, 37 m high, suited for 3,000 people.

Kerimäki Church
Kerimäki Church. / Ninara, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Petäjävesi old church

Central Finland

A unique wooden church built in 1763 – 1765, clock tower in 1821. This is a very late example of Renaissance style with some influence of the Gothic style.

Petäjävesi old church - unique wooden church from the 18th century, Finland
Petäjävesi old church – unique wooden church from the 18th century / Honza Soukup, Flickr. CC BY-SA 2.0
Paimio Sanatorium (Paimio Hospital)

Finland Proper

Great example of modernist architecture, built in 1929 – 1932, designed by Alvar Aalto. The interior and furniture was designed in harmony with the building.

Paimio Sanatorium
Paimio Sanatorium. / Leon, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Bengtskär

Finland Proper

52 metres high lighthouse that was built in 1906. This is a very impressive addition to the rocky landscape of this southernmost inhabited place in Finland.

Bengtskär Lighthouse
Bengtskär Lighthouse. / Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Helsinki Central railway station

Uusimaa

Beautiful National Romanticism structure that was designed by Eliel Saarinen, built in 1909 – 1919.

Helsinki Central railway station
Helsinki Central railway station. / Simo Räsänen, Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Päijänne Water Tunnel

Uusimaa

World’s second-longest continuous rock tunnel after Delaware Aqueduct in the United States. The tunnel is 120 kilometers long, runs 30 – 100 m under the surface. The tunnel is large enough for a truck to go through. Provides freshwater to large cities of Southern Finland. Cosntructed in 1972 – 1982.

WorldYellow Recommended books

Insight Guides Finland


Whether it’s kayaking in the serene Lakeland, enjoying a cruise on the Baltic, or taking in the splendor of the Northern Lights in Lapland – Insight Guide Finland helps you get the best out of this outdoor paradise.

Rick Steves Snapshot St. Petersburg, Helsinki & Tallinn


In this compact guide, Rick Steves covers the essential spots of each city, including the Hermitage, the Church of the Spilled Blood, Linnanmäki (a classic amusement park), and Toompea Castle. Take a day trip to the Peterhof, stroll through Kaivopuisto Park, or visit the Kumu Art Museum. You’ll get Rick’s firsthand advice on the best sights, eating, sleeping, and nightlife, and the maps and self-guided tours will ensure you make the most of your experience.


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