Top 10 Islands In Finland

islands in finland
Alex
Alex 
Updated
| 4 min read

Out of all the Scandinavian countries, Finland seems to be the most unique. For one thing, the Finnish language is completely different from other Scandinavian languages, and also the fact that Finland is home to the only native population in Europe - the Sami. Most of the population of the country is spread out in sparsely populated towns and cities. Despite this, Finland is a tourist wonderland with fascinating traditions and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes found on the planet. Watch the Aurora Borealis, discover a “polar night”, or even partake in some winter sports. If you’re looking to explore the country of Finland and don’t want to stick just the major cities, here is a list of the top islands in Finland.

1. Kimito

Kemiö spring 2009 - panoramio (1)
Source: Photo by user Juha Laine used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Kimito is located in the Western Province of Finland and is in the southwest corner of the country. The island is relatively small, with a population of just over 3,000 people spread out over the entire island. Though there aren’t many residents, this place sees a lot of traffic in the summer months, as the island is host to a pretty big international music festival. Held every July, Kimito Island Music Festival brings in artists from Finland and abroad to play music and entertain locals and tourists.

Kimito

Website: Kimito

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2. Partalansaari

Kietävälä ferry
Source: Photo by user Antti Leppänen used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Partalansaari is surrounded by some of the largest river basins in the country, and there are over 80 lakes and ponds on the island itself. The island has only about 300 permanent residents, but due to the many rivers and lakes found around here, the destination becomes a pretty popular summer tourist location. The island is also cemented in Finnish pop culture as it has been featured in a children’s book titled “On the Paths of Partalansaari”.

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3. Kotisaari

Boholmen
Source: Photo by user Islander used under CC BY 3.0

Kotisaari is a small little island in the Lapland region of Finland and is just a short distance away from the south of the arctic circle. The island is near the town of Rovaniemi, which is said to be the official residence of Santa Claus. Kotisaari is really small, and no one really lives here, but despite the lack of population, this place gets quite busy. In the 1800s the island was used by lumberjacks, but in the 1980s, the facilities went from lumberjack use to tourism use. Now there’s a tavern and restaurant here for people looking to taste some traditional Laplander cuisine.

Kotisaari

Website: Kotisaari

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4. Replot

Replot archipelago
Source: Photo by user Frob2900 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Replot faces the northern part of the Baltic sea and is an interesting little island in Finland. For one thing, most of the inhabitants here speak Swedish as their primary language. Sitting at 150 square kilometers (58 square miles), Replot is one of the largest islands in the country. Despite this fact, the island’s population is just over 2,000 people, and many can trace their lineage back to the 11th century or even earlier. As the island has been continuously inhabited for hundreds of years, the archipelago that makes up Replot is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is very picturesque, with many people vacationing here during the summer months to get away from the cities and do a little fishing - a popular pastime in Replot.

Replot

Website: Replot

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Finland Tour Guide

Ann Travel Finland (Anna Siukola)

Ann Travel Finland (Anna Siukola)

<p>Hi, my name is Ann, and I offer author’s Helsinki and Southern Finland tours in English to individual travelers, families, friend groups, and large groups. My style is educative and entertaining, so you will have a lot of facts presented in an easy, fun, and friendly manner. I am knowledgeable in various fields, but my tours are not boring history lessons. Instead, we will have a lively narrative and discussion, and I promise you will WANT to know more! I conduct all sorts of tours: sightseeing-, thematic-, tailored-for-your-interests, customized tours; walking and biking tours, and tours with the use of public and private transport. You name it! Whatever you select, I can assure you that you will have great memories when you are back home!</p><p>18 years ago, I moved from one beautiful city to another – from St. Petersburg to Helsinki. Back in St. Petersburg, I worked as a tourist guide, and following my passion for this profession, I studied for and received the authorized tourist guiding diploma in Helsinki as well. Through these years, my knowledge of modern life in Finland, the language, people’s mentality, traditions, culture, etc. has naturally deepened. All curiosities which make up Finnish culture, have become part of me, and Finland has become my dear, beloved home. As an international person living in Finland myself and having an international family (at home, we speak English, Finnish, and Russian), I would like to offer you a tour where I am going to tell you about Helsinki, its history and traditions, its modern vibe and the international diversity of it before and today. What is the place of Finland in this fast-changing world? Let’s talk about it, and compare it to your home country if you will.</p><p>My customers love the way I connect historical facts about Finland and the neighboring country - Russia. Having been an authorized St. Petersburg guide as well, I always find it fascinating to bring up some historical connections. Well, well… Finland was part of Tsarist Russia for a century, so there are loads of connections here. Now, due to the current situation, people don’t travel to St. Petersburg, but many, from my experience, are interested to know about the current state of affairs out there. Through my tours, you can get a touch of it too. Just IF you want.</p><p>My other occupation is a multidisciplinary artist, which is why on my tours I love to point out architectural details and all the man-made beauty of Helsinki. As a person who is very passionate about history, art, architecture, and overall – beauty around us and a person who loves to share her knowledge and inspiration, I also love to meet other cultures and exchange our knowledge about this beautiful and diverse world. So, come to have fun with me on my tour and get a touch of the old and modern sides of the atmospheric Helsinki city!</p><p>Contact me and let&#39;s plan your visit to Helsinki together!</p>

5. Jussarö

Jussarö meadow
Source: Photo by user Migro used under CC0

The most popular aspect of Jussarö is the iconic lighthouse that sits on the island. The need for the lighthouse is an interesting one, as the island was once home to one of the largest iron ore deposits in Finland. Nearby boats cruising along the water would have navigation systems malfunction because of it, so a lighthouse was built and the iron was mined. The island was mined until the 1960s, with prisoners contributing most of the workforce to the mine. Afterward, the island was abandoned. Today, Jussarö is known as Finland’s only ghost town, with some visitors coming by to explore abandoned houses and buildings.

Jussarö

Website: Jussarö

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6. Vallisaari

Vallisaari, Helsinki, Finland 05
Source: Photo by user Ninaras used under CC BY 4.0

Located near the capital of Helsinki, Vallisaari is now an island where people come to hang out, immerse themselves in nature, and get away from the city for a while. The island is designated as a park and is open to the public, but it does have an interesting history and past. Fortifications were built here by the Russians during the war in 1808. After Finland gained independence in 1917, its army stored munitions here until 2008. By 2016, it was finally opened to the public once everything was cleared and now it is a fascinating tourist destination. The island also has a lot of natural abnormalities and is home to rare insects, bats and a host of flora native to Russia, which were brought over from their time occupying the island.

Vallisaari

Website: Vallisaari

Tip from tour guide

Vallisaari Vallisaari1
More photos of Vallisaari shared by Finland tour guide, Petra.

Tip from tour guide

Vallisaari Vallisaari Vallisaari

During your stay in Helsinki, be sure to visit the island of Vallisaari. This serene place is just outside the city center and is nestled beside the renowned Suomenlinna Fortress. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into maritime history and experience the beauty of the archipelago nature, all just a 20-minute ferry ride away from the bustling city crowds. Embark on the 'Alexander's Route,' a scenic path spanning approximately 3 km through gravel terrain. Encounter hills along the way, immersing yourself in the island's peaceful atmosphere and charming, less-touristic allure. Accessible from May to September, Vallisaari invites you to enjoy snacks and beverages that are available for purchase, or you can bring your own picnic basket. Check out the island's extensive information related to accessibility.

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7. Jurmo

Jurmos-bebyggelse-2005
Source: Photo by user Kristian Bäckströ... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in an archipelago off of the town of Turku, the island of Jurmo is one that has been around since at least the 1800s, with a church and a bird observatory located here that was built during the mid-1800s. The island itself is said to have formed during the ice age and consists mostly of rock. The island is fairly small, with a population of under 100 people. Fishing is the most common job here, so during the summer months, vacationers come here to relax by the water in their summer cottages and do a little fishing themselves.

Jurmo

Website: Jurmo

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8. Storlandet


Storlandet is the main island in the Pargas municipality. The island is pretty small, covering about 72 square kilometers (28 square miles). The population of the area is about 1,000 people, with very few residing on the island of Storlandet in the first place. Most of the people that do live here live in relative remoteness. Despite its location, the area has always been popular with fishermen, and it serves as a harbor for incoming and outgoing boats.

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9. Oravisalo

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The population of Oravisalo is about 250 people, but the history of the island goes pretty far back. This place is known as one of the largest freshwater areas in Finland and has been continuously visited by sailors. Since the area is in the eastern part of the country and is pretty remote, most of the residents only speak Finnish.

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10. Virmaila


Virmaila is not home to any permanent residents, but it is a national park and a pretty popular destination in the summer months. The island is accessible by bridge and, in the summer, by boat. The makeup of the island consists of three small ponds, and it also sits on Lake Päijänne.

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Explore Finland's islands

Finland has thousands of little islands scattered throughout its territory, some of which are more remote than others. But for nature lovers out there who are looking for their next adventure out in the wild, there are plenty of amazing and beautiful Finnish islands to discover.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Alex is a Canadian university graduate with degrees in English literature and History. He was born in Montreal and when he's not traveling he enjoys movies, video games, playing the drums and...Read more

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