In Finland, sailing is a well-liked hobby for both natives and visitors. There are many places to sail to, including thousands of islands and islets, breathtaking natural scenery, and lovely coastal towns and villages. Sailing in Finland is a terrific opportunity to tour the nation and get a taste of its distinct coastal culture, whether you are an expert sailor or a novice. The abundance of fresh fish accessible is one of the pleasures of sailing destinations in Finland.
A foodie’s paradise, Finnish coastal cuisine features everything from foraged berries and mushrooms to seafood caught in the Baltic Sea. Several harbors provide fresh seafood for sale directly from the fisherman, and sailing boats are the ideal way to get to some of the top seafood restaurants in the nation.
Finland offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities and locations if you’re thinking about taking your family sailing. There is always something for the kids to enjoy because there are so many marinas and ports that offer activities like fishing, kayaking, and discovering the local animals.
The Land Islands, where kids may see seals and other wildlife, and Lake Saimaa, where there are many chances for swimming and beach play, are two favorite family holiday spots.
Top 10 Destinations to Sail in Finland
Finland is the ideal holiday spot for sailors because of its vast number of islands, lakes, and rocky coastline. Every style of a sailor may find something to enjoy in Finland’s numerous archipelagos and lakes, whether they are looking for scenic scenery, historical sites, or cultural activities. Below is a list of some of the top sailing destinations in Finland.
Helsinki Archipelago: A Scenic Journey
The Helsinki Archipelago is one of the world’s largest and is made up of hundreds of islands and islets. It is situated in the southernmost region of Finland. The archipelago is well-known for its beautiful scenery and calm waters, making it the ideal location for sailors who want to take in the splendor of the Finnish coastline. The archipelago is also home to quaint coastal settlements like Turku, Porvoo, and Hanko where sailors can stop for a meal or to learn about the local way of life.
Turku Archipelago: An Island Paradise for Adventurers
The Turku Archipelago is a collection of more than 20,000 islands and islets in southwest Finland, close to the city of Turku. A combination of breathtaking natural scenery, historical sites, and cultural attractions can be found across the archipelago. In addition to kayaking, fishing, and island hopping, sailors can explore the archipelago’s distinctive natural splendor
Åland Islands: Discovering by Sailboat
The Land Islands are an autonomous territory of Finland with a distinct culture and language. They are situated in the Baltic Sea between Finland and Sweden. The archipelago, which consists of about 6,700 islands and islets, provides a variety of rocky coastlines, charming communities, and ancient attractions for visiting by sailboat. The islands can be explored on foot or by bicycle by sailors who also want to experience the local culture and eat the local food.
To discover more about various sailboats, yachts, and catamaran types you can check out this Sailboat Data page. You may discover comprehensive details on different sailboat models and their performance here, making it easy for you how to pick the best boat for your requirements.
Lake Saimaa: The Hidden Gem of Eastern Finland
The largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest lake in Europe is Lake Saimaa, which is situated in eastern Finland. Stunning natural scenery, quaint towns and villages, and cultural attractions are all present near the lake. While experiencing the unique beauty of the lake, sailors can go sailing, fishing, kayaking, and visiting the Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna.
Gulf of Finland: A Coastal Haven for History Buffs
The Gulf of Finland, which is situated between Finland and Estonia, offers a variety of stunning coastal scenery, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions. The towns of Helsinki and Tallinn, as well as the islands of Suomenlinna and Naissaar, are all highly-liked holiday spots. Sailors may take in the region’s distinctive beauty and local culture.
Archipelago Sea: Island Hopping in the Turku Archipelago
The Archipelago Sea is a collection of more than 40,000 islands and islets in southwest Finland, close to Turku. Beautiful natural scenery, quaint coastal towns and villages, and cultural attractions are all present in the archipelago. In addition to kayaking, fishing, and island hopping, sailors can explore the archipelago’s distinctive natural splendor.
Hanko: The Seaside Retreat You Need to Visit
Situated on Finland’s southern shore is the beautiful village of Hanko. This charming village, 130 kilometers west of Helsinki, provides a variety of sand beaches, historical landmarks, and breathtaking scenery. See the Hanko Peninsula Natural Reserve by sailboat to see the various animals and plants that call it home. Go out to sea and try your hand at catching some of the local species if fishing is more your style. Hanko is a place that every sailor should visit because there is so much to see and do there.
Lake Päijänne: Central Finland’s Best-Kept Secret
The next stop is Lake Päijänne, which is situated in the middle of Finland, halfway between Lahti and Jyväskylä. The second-largest lake in Finland, this magnificent body of water offers an amazing landscape, including craggy cliffs, woodlands, and waters that are crystal clear. For anybody who enjoys the great outdoors, a trip to the Päijänne National Park is a must. It is one of the ideal sailing destinations in Finland especially if you’re looking for hiking, sailing, and fishing. Lake Päijänne gives it everything, whether you’re seeking for a tranquil getaway or an exhilarating adventure.
Kimitoön: Turku Archipelago’s Hidden Gems
Visit Kimitoön in southwest Finland, close to the Turku Archipelago, if you’re seeking for something unique. This stunning area is made up of a number of islands and islets, including the well-known Bengtskär lighthouse. See the archipelago’s breathtaking natural scenery, historical sites, and cultural attractions by taking a sailing tour. Kimitoön is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed, whether you’re looking to learn about local history or you just want to relax in the sun.
Lake Inari: An Arctic Adventure by Sailboat
Finally, Lake Inari in northern Finland, close to the borders with Norway and Russia, is the place to go if you want a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience. This lake, Finland’s third largest, offers a variety of breathtaking natural beauty, including untamed wildness, crystal-clear waters, and the Northern Lights. Visit the Siida Sami Museum and Nature Centre to learn about the regional culture and history, or go sailing to explore the lake and take in the breathtaking vistas. Lake Inari is a wonderfully unforgettable location for any sailor with so much to see and do there while on a Sailboat.
Best Time to Sail in Finland
Finland’s summer months, when the weather is nice and the days are long, are the ideal times to go sailing. There are numerous marinas and harbors across the nation where you may rent sailboats, and you can also sign up for organized sailing cruises and tours. In Finland, sailors frequently choose catamarans because they offer a sturdy and roomy platform for exploring the archipelagos.
Overall, sailing destinations in Finland are a memorable experience. There is something for everyone with mouthwatering seafood, kid-friendly activities, and a variety of sailboats and catamarans to pick from. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time adventurer, Finland’s coastal waters are ready to be explored. Visit our sailing destinations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your own sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail!