Explore seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites
While Finland is renowned for its breath-taking natural landscapes and quirky cultural traditions, it also holds a special place for history enthusiasts and adventurous time travelers! Uniting past and present, Finland is home to a total of seven remarkable and unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join us on a journey through the country’s timeless treasures:
1. Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world and a testament to Finland’s strategic military past. Built over three centuries, it defended not only one or two, but three different nations: Sweden, Russia, and Finland. A short and picturesque ferry ride from Helsinki city center, the fortress is the perfect place for historical insights, stunning nature views, and cozy dining experiences.
2. Old Rauma
Imagine yourself on a warm summer day, strolling down charming cobblestoned streets and a neighborhood full of vibrant wooden houses. A fairy tale – or actually Old Rauma? Located in Finland’s Archipelago region, Old Rauma is the largest wooden town from the Middle Ages in the Nordics. With its medieval features, the district merges historical heritage with modern town life and invites you to immerse yourself in its colorful history.
3. Bronze Age Burial Site Sammallahdenmäki
Just a stone’s throw from Old Rauma, this hidden gem transports you back to the Scandinavian Bronze Age. Explore the site’s 36 granite burial cairns and unravel the ancient burial practices and religious traditions that span over three millennia. As you explore, let the site’s peaceful atmosphere help you unwind.
4. Kvarken Archipelago
Have you ever heard of a moving World Heritage Site? Prepare to be amazed by the Kvarken Archipelago, where nature is constantly in motion. Start your adventure in Vaasa, and witness rocks emerging from the sea and sandbanks gently shifting, creating an extraordinary landscape you won’t forget.
5. Petäjävesi Old Church
Embark on a journey through four centuries of Finnish architecture and culture as you visit Petäjävesi Church. The church is a master-example of traditional 18th-century Northern European log architecture. Get a fascinating glimpse into Finnish rural life – from the cradle to the grave.
6. Struve Geodetic Arc: Oravivuori Arc Point
Amidst lakes and breath-taking woods, Oravivuori Arc Point in Finnish Lakeland awaits your discovery. The site is part of the Struve Geodetic Arc – a 2820-km-long gigantic measuring tape set up in the 19th century to calculate the earth’s size and shape. Take in the panoramic views of Lake Päijänne from atop Oravivuori Hill as history and the beauty of nature intertwine.
7. Verla
You haven’t gotten enough of 19th-century sights yet? Then check out the Groundwood and Board Mill in Verla. Immerse yourself in the early history of the Finnish forest industry and the everyday life in the charming industrial village along the Verla rapids. Get hands-on in workshops, take part in a history walk, or relax on the 2km forest trail.
