Car Rental Helsinki - Exploring Helsinki

The countryside around Helsinki is so picturesque that it would be a shame to leave without exploring the southern coast of Finland, with its medieval churches, stately manor houses, quaint villages and sleepy harbour towns.

Heading west from Helsinki takes you into the most historic region of Finland, which is scattered with ancient stone churches and castles. The spa town of Hanko, which flourished in the late 19th century as a popular haunt for Russian royalty, is a good example. Some of the seaside villas built by these distinguished guests have now been converted into guest-houses, making them ideal places to stay.

Near Hanko are some sandy beaches that are great for swimming but often deserted. Another seaside town worth visiting is Ekenas. Alternatively, there are the ruins of a 14th century castle at nearby Raseborg.

In the other direction, 50kms east of Helsinki, is the historic town of Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland, with cobbled alleys and brightly coloured wooden houses. Two places worth visiting are the Doll and Toy Museum and the house of national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg. There is an attractive marina at Loviisa and the summer house of composer Jean Sibelius, now turned into a museum, at Sibeliuksenkatu 10.

Even farther east is Kotka, the country’s most important port. From here it’s possible to join a cruise of the archipelago to visit the Imperial Fishing Lodge at the Langinkoski Rapids. The lodge was built for Tsar Alexander III, who was a frequent visitor here.