ISLAND HOPPING · FINLAND ISLAND HOPPING
Good finland island hopping tours sell out weeks ahead and the best of them go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each one includes and where they differ.
From Market Square, Royal Line’s 2.5-hour cruise takes you past Suomenlinna, seaside neighborhoods, coves, cottages, and Helsinki’s outer islands. You get Wi-Fi, restrooms, outdoor sundeck seats, and a cafeteria or bar. Food is extra, and the buffet requires an advance table reservation.
“It was a great boattrip and As we missed the booked tour because of trafic, Fari helped us out in his lovely way. Thanks a lot for that”
Set out from Helsinki’s Market Square for a 90-minute Royal Line cruise through the city’s island-dotted harbor from May to September, or a 60-minute off-season trip. Use the outdoor sundeck, onboard café, and commentary in up to 28 languages to see Suomenlinna, Eira, Katajanokka, Kruununhaka, Korkeasaari, and the icebreakers from the water.
“An excellent view of some of the outlying islands in the Helsinki Archipelago. Even if you've done a full city tour AND have visited Suomenlinna there's still a lot of fascinating new information on this tour.”
Spend 90 minutes aboard a Stromma sightseeing boat, following Helsinki’s urban shore and island-dotted waters from Market Square. You’ll pass Kaivopuisto, Suomenlinna, Korkeasaari Zoo, Katajanokka, and newer districts such as Kruunuvuorenranta. Recorded commentary comes in four languages, with written information in 12. Buy coffee, ice cream, or Finnish pulla on board.
Meet at Kiasma for a 50-minute ride to Porkkalanniemi. Walk forest trails and coastal rocks, look for birds, deer, berries, and plants, then enjoy a Finnish lunch with a drink and dessert by the Baltic Sea. Groups are capped at eight, with guides such as Alex, Jeff, Maria, and Max.
“Really enjoyed the tour guide--Jeff--and the delicious lunch he prepared. A very nice, easy hike with great info about local flora and fauna.”
Travel from central Helsinki to Porkkalaniemi with an English-speaking guide such as Jeff, Alex, Didi, or Helena. Walk 2.5 to 3 kilometers through forest and over exposed rock, enjoy free time by the Baltic Sea, and eat a Finnish-style lunch with dessert and blueberry juice. The pace is easy, but the rocky shore is not suitable for wheelchairs.
“Brilliant half day out with excellent and very knowledgeable guide. The walk is so relaxing and I loved just sitting by the sea. Lunch was delicious and beautifully presented. Small group made it more personal experience. I would highly recommend as a way to explore Finnish nature during a trip to Helsinki”
Board Royal Line near Helsinki’s Market Square for a scenic cruise past Suomenlinna, King’s Gate, Eira, island cottages, old fortifications, and the icebreaker fleet. The cruise lasts about 60 minutes off-season and 90 minutes from May through September. Audio is available in 28 languages, with English and Finnish through the speakers.
“Very nice tour of Archipelago. I enjoyed it so much and learned a lot about the history and culture of Finland. ♥️🇫🇮”
Leave Senate Square with guides Kenneth, Anders, or Henrik, suit up in warm gear, and ride 20 to 30 kilometers through Helsinki’s snowy archipelago. Two people share each snowmobile unless you upgrade to ride alone. Stop for hot drinks, campfire lunch, ice fishing, and kick sledding before returning to the city.
“Snowmobiling through the archipelago is an experience not to be missed. The landscapes are absolutely beautiful! Kenneth and Anders are very professional and passionate. Lunch around the fireplace was pure joy. A must do. Thank you so much Kenneth and Anders, it was amazing.”
Leave Helsinki by rigid inflatable boat with guide Olli, race through the archipelago, and spend about two hours on a small island. Your visit includes a Finnish sauna, optional cold-water swim, island walk, snacks, and picnic lunch. Waterproof gear is supplied, but bring a swimsuit and towel.
“Best tour!! We did 4 different tours while we were in Helsinki, all were great, but this was our favorite!!! The boat was so fun and the island/sauna experience was great!! Such a fun day spent with our two boys!!”
Travel from central Helsinki to Porkkalanniemi for a guided three-hour hike through Nordic forest and coastal paths. With a guide such as Szabi, Sami, or Nikolai, you may see sea coves, berry plants, boulders, and even a fire tower. Finnish campfire food and homemade berry juice are included.
“Great experience! Lovely hike, snacks and time spent outside the city. Highly recommend, don't hesitate to book. We had a nice hike, beautiful views, learned about Finish culture, identify berries and plants as well as had some Finish snacks and berry juice.”
Join an English-speaking nature guide, often Nikolai or Szabi, for a small-group trip from Helsinki to Porkkalanniemi. Walk 6 km through forest, coves, cliffs, and coastal viewpoints, then enjoy Finnish campfire snacks and homemade berry juice beside the sea. The pace is easy, but roots and rocks require steady footing.
“Great trip out of city. Fabulous scenery. Guide was very knowledgable. Leisurely walk through forest with regular stops for interesting information. Beautiful coastline. Had time on own and a lovely traditional Finnish lunch.”
Meet Aavameri at Satava Kayak and SUP in Turku at 5:00 pm for a guided 3.5-hour sea-kayaking trip through the archipelago. You’ll learn basic kayaking skills, use provided equipment, and follow a weather-dependent route suited to the group. The pace and length can be adjusted, with a maximum of seven participants.
“Disfrutar de las vistas a las islas desde el kayak fue muy especial. El archipiélago de Turku cuanta con paisajes hermosos, que lucen mucho en esta época del año, con el sol de medianoche y unos cielos espectaculares. A pesar de la gran cantRead more”
Meet Olli, Olle, Marko, or another Redrib guide at Café Marina Bay for a fast, scenic ride through Helsinki’s eastern islands. Stop for a guided island walk, outdoor snack lunch, and optional public sauna or sea swim. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sturdy shoes.
“Everything about this activity was wonderful. From the guide to the equipment, boat, lunch and sauna on an uninhabited island, we felt safe, comfortable and cared for way, way above expectations. Ollie (excuse spelling) is a superior guide and even extended our trip so we could enjoy the day to the max!”
Leave central Helsinki with hosts Tristan and Henrik for a family-owned island in the Porkkala Archipelago. You’ll enjoy snacks, cottage life, Finnish food, and a package of games, quiet time, or adventure. The private 10-hour outing includes transport from Kiasma and returns to central Helsinki.
“My wife and I had a great time competing in the cottage games, having some wonderful Finnish food and drink with two great hosts. The highlight was enjoying the sauna and jumping into the Gulf of Finland afterwards. If you want to experience the tranquil life of Finland this is a must do.”
Join skipper Matti for a private 3 to 4-hour boat trip from Tammisaari through the Gulf of Finland archipelago. You’ll cruise rocky islands, watch for seals, birds, and white-tailed eagles, hear about local nature and history, and stop on an island for a quiet walk and snacks at your own cost.
“Matti is an excellent guide. We had a great time. The archipelago is a beautiful place for everyone that enjoys nature.”
Spend 105 minutes aboard Royal Line’s m/s Royal Cat, sailing from Nokkala Harbour through Espoo’s archipelago. Sit on the open-air sundeck, watch islands such as Pentala and Iso-Vasikkasaari pass by, and buy drinks or light snacks from the café-bar. This relaxed cruise is best for scenic summer views rather than guided sightseeing.
Pick a coast, then pick a hull.
