Finland might be a northern European country, but it has some great, sandy beaches that are perfect for a relaxing summer vacation by the water—especially after a long, hard winter. You’ll find beaches perfect for sunbathing, playing volleyball, and surfing across the country. Summer beach vacations are as Finnish as saunas in the winter! Temperatures in southern Finland can easily reach the upper 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and there’s no better way to cool down than a refreshing dip at the beach.

Hietaniemi Beach (Hietsu) in Helsinki

Hietaniemi Beach is the most popular beach in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, located in the Töölö district. Called “Hietsu” by the locals, it features a wide stretch of sand and is lined with beach cafés. It’s a popular venue for beach volleyball and even hosts an annual tournament.

Fun fact: This isn’t a naturally occurring beach. The area was once a landfill that transformed over time into a lively beach destination.

To reach Hietaniemi Beach, take bus line 55A from Kamppi.

Suomenlinna Beaches Near Helsinki

Suomenlinna is a fortress on an island of the same name, boasting several beaches. This exceptional destination is perfect for a day spent swimming, eating, and sightseeing.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna was originally built in 1748 to protect Sweden against Russia. Today, it is a favored tourist spot where locals also enjoy picnicking, although it can become quite crowded during the summer months.

To reach the island, you can take a 15-minute ferry from Helsinki. Explore the island to discover the best place for relaxation.

Yyteri Beach in West Finland

Yyteri Beach is a stunning stretch of sandy shore located in a resort area on Finland’s west coast. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and volleyball. Additionally, there is a designated nude beach section for those seeking an all-over tan.

The beach is well-maintained, with warm, shallow waters in various places, making it ideal for families. Amenities include public toilets, dining options, and snack shacks. For those wishing to stay overnight, nearby accommodations include the popular Yyteri Hotel & Spa, rental cottages, and a beachfront camping area. Furthermore, there is an 18-hole golf course and numerous hiking trails available.

The beach is conveniently located just outside the town of Pori, accessible via a direct bus from the city center. Pori can be reached in 90 minutes east of Tampere or two hours north of Turku.

Nallikari Beach in Oulu

Nallikari Beach is a beloved summer vacation spot, featuring a variety of amenities such as snack kiosks, restaurants, water sports rentals, a hotel, and charming cottages for rent. Additionally, a picturesque pier allows you to take in the beautiful surroundings.

While most visitors flock during the summer, the beach offers winter fun as well. Once the sea freezes over, adventurous souls can walk on the ice—just be sure to confirm with locals that it’s safe. You might even spot some brave individuals ice skating on the frozen sea.

Tennisranta (Plagen) Beach in Hanko

The port town of Hanko in southern Finland receives ample sunlight during the summer, making it a sought-after resort destination featuring numerous beaches. Tennisranta, also known as Plagen, is one of the town’s most popular beaches, known for its “water carousel,” where children and adults can swing from ropes into shallow waters.

The beach offers several amenities such as a café, restrooms, volleyball courts, a playground, and beach huts for visitors.

Bellevue Beach in Hanko

Another wonderful beach in Hanko is Bellevue, which is generally less crowded compared to Tennisranta. While it has fewer amenities—just bathrooms and a few beach huts—it offers fine sand and shallow waters. Encircled by lush pine trees, Bellevue provides a secluded atmosphere, ideal for peaceful sunbathing or swimming.

Rauhaniemi Beach in Tampere

Not all of Finland’s beaches are by the sea. Rauhaniemi Beach in Tampere, located about two hours north of Helsinki, is a small yet picturesque stretch of sand on Näsijärvi Lake. While the area is better known for its public sauna, sunbathers and swimmers frequent the beach during the summer months. When the weather is pleasant, you can also find a beachside café for refreshments.