Figure 1.--Here a Finnish family is enjoying an outing on the islsnd beach at Mustikkamaa near Helsinki on July 27, 1931. Mustikkamaa (Blueberry Land) is an island in the Gulf of Finland some 5 kilometres east of the city. In Finland, as in other northern European countries, it was common for people, especially children, to swim and play on the beach without clothing.

There are several sandy beaches in southern Finland. Some are also spas, but we are not sure that they have natural warm water mineral springs. Finland is better known for sauna culture. One of the best known beach resorts is located along the western coast--Oulu. It is a mixed spa and beach resort. Hietaniemi Beach (Hietsu) in located in Helsinki. This is the most popular beach in the Finnish capital because it can be visited on a day trip on a city bus without having to stay in a hotel. The local call it "Hietsu". There is plenty of sand and beach amenities. Mustikkamaa (Blueberry Land) is an island in the Gulf of Finland some 5 kilometres east of the city. It had beaves popular with the urban population (figure 1). The Suomenlinna Beaches are located near Helsinki. Suomenlinna is a fortress on the island similarly named. There are several Finnish beach areas. Outings can include a day bathing, eating, and local sightseeing. Yyteri Beach is located along the western coast. It may be one of the most beautiful beaches in Finland. The beach is located near Pori. Popular activities include sand, sun, surfing, golfing and volleyball. Part of the beach is reserved for nude bathing. Older Finns will remember Terijoki, now Zelenogorsk in Russia. It was located in south-eastern Finland on the Karelian Isthmus facing the Gulf of Finland. Just across the Rajajoki river to the east was the former Soviet Union. Terijoki was known for its wonderful long sandy beaches and its beautifully carved wooden villas. As a result of its favorable climate, numerous spas were opened there. During the summer seasons thousands of Finnish tourists flocked to Terijoki. The Soviets invaded Finland and seized the Karelian Isthmus. The Finns managed to evacuate most of the population. The Finns regained control of the area when they joined n the German invasion of the Soviet Union (1941). The Soviets retook the area (1944).

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Created: 5:49 PM 9/7/2023
Last updated: 5:49 PM 9/7/2023