Figure 1.--This is a postcard of Terijoki beach, on the Finland Gulf. The photo was probably taken in late-1920s or early-30s. At the time Terijoki was still part of Finland. The Soviets as partbof a setries of aggressiins invaded and seized large areas of southrrn Finland during the World War II Winter War.

Finland and the Scandinavian countries do not immediately come up when one thinks of beach resorts. And Finnish beaches weill not make the list iof the world's top beaches. There are sandy beaches, but not much warm weather, not to mention warm water. But Finland does have a summer and Finns do their best to enjoy the relatively short summer weather when it comes. And they come out to their sandy Baltic Sea beaches during the all-to-short summer. Now the Finnish beaches did not attract foreign visitors, but the Finns enjoyed them. Even during the summer, the water at best can be described as 'bracing'. This has changed somewhat in recent years. Finns have become wealthy and can afford beach vacations in sunny locations in tropical or semi=tropical areas. Thy continue to enjoy domestic beaches, but just not with fervor they once demonstrated. There are beach resorts in the southern and western regions of the country. During the summer, families might enjoy a beach outing. There are several popular beach resorts. Until after World War II and the advent of inexpensive air travel, few Finns could enjoy Mediterranean or other beach vacations. Thus the Finnish Baltic Sea beaches had to do. One of the best known beach resorts is located along the western coast--Oulu. It is a mixed spa and beach resort. Temperatures here can sometimes reach the 80°Fs which is warm for Finland. There are several sandy beaches in Finland. 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. 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).

Geography

Finland and the Scandinavia countries do not intermediately come up when one thinks of beach resorts. And Finnish beaches weill not make the list iof the world's top beaches. There are sandy beaches, but not much warm weather, not to mention warm water. But Finland does have a summer and Finns do their best to enjoy the relativity short summer weather when it comes. And they come out to their sandy Baltic Sea beaches during the all-to-short summer. There are beach resorts in the southern and western regions of the country. The popular beaches are obviously all located in the south of the country. Now the Finnish beaches did not attract foreign visitors, but the Finns enjoyed them. Until after World War II and the advent of inexpensive air travel, few Finns could enjoy Mediterranean or other beach vacations. Thus the Finnish Baltic Sea beaches had to do.

Summer

Even during the summer, the water at best can be described as 'bracing'. This has changed somewhat in recent years. Finns have become wealthy and can afford beach vacations in sunny tropical or semi-tropical areas. They continue to enjoy domestic beaches, but just not with fervor they once demonstrated. During the summer, families might enjoy domestic beach outings. There are several popular beach resorts. Temperatures in southern Finland can sometimes reach the 80°sF which is warm for Finland.

Individual Beaches

There are several sandy beaches in southern Finland. 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. 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: 11:33 PM 8/16/2009
Last updated: 2:46 PM 9/7/2023