Forested islands, midnight sun, wood-burning saunas and thousands of lakes.

-Southeast Coast / Gulf of Finland-
The Gulf separates Finland from Estonia, Russia, and Peter the Great's window-on-the-west city, St.Petersburg. Finland's northern Baltic coastline includes its capital, Helsinki, and its most popular seaside resorts.

Kotka
A popular seaside village filled with music festivals and sports activities. Czar Alexander III had a fishing lodge here.

Villa KärkiSaari
Kärkisaarentie 60
48310 Kotka
T: +358 5 260 4804. US$ 100-
www.villakarkisaari.com
A charming summer house, with restaurant and sauna, located on an island just outside the city of Kotka.


Hanko
This pretty seaside town was once a favored retreat of Czars and nobles; some of their spectacular seaside villas are now b&b's.

Villa Maija
Appelgrenintie 7
10900 Hanko
T: +358 19-2482900. b&b. US$ 120-
www.villamaija.fi
Villa Maija, an ornately trimmed house with seaside views, is located just a short stroll from Hanko's harbor and restaurants..Ask for a room with a veranda.

Helsinki
This largely 19th century, neoclassical city of half a million people lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. West of the city's center is the Design District, featuring art galleries, clubs and boutiques.