UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland

Finland UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The UNESCO Sites in Finland have resulted from the recognition of 7 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland and 2 locations on the Finland UNESCO tentative list. These tourist sites in Finland are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historical significance and are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

In addition to these 7 sites in the Finland UNESCO list, there are many other places to travel to Finland that are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.

To help visitors discover these remarkable Finland tourist attractions, we have put together an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in Finland.

Finland UNESCO Map

Click markers to show information and photo.

World Heritage Sites in Finland Placeholder
World Heritage Sites in Finland

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland

There are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.

  • Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki
  • Fortress of Suomenlinna
  • Old Rauma
  • Petäjävesi Old Church
  • Struve Geodetic Arc
  • Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
  • High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.

Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki

The Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Finland. Nestled amidst a serene landscape, this ancient burial site is shrouded in mystery and history. The site features over 30 granite burial cairns that were constructed during the Bronze Age, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship and cultural significance of the era. The intricately designed cairns, with their unique stone formations and carvings, provide a glimpse into the beliefs and rituals of the ancient people who once inhabited the region. The site’s preservation and natural surroundings make it a captivating destination for those seeking to connect with Finland’s rich archaeological heritage.

Fortress of Suomenlinna

The Fortress of Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Helsinki, Finland. This historic sea fortress is situated on a group of islands and has played a significant role in the region’s defense throughout its history. Initially built in the mid-18th century, the fortress showcases a remarkable combination of military architecture and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the well-preserved fortifications, bastions, tunnels, and cannon emplacements while enjoying the picturesque surroundings and stunning views of the Baltic Sea. The Fortress of Suomenlinna is a testament to Finland’s maritime heritage and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Old Rauma

Old Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Finland. It is a well-preserved medieval town known for its charming wooden architecture and cobblestone streets. The narrow lanes are lined with colorful houses and historic buildings that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Old Town Hall, the Church of the Holy Cross, and numerous artisan workshops and boutiques. The unique atmosphere of Old Rauma takes you back in time, offering a glimpse into the past and the opportunity to immerse yourself in its historic charm.

Petäjävesi Old Church

Petäjävesi Old Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Petäjävesi, Finland. This wooden church, built in the 18th century, is a remarkable example of Scandinavian Lutheran church architecture. The church stands on a picturesque lakeshore and is known for its unique cross-shaped design, featuring a tall bell tower in the center. The church’s interior is adorned with beautiful wooden details and impressive frescoes. Petäjävesi Old Church serves as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, attracting visitors from around the world.

Struve Geodetic Arc

The Struve Geodetic Arc in Finland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with great historical and scientific significance. It is a chain of survey triangulations stretching over 2,820 kilometers, from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea. The arc was established in the 19th century by the astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve and served as a reference for measuring the Earth’s size and shape. The arc comprises 34 survey points, including astronomical observatories, that were meticulously aligned with exceptional precision. The Struve Geodetic Arc is a testament to the pioneering work in geodesy and its impact on our understanding of the planet’s geophysical properties.

Verla Groundwood and Board Mill

Verla Groundwood and Board Mill are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Finland. It is a well-preserved example of a 19th-century industrial facility that significantly produced groundwood and board. The mill showcases the historical process of producing wooden pulp using water-powered machinery, a pioneering technique at that time. Visitors can explore the original buildings, including the mill owner’s house, workers’ quarters, and the machinery hall. The site provides valuable insights into the history of paper production and the industrial development of Finland.

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago

The High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on Sweden’s eastern coast and Finland’s western coast. This unique site is renowned for its extraordinary geological features, showcasing the ongoing uplift of land due to the retreat of the ice sheets from the last ice age. The landscape has towering cliffs, rocky islands, and a distinctive archipelago environment. The High Coast and Kvarken Archipelago provide an exceptional opportunity to witness the dynamic forces of nature and the remarkable interplay between land and sea, making it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike.

Finland UNESCO tentative list

  1. The Architectural Works of Alvar Aalto – a Human Dimension to the Modern Movement
  2. The Ringed Seal Archipelagos of Lake Saimaa

Tours in Finland

Our choices of tours in Finland are divided into thematic features such as Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and the Finnish Lakeland Experience.