Lakes, Rivers, Sea: Natural Beauty of Southern Finland I bettercities.net.de

Moss lies like a velvet carpet over the eroded rocks of the small island of Varissaari. The crooked growth of the low trees and shrubs hints at the harsh weather conditions during the cold season. Water and wind have left their marks on the island off the Finnish coast. The air smells of pine and herbs.

Four-year-old Ellen happily hops along the narrow paths, quietly singing while picking a few colorful flowers. When her father Niko Löyttynen takes his guests on a tour of the enchanting island before dinner, he often brings his daughter along. She already knows the best viewpoints and traces of history. For example, Fort Elisabeth was built on the island in 1792 to protect Ruotsinsalmi Bay from intruders.

When Niina Utter and her partner Niko Löyttynen discovered Varissaari Island near Kotka, just before the Russian border, while looking for a new life goal five years ago, the decision was made quickly. They wanted to open a restaurant. Today, their Vaakku is a renowned destination. Where birds once rested, locals and tourists now relax.

'We restored the remnants of the fortress, created a beach, and built a sauna. We haven't regretted our decision so far. On the mainland, we now operate two more restaurants, and we're also planning a small, fine hotel. One of my dreams is a speedboat,' says the Finn, who obtained a boating license specifically to transport guests between the mainland and the island.

Löyttynen enjoys guiding visitors around the island, sharing its history, showing parts of the 18th-century Fort Elisabeth and the remaining cannons. Inside the elongated fort were once a barracks, a guardhouse, and a quarry. From the fortress, almost the entire surrounding sea area could be controlled. It was abandoned in the early 19th century. During the Crimean War, its buildings and walls were destroyed. A restaurant was established within the walls for the first time in the 1960s. Today, Vaakku is located there.

'We love this land with its incredibly beautiful nature, the sea, lakes, rivers, and nature reserves. Guests often rave about their experiences and discoveries in this region,' says Niko Löyttynen. 'Unique natural experiences are also the true luxury for us.'

Just about 90 minutes outside Helsinki, this luxury can be enjoyed in many ways. Between Porvoo, Finland's second oldest city with its charming red wooden houses, and the former Verla lumber and cardboard factory, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, numerous destinations and activities in the picturesque nature await.

The red brick and ornate woodwork of the Verla factory make it seem as if time has stood still. Founded in the early 1870s, the idyllic factory settlement is a historic witness to Finland's paper industry from the era when the Kymi River Valley developed into a leading hub of the timber processing industry.

At the beginning of the tour, visitors watch a short film shot a week before the factory's closure in 1964. The video shows the daily work routines. Women, men, and children busily work among the loud and large machines.

During the subsequent walk-through, it's easy to imagine the noise of that time. The building and its equipment have been preserved in their original state. It seems as though the employees are merely taking a break.

The region also hosts the 17 square kilometer Valkmusa National Park with its more than 30 types of bogs. Thanks to a roughly 2.5-kilometer boardwalk, visitors can experience the diversity of vegetation with dry feet. In addition to cloudberries and blueberries, the tiny sundew also grows here.

Valkmusa is considered a significant resting place for Finland's migratory birds. Cranes and ospreys are almost always spotted. 'With a bit of luck, early risers can even see moose passing by,' says wilderness guide Kirsa Kallio as she prepares a picnic with berries and bread with smoked cheese on yarrow butter.

Even in 1880, Alexander III was so fascinated by the Kymijoki River delta's rapids at first sight that he had the Imperial Fishing House Langinkoski built there. 'After the summer residence was completed in 1889, it became the favorite getaway of the imperial family,' reports Niko Löyttynen.

There, the Tsar - far from his palace in St. Petersburg - could truly relax and be an ordinary person. While fishing or chopping wood, his wife would stand in the kitchen preparing the meals.

Not only during the Tsar's time but especially today, the Kymijoki is considered the most important river in southern Finland for many fish species and water sports enthusiasts. Canoeists glide on the gently flowing water through the varied landscape with forests, fields, reeds, and water lilies. Occasionally, majestic rocks emerge in the riverbed. From time to time, the flow briefly picks up, creating a bit more excitement.

Excitement arises only when the splashing of water announces rapids and stones appear just below the water surface. As quickly as the obstacles appear, calmness returns, and the river forms a smooth surface where the clouds in the sky reflect. And once again, the southern Finnish nature can be enjoyed to the fullest.

Travel: There are direct flights to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, several times a day from various German cities. From there, it is recommended to continue your journey with a rental car.

Accommodation: There is a wide selection of accommodation options. Near Kotka, you have the option to spend the night in a tree tent (starting at 80 Euros).

The trip was supported by Visit Finland. The choice and focus of the content are solely determined by the editorial staff.