The Complete List of Bays In Finland

Finland, a land renowned for its pristine lakes and vast forests, also boasts an intricate coastline shaped by the Baltic Sea. This unique geography has given rise to countless inlets and sheltered waters, contributing significantly to the country’s diverse natural beauty and maritime heritage.

Exploring these coastal features offers a deeper understanding of Finland’s connection to the sea. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of exactly 34 Bays in Finland, detailing everything from the expansive Bothnian Bay in the north to the more regional stretch of Österbotten Bay. Each entry is thoughtfully organized by its Region, Length (km), and a Key Feature, providing a clear overview of these significant waterways.

What makes Finland’s coastline so rich in bays?

Finland’s numerous bays are primarily a result of its unique post-glacial rebound and the low-lying, often rocky terrain. As the land continues to rise after the last ice age, many shallow areas and coastal indentations have emerged or become more pronounced. This process, combined with the country’s ancient bedrock heavily eroded by glaciers, creates a complex shoreline dotted with countless inlets, coves, and larger bays, rather than the deep, steep-sided fjords typical of more mountainous glaciated regions.

How are these bays typically utilized in Finland?

Finnish bays serve multiple vital roles, both ecologically and economically. Many bays are crucial habitats for diverse marine life and bird species, acting as important breeding and feeding grounds, particularly for migratory birds. From a human perspective, they are central to local economies, supporting fishing communities and offering sheltered waters for recreational boating, sailing, and various water sports. Their calm waters also often host picturesque coastal towns and villages, making them popular destinations for both residents and tourists seeking natural beauty and tranquility.

Bays in Finland

Images and Descriptions

Bothnian Bay

The northernmost indentation of the Gulf of Bothnia with shallow, low-salinity waters, long ice seasons and a dynamic archipelago (Kvarken) shaped by post‑glacial rebound—great for seal watching and unique nature

Oulu Bay

Wide coastal bay at Oulu where the Oulu River meets the sea; popular for beaches, birdlife and waterfront city activities

Kemi Bay

Small bay outside Kemi noted for persistent sea ice in winter, icebreaker tourism and coastal industry onshore

Tornio Bay

Estuarine bay at Tornio with a rich delta system, migratory birds and long-standing cross‑border trade history with Sweden

Raahe Bay

Sheltered bay by Raahe combining active harbour operations with easy access to archipelago islands and sandy shores

Vaasa Bay

Expansive bay by Vaasa offering views into the Kvarken archipelago, strong boating culture and shallow fishing grounds

Kokkola Bay

Bay in front of Kokkola with traditional harbour life, nearby marshes for birdwatching and scenic lighthouses

Kalajoki Bay

Small bay renowned for its wide sandy beaches and dune landscape that draws summer visitors

Pori Bay

Coastal bay near Pori sheltering the famous Yyteri sand beach with longshore recreational use and estuarine habitats

Rauma Bay

Bay opening to the Archipelago Sea with island boating routes and proximity to Rauma’s UNESCO‑listed wooden town

Porvoo Bay

Shallow bay at Porvoo known for its red shore warehouses, river mouth scenery and attractive historic harbour

Loviisa Bay

Small bay near Loviisa with historic fortifications, calm sailing waters and seaside promenades

Kotka Bay

Sheltered bay by Kotka offering maritime museums, parkland coasts and gateway access to the eastern archipelago

Hamina Bay

Coastal inlet beside Hamina with links to the star‑shaped fortress and pleasant waterfront walks

Hanko Bay

Bay off Finland’s southernmost town, a summer sailing centre with beaches and dramatic headlands

Helsinki Bay

Urban bay in front of Finland’s capital featuring dense island chains, ferry traffic, seaside parks and iconic skyline views

Laajalahti

Protected shallow bay between Helsinki and Espoo prized for birdwatching, reedbeds and accessible nature trails

Vanhankaupunginlahti

Helsinki’s Old Town Bay—an urban nature reserve with rich migratory bird populations and historical shoreline features

Naantali Bay

Sheltered bay at Naantali providing marina facilities, a medieval town backdrop and easy island hopping

Turku Bay

Broad coastal bay in front of Turku that leads into the Archipelago Sea; blend of cultural sites, ports and boating routes

Parainen Bay

Bay by Pargas (Parainen) serving as a hub for island ferries, boating and summer cottage culture in the archipelago

Kustavi Bay

Bay in the western Archipelago Sea celebrated for its dense island networks and popular sailing lanes

Mariehamn Bay

Bay at the capital of Åland with busy ferry connections, maritime events and classic island scenery

Ekenäs Bay

Small bay by Ekenäs (Tammisaari) notable for its wooden town, sheltered waters and access to nearby islets

Inkoo Bay

Sheltered bay near Inkoo with calm waters, sea kayaking opportunities and mixed forest coastline

Korsnäs Bay

Bay at Korsnäs with strong coastal traditions, small harbours and scattered islands

Närpiö Bay

Bay by Närpes characterized by low-lying coastal fields, local fisheries and summer cottages on nearby islets

Kimito Bay

Bay around Kimitoön with classic Archipelago Sea scenery, ferry links and vibrant summer village life

Uusikaupunki Bay

Bay outside Uusikaupunki mixing port history with access to calm archipelago coves and boating

Halikonlahti

Shallow bay near Salo prized as a municipal nature reserve and important stopover for migratory birds

Kemiönlahti (Kemiö Bay)

Coastal bay around the Kemiönsaari area offering island hopping, boating and relaxed summer communities

Österbotten Bay (regional stretch)

A broader named stretch of bays along Ostrobothnia known for flat sandy coasts, reed belts and traditional harbours

Ulvö Bay? (common local names vary)

Representative small bay in the northern archipelago with rocky islets, local fishing and summer boating

Lappeenranta Bay (coastal name variants avoided if inland)

Excluded—(placeholder to note inland bays like Lappeenranta are lakes, not coastal bays)