Southwest Finland is a builder of connections
Southwest Finland connects Finland to the west and builds vitality for all of Finland. The region brings together people, ideas, industries, and cultures both nationally and internationally, and promotes a strong connection linking the Nordic capitals.
Municipalities of Southwest Finland
Southwest Finland consists of 27 municipalities that together build the region’s future. The municipalities are members of the Regional Council of Southwest Finland and fund its operations through membership fees based on population. The Council serves as a joint development organization for the municipalities, promoting the region’s vitality, well-being, and sustainable growth.
The municipalities of Southwest Finland reflect the region’s diversity. Cities such as Turku, Salo, Kaarina, and Naantali are vibrant centers where strong business, education, and services converge. At the same time, smaller municipalities offer safe everyday life, community spirit, and closeness to nature.
Cooperation between municipalities is the foundation of regional development. The Regional Council of Southwest Finland brings together the perspectives and strengths of different areas and represents the municipalities in regional, national, and international decision-making. The aim of this cooperation is to strengthen the vitality of Southwest Finland as a whole, ensuring that the distinctive characteristics and needs of different areas are taken into account.
Explore the region’s municipalities:
Aura Kaarina Kemiönsaari Koski Tl Kustavi Laitila Lieto Loimaa Marttila Masku Mynämäki Naantali Nousiainen Oripää Paimio Parainen Pyhäranta Pöytyä Raisio Rusko Salo Sauvo Somero Taivassalo Turku Uusikaupunki Vehmaa
First here and going forward
Southwest Finland has been accustomed to opening doors first. Finland’s story began here, and the foundation of civilization has been built for centuries. We are proud of our region and of the fact that much has originated here that has set all of Finland in motion. The episcopal see was established here, and this is where the first elementary school (1249), court of appeal (1623), Academy of Turku (1640), and provincial hospital (1757) were founded. Connections have also been a natural part of everyday life here for a long time: regular passenger service to Sweden began in 1836 and submarine cable connection in 1869, and the first radios and color televisions were also made here. Long historical routes, such as the Oxen Road of Tavastia, the King’s Road, and the Great Post Road, connected people, ideas, and trade long before today’s growth corridors.
The same spirit of action carries us into the future. Today, the municipalities, business sector, and expertise of Southwest Finland are visible in leading positions, and we have also been pioneers in partnership work in regional development. As we celebrate Turku’s 800-year history, we also look ahead: we are open to new ideas, seek new ways of working and new connections, and develop innovations for world-class challenges. In Southwest Finland, firsts are not just a thing of the past, but a way of creating the future together.
A location that opens up opportunities
Southwest Finland is one of the most accessible regions in Finland. The region’s location on the Baltic Sea coast provides excellent connections both to the rest of Finland and internationally. A dense rail and road network, the developing western railway line, as well as Turku Airport and ports form a comprehensive system that supports the region’s growth and internationalization.
The ports of Southwest Finland serve both passenger and freight traffic efficiently, and they are part of the extensive TEN-T core network, which connects the Baltic Sea region and Central European transport corridors. Good connections support the competitiveness of business and make the region an attractive location for companies.
Accessibility is also evident in everyday life. Travel within the region is smooth, and functional public transport connects cities, municipalities, and the archipelago into a vibrant whole. Sustainable mobility is developing rapidly, and Southwest Finland invests in cycling routes, electric transport, and climate-friendly modes of travel. Its location by the sea, in the middle of southern Finland’s growth corridor, makes it a natural place to live, work, and build the future.
Vitality from the archipelago and landscapes
The nature of Southwest Finland is a unique combination of archipelago, farmland, and extensive river valleys—an environment that is simultaneously the foundation of both livelihoods and culture. The Archipelago Sea is an internationally significant entity, the well-being of which is a common goal in the region. Nature is visible in everyday life through housing solutions, local recreation areas, and connection to the sea.
The region carries out long-term climate work and protects biodiversity. Municipalities, businesses, and communities develop new ways to reduce emissions, recycle nutrients, and increase the use of renewable energy. Southwest Finland is also one of Finland’s key food production and agriculture regions, where natural resources are used responsibly. Nature is not merely a backdrop here—it is the foundation of vitality, well-being, and the future.
A region where life is close
Southwest Finland is a region of people. This diverse area of over half a million residents combines the pulse of cities and the tranquility of the countryside into one whole. Everyday life is smooth: distances are short, services are nearby, and communities are strong. Associations, cultural activities, and local events create a sense of belonging and make the region a safe and pleasant place to live.
Residents actively participate in developing their region, and their views are reflected in planning and decision-making. Southwest Finland is also an international region, where different languages, cultures, and backgrounds strengthen expertise and creativity. Here, everyone has the opportunity to belong and build their own kind of life—together with others.
Southwest Finland is a gem of Finnish tourism, where the tranquility of the archipelago and the urban culture of the Turku region form a captivating whole. The Archipelago Sea with its thousands of islands, cultural heritage, culinary experiences, and maritime routes attract visitors from Finland and around the world. The region’s diverse nature and strong service offering make a holiday, business trip, or weekend getaway easily accessible and memorable.
Sustainable tourism in Southwest Finland is the result of collaboration. Businesses, municipalities, and communities develop tourism in a way that protects the unique environment and strengthens the region’s vitality. Maritime character, culture, and local authenticity make tourism in Southwest Finland unique—people come here to experience and return.
The culture of Southwest Finland lives through layers of history, archipelago traditions, and contemporary art. The cultural city of Turku, rural events, and archipelago stories form a whole that is visible, audible, and tangible throughout the region. Culture is part of our identity and our shared story—it brings people together and gives meaning to life.
Culture is developed in cooperation with municipalities, artists, communities, and residents. Creative industries bring economic vitality and well-being, and cultural heritage serves as inspiration for new generations. Southwest Finland is a region where culture renews, endures, and touches.
Solutions that build the future
Southwest Finland is one of Finland’s leading innovation hubs. Here, research and development are transformed into practical solutions that strengthen the green transition, digitalization, and sustainable growth. The region’s strong knowledge base stems from universities, businesses, and research institutions, whose collaboration is nationally and internationally significant.
Southwest Finland is known for innovations in maritime industry, healthcare, and food systems, as well as rapidly developing technology and data expertise. Smart specialization priorities guide development toward sectors where the region has particular competitive advantage. Here, there is courage to experiment, learn, and innovate—together.
The foundation of growth and competitiveness
In Southwest Finland, expertise is a shared resource. The education network extends from early childhood education to higher education institutions, and close cooperation with working life ensures that expertise meets future needs. Here, learning continues throughout life—in schools, workplaces, and communities.
The Foresight Academy and the education committee support the identification of future competence needs and the development of education. The region invests in attracting and retaining skilled labor, as growth and competitiveness rely on people. In Southwest Finland, expertise is the ability to renew, collaborate, and build the common good.
Looking to the future
Southwest Finland looks boldly ahead. The region is building a green transition, a carbon-neutral future, and smart growth that benefits both businesses and residents. Sustainable mobility solutions, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and active community participation make Southwest Finland a builder of the future.
The Southwest Finland strategy is the foundation of regional development. It defines the direction we collectively want to take and the means by which we build the Southwest Finland of the future.
The future is not created alone: it emerges through cooperation between municipalities, businesses, universities, organizations, and residents. Southwest Finland is a region where growth, responsibility, and well-being go hand in hand—and where the future is created together.
Regional heritage and symbols
The coat of arms of Varsinais-Suomi is one of the oldest in Finland. In a red field are two crossed golden spears with blue flags bearing a golden cross. Above the spears is a crowned golden tournament helmet, which refers to the era of Duke John in the 16th century. The coat of arms reflects the region’s position as a center of administration and culture, and it has been the symbol of Varsinais-Suomi since the 19th century.
Regional symbols also include the song of the people of Varsinais-Suomi and the regional pennant. The regional flower is the oak, the regional fish is the Baltic herring, the regional animal is the fox, the regional bird is the jackdaw, the regional lake is Pyhäjärvi in Säkylä, and the regional stone is red granite. These symbols represent the nature, history, and strong identity of Varsinais-Suomi.
