Finland is characterised by lakes, forests, a love of saunas and a fascinating history resulting from the country´s distinct position between the East and the West. Explore the lesser known sibling to the Nordics during this immersive two-week round trip through southern Finland.
Day 1: Helsinki
Welcome to the capital of Finland: Helsinki — the youngest and northernmost in Europe. This vibrant seaside city is full of life and offers a wide variety of activities where you can indulge historical interests, add an active element to your travels or just simply relax.
Days 2 & 3: Lappeenranta
Start your tour with a drive to Porvoo, a charming medieval town with colourful wooden houses and cobbled streets. Proceed to Kuovola and Lappeenranta for a cruise on Lake Saimaa or visit the Linnoitus fortress of Lappeenranta, home to the oldest orthodox church in Finland and several museums.
Days 4 & 5: Rantasalmi
Proceed along the Finnish-Russian border to Savonlinna, a castle city surrounded by villages scattered across an age-old archipelago. Stay two nights in Rantasalmi, famous for its amazing scenery in the Linnansaari National Park. On the second day we recommend a cruise, where you might be lucky enough to see the endangered Saimaa ringed seals.
Days 6 & 7: Koli
Head towards Koli, located in the picturesque Koli National Park. The highlight of the park is the fourth largest lake in Finland, Pielinen. The beautiful scenery has attracted and inspired many Finnish artists, photographers and nature lovers.
Days 8 & 9: Vuokatti
Drive north along Lake Pielinen and continue through deep forests to today’s destination: Vuokatti. Summer months here captivate with crystal blue lakes spread across the heart of arctic Lakeland.
Day 10: Kalajoki
On the program for today is the scenic drive to the coastal town of Kalajoki. The city is situated on the shores of the Bothnian Bay and known for its sandy beaches.
Day 11: Tampere
Stop by Pietarsaari on your way inland and visit Skata, one of the largest neighbourhoods of wooden homes in Finland. End your day in Tampere, where you will stay the night.
Days 12 & 13: Turku
The historic town of Turku deserves a full day’s visit with its impressive castle, market hall and the Åbo Cathedral. We also recommend a visit to the Sibelius music museum, or let the many delights of Finnish cuisine surprise you on a guided foodie walk.
Day 14: Helsinki/Departure
Return to Helsinki and spend the rest of the day exploring. A visit of the famous Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the ‘Church of the Rock,’ is an unforgettable experience. We also recommend a visit to the world heritage site Suomenlinna, located south of the city.
Saturday Sauna Day
The relaxing experience of sitting in a sauna, sweating it out and rolling in the snow or jumping in an icy lake afterwards is deeply rooted in the Finnish culture. The first saunas in Finland are believed to date back to 7000 BC. Traditionally, they were a practical place to wash when there was no running water available during long, cold winters, but they were also a sterile place and therefore also used for childbirth. Nowadays, saunas are the heart of the Finnish lifestyle — a place to wind down and contemplate, but also to be together with friends and family. Contact us for more information on including a traditional sauna experience in your program or perhaps something more avant-garde, like a tour on a sauna boat or even a bus?
+45 88 32 00 37
TK@nordictours.dk
