Deep blue lakes, long and bright summer nights, sauna culture, Orthodox churches, and world-class design. All of this characterises Finland and can be experienced on this tour.
The route leads through the enchanting lake landscape of southern Finland to Oulanka National Park on the Arctic Circle, as well as through some of the oldest cities in Finland, such as picturesque Porvoo and timeless Turku. Don’t forget Jyväskylä, the hometown of designer and architect Alvar Aalto, and the lively metropolis of Helsinki with its many magnificent churches and maritime flair.
Day 1: Stockholm/Helsinki
Begin your journey in Stockholm by embarking on the SILJA LINE ferry bound for Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Helsinki, also called “the Daughter of the Baltic Sea,” is a lively city by the sea surrounded by enchanting nature.
Day 2: Helsinki
Helsinki is wonderful to explore by foot or tram. The city is known for its many impressive churches. In addition to the Helsinki Cathedral, we also recommend a visit to the Tempelliaukio Kirkko — one of the most unusual churches in the world, blasted into a rock.
Day 3: Helsinki/Imatra
Today the trip goes northeast to Imatra near the Finnish-Russian border. A stopover in Porvoo, only about an hour east of Helsinki, is well worth your time. Porvoo is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Finland. The cosy old town with its picturesque wooden houses, charming small shops and historical sights invites you to explore.
Day 4: Imatra/Nurmes
An unforgettable journey through the deep blue lake landscape of Finland awaits today. Along the way is a possibility to stop in Savonlinna — a city best known for its 500-year-old fortress Olavinlinna and opera festival performed annually since 1967. The end destination is Nurmes, surrounded by the crystal clear Pielinen Lake. Another local highlight is the open-air museum Murtovaara, located approximately 35 km east of Nurmes.
Day 5: Nurmes/Kuusamo
Continue through vast forests to Kuusamo, the gateway to Lapland and in the immediate vicinity of the Oulanka National Park. This is one of the most visited national parks in Finland and best known for its remarkable rapids.
Day 6: Kuusamo/Oulu
Head south once more to the western coast of Finland. The destination for today is Oulu, the fourth largest city in Finland and situated idyllically on the Gulf of Bothnia. The oldest wooden church in Finland can be visited in Muhos, 30 km southeast of Oulu.
Day 7: Oulu/Vaasa
Travel further south along the Gulf of Bothnia via Luoto to Vaasa. Stop in the coastal town of Kalajoki along the way, which captivates with its 10-km-long sandy beaches and dune landscape.
Day 8: Vaasa/Jyväskylä
Nowhere else will you find as many Alvar Aalto-designed buildings as in Jyväskylä. The world renowned architect grew up here, and a visit to the Alvar Aalto museum is a must while in Jyväskylä.
Day 9: Vaasa/Turku/Stockholm
“Finnish off” in Turku, Finland’s oldest city, where you will embark once again on one of the SILJA LINE evening ferries headed for Stockholm. On the way, we recommend a stopover in Tampere with its many museums, such as the Moomin Museum, the Spy Museum or the Stroller Museum. At 168 metres, the Näsinneula observation tower is the second highest in Northern Europe and offers breathtaking views of Tampere and its surrounds.
Day 10: Stockholm/Departure
Individual return journey from Stockholm.
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TK@nordictours.dk
