Finnish Lakes & Forests

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki

Helsinki is a modern cultural city with 450 years of history, influenced by both Western and Eastern Europe. The different periods of the city's history are visible everywhere: a walk through the city centre or the magnificent Suomenlinna sea fortress will give you an insight into its fascinating past. Must-sees include the historic centre, Senate Square, Parliament, Finlandia Hall, the Sibelius Monument and Temppeliaukio Church (stone church). 

Accommodation in Heksinki.

Day 2: Helsinki – Lappeenranta (approx. 250 km)

Heading east, we recommend a stop in Porvoo, an idyllic little town and Finland's second oldest. It's an old medieval town with cobbled streets, a unique waterfront with red ochre huts, restaurants, cafés, museums and galleries. You will then pass through the border town of Vaatimaa on your way to Lappeenranta, which is the centre of South Karelia in south-east Finland. It's a town renowned for its natural beauty, the hospitality of its people and its promising future. The Saimaa lakes region adds a special touch to the landscape. 

Accommodation in Lappeenranta.

Day 3: Lappeenranta - Lake Saimaa

Leisure time. We recommend a 2-hour cruise on Lake Saimaa. Don't miss one of Lappeenranta's most famous attractions - the Sand Castle - a gigantic sand sculpture, located near the harbour, which can be seen from June to August. In the evening, a trip to the Imatrankoski rapids near Imatra, which have been attracting visitors for over 200 years, is highly recommended. In 1772, Russian Empress Catherine II and her royal escort visited the rapids, making them Finland's very first tourist attraction.

Accommodation in Lappeenranta.

Day 4: Lappeenranta – Savonlinna – Joensuu (env. 340 km)

Along Lake Saimaa all the way to Imatra. Saimaa is a labyrinth of watercourses flowing slowly from north to south before continuing into the Vuoksi Canal, south-east of the Russian border, to end up in Ladoga, Europe's largest lake. It drains the whole of south-eastern Finland, a region the size of Belgium, stretching almost from Lake Oulujärvi in the north to the Russian border in the east. From Imatra, you'll head north via Lohikoski and Sulkava to the town of Savonlinna, host of the famous opera festival. On to Joensuu, a university town and the lively capital of the North Karelia region. 

Accommodation in Joensuu.

Day 5: Joensuu – Jyväskylä (approx.. 250 km)

From Joensuu, head west. You'll pass Varkaus, on the way to Jyväskylä, a city particularly famous for its great cultural diversity, museums, art exhibitions, concerts, events and plays. It is also the home of the famous architect Alvar Aalto. He designed some of the city's houses and buildings. Located in one of the buildings he designed himself, the Alvar Aalto Museum gives visitors an insight into his life, work and great talent.

Accommodation in Jyväskylä.

Day 6: Jyväskylä – Tampere – Turku (approx. 315 km)

Heading towards Tampere between lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, which are at different heights (18 metres) and linked by the Tammerkoski rapids. This has been an important source of energy throughout history, and is still a major source of electricity today. Tampere is also Finland's second largest urban centre. You will then drive to Turku, Finland's oldest city and the country's former capital. Places to visit include Turku Castle, the Marinium Maritime Centre, the Aboa Vetus, the Ars Nova Museum and the Cathedral. The famous Moomin theme park, in the coastal town of Naantali, is perfect for a day trip with the whole family.

Accommodation in Turku.

Day 7: Turku – Helsinki (approx,. 165 km)

You'll drive west via Salo, often regarded as the town where the Nokia company was founded. Along the way, you'll follow the King's Highway, a journey that includes some of the oldest roads in Northern Europe. This route runs from Bergen, on the Atlantic coast, through the Gulf of Finland to St Petersburg. It has been used since the 14th century by kings, merchants, artists and pilgrims. The meeting of East and West has created a unique cultural treasure trove, just waiting to be discovered. White and brown signs along the way will help you find places of interest.

Accommodation in Helsinki.

Day 8: Departure from Helsinki

Departure from Helsinki according to your itinerary.