Lakeland Tour in Finland

When you land at Helsinki-Vantaa airport, grab your rental car. If you have some time, consider taking a drive to Helsinki and checking out the city. We suggest visiting the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. It was built in 1748 and is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki’s Market Square.

Afterwards, head to the road to Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland. Follow The King’s Road, an important travel route dating back to the 1300s. Kings, couriers, bishops, artists, and armies have used it throughout history. The road is dotted with mansions, farms, taverns, alehouses, and inns that have accommodated travellers for centuries.

You can stop by Haikko Manor, once home to the famous painter Albert Edelfelt, and visit the old church of Sipoo, built in the 15th century. Once in Porvoo, explore the Old Town on foot. Wander around the well-preserved wooden houses, visit the mediaeval church, and check out Town Hall Square. End your day by staying overnight at a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Porvoo's picturesque Old Town.

Start your day with breakfast. Head towards the beautiful Finnish Lakeland, passing through places like Kouvola and Lappeenranta. Your destination is Punkaharju, where you can take a scenic drive along the Punkaharju Ridge. If you are interested, you can visit the Retretti Art Centre, a significant art hub in Finland. In this area, there are also important nature reserves and a fascinating museum called Lusto Forest Museum, which we highly recommend.

Afterwards, take a short drive to Savonlinna, a lively small-town famous for its annual Opera Festival. Don't miss the chance to visit Olavinlinna Castle. Spend the night at a hotel in Savonlinna.

Today, you will leave Savonlinna and drive through Heinävesi to reach the peaceful and beautiful New Valamo Monastery. After that, you will head to Joensuu, the main city in the North Karelia region. Next up is a tour around Lake Pielinen, one of Finland's largest lakes, followed by a visit to Koli National Park.

Take a leisurely walk in the park, enjoying the panoramic views. You might want to check out the Ukko Nature Center and the 'Pirun Kirkko' (‘the Devil’s Church’), a 34-metre-long cave that you can reach by following a marked trail on a short hike. Later, you will drive to Nurmes, a small town on the northern shore of Lake Pielinen. While in Nurmes, you can choose to participate in optional activities, like lake fishing. Tonight, you will stay at a hotel in Nurmes.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast. Head towards Lieksa, where you can explore the open-air museum called Pielisen Museo. Afterward, take a drive from Lieksa to Ruunaa Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake with rapids. It is also a great spot for fishing.

Next, make your way to Vuonislahti. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the studio of the famous Finnish sculptor Eva Ryynänen and see a unique wooden church. Continue your journey to Kuopio, which is the capital of the Savo region. We suggest visiting the Puijo Tower for a panoramic view of the surroundings. If you are interested, you can also book a lake cruise on Lake Kallavesi. Finally, spend the night at a hotel in Kuopio.

Start your day with breakfast, and then head towards Tampere in central Finland. On the way, consider making a stop at Jyväskylä, known for its architecture by Alvar Aalto. Continue your journey and reach Tampere, where you will check in to your hotel. Spend the night there.

Begin your day with breakfast. We suggest spending the morning in lively Tampere. You can visit the Näsinneula Tower for a great view or explore one of Finland's popular amusement parks, Särkänniemi. Art enthusiasts might want to check out the Sara Hildén Art Museum.

Later, head to Hämeenlinna, where you can visit Hämeenlinna Castle or the birthplace of Finland's most famous composer, Jean Sibelius. In the late afternoon, drive to Tuusula, conveniently located near Helsinki-Vantaa. This marks the end of your trip, and you can depart from Helsinki/Vantaa Airport.