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Finland is one of Europe’s most culturally isolated and least understood countries. Take yourself off on an adventure of a lifetime and uncover its mysteries.
Dominated by forests and glacial lakes, Finland’s first habitants can be traced back to the thaw of the last Ice Age some 10,000 years ago. From the 12th century until 1809, Finland was part of Sweden. It then became part of Russia. The Finns struggled for independence, finally winning it after the collapse of Tsarist Russia in 1917.
Day 1-2
Helsinki
Most
visitors to Finland arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport
to the north of the city. Take two days to discover the Finnish
capital. A western city with a modern Nordic way of life, it boasts
interesting architecture, great museums and galleries, beautiful
parks and relaxing open-air cafés. The centre of Helsinki is built
around the main harbour, Etelasatama. The lively market square
(kauppatori) – also known as the fish market – is located on the
waterfront and is the real heart of the city. Surrounded by graceful
19th century buildings, the market sells everything from fish to
strawberries and hosts a plethora of stalls selling local
handicrafts and Sami dolls. Visit the newly opened Kiasma Museum of
Contemporary Art at Mannerheiminaukio 2. Designed by American
architect Steven Holl, Kiasma features a significant collection of
Finnish and international art from the 1960s to the present. Take a
boat cruise to Suomenlinna island, just south of the main harbour.
Now a UNESCO site, Suomenlinna was once the greatest fortress in the
Swedish empire. In the evening, take in a ballet or an opera at the
Opera House on Helsinginkatu 58, take in an ice hockey match at the
Olympic Stadium off Mannerheimintie or take a trip on Sparakoff –
the pub tram.
Day 3
Turku
Take the E18 westwards from Helsinki to Turku.
A journey of 166 km, you’ll be in Turku before you know it. This
riverside city is the oldest in Finland and was once the country’s
capital city. It boasts a beautiful medieval castle, the impressive
Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum, a fine cathedral and stylish boat
restaurants. Don’t miss the four museum ships anchored on the banks
of the Aurajoki River in the city center. The beautiful Sigyn in
particular is well worth a visit. The Sibelius Museum at Piispankatu
17 is the most comprehensive musical museum in Finland exhibiting
memorabilia of the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and
showcasing more than 300 musical instruments from around the world.
One of the most superb archipelagos in Europe opens up from the
coast of Turku and stretches way out into the Baltic Sea. Take a
boat from Turku and enjoy a day trip around the islands or, for a
more unusual experience, take a dinner dance cruise in the evening.
Enjoy a meal at one of the floating restaurants on the Aurajoki
River or around the kauppatori (market square) back on dry land.
Take in a performance of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra – one of
the oldest in Europe – at the Concert Hall on Aninkaistenkatu 9 or
go dancing in one of the city’s chic hotels.
Day 4-5
Tampere
Take the
E63 and drive the 155 kilometres northeast from Turku to Tampere.
Finland’s third largest city, Tampere lies between the Nasijarvi and
Pyhajarvi lakes and is one of its most popular tourist attractions.
It is home to the Sarkanniemi amusement park, the fascinating Lenin
Museum and an annual international film festival. Sarkanniemi is a
children’s paradise. Adults won’t mind it either! With 30 carnival
rides, a huge aquarium, a children’s zoo, a planetarium, a
dolphinarium, and a 125-metre high observation tower with a
revolving restaurant, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the
Lenin Museum at Hameenpuisto 20. It has two permanent exhibitions on
Lenin’s life and time in Finland as well as a host of special
exhibitions. The Museum of Dolls & Costumes at Hatanpaa Manor
and the Moominvalley Museum at Hameenpuisto 20 are also well worth a
visit. Enjoy a cruise on either of Tampere’s beautiful lakes or take
the ferry to nearby Viikinsari island and picnic on the beach.
Alternatively, enjoy excellent Finnish cuisine in the revolving
restaurant atop the observation tower at Sarkanniemi.
Day 6-7
Tampere - Jyvaskyla
Take the E63 to Jyvaskyla. Lying 148 km northeast of Tampere, Jyvaskyla is a lively university town renowned for its architecture. Many of its buildings were designed by renowned Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto. Visit the Alvar Aalto Museum at Alvar Aallon katu 7. Designed by the architect himself, it houses models and photographic exhibits relating to Aalto’s work, life and philosophy. The Craft Museum of Finland and the Jyvaskyla Art Museum at Kauppakatu 23 are also well worth visit. The Laajavuori Winter Sports Centre northwest of the city offers ski runs, illuminated cross-country skiing trails and some challenging ski jumps. There is also a children’s ski area. Alternatively, take a cruise on Lake Paijanne or down some of the city’s impressive canals. The town has two festivals - the Jyvaskyla Winter Festival in February and the Jyvaskyla Arts Festival in early June. Both feature concerts, exhibitions, theatre and dance.
Jyvaskyla – Helsinki
Make your way back to Helsinki via the E75, a journey of 272 kilometres.
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