The Best of Finnish Lakeland

Fly to Helsinki and transfer to the city by train, bus or taxi.

A UNESCO City of Design, Helsinki is the country’s creative hub with a huge range of galleries, workshops and boutiques showcasing everything from fashion to furniture, textiles and glassware. Head to the Design District, south of the city centre, and delve into the superb Design Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture and Didrichsen Art Museum. Helsinki’s architecture is equally impressive. Spanning Byzantine-Russian and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau and Minimalist, there are styles to appeal to all tastes. Make a bee-line for iconic buildings, such as Oodi (with its striking glass and steel façade), the red-brick Uspenski Cathedral, the extraordinary Temppeliaukio Church (hewn from solid rock and renowned for its acoustics) and the Kamppi Chapel – a wooden, windowless ‘space of silence’ in the heart of the city.

Helsinki is also renowned for its green spaces. In addition to strolling through its parks and gardens, you can hike in nearby forests or take a boat trip through the offshore archipelago. The food scene is just as appealing. Helsinki boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, while bustling bistros and the historic, covered market of Kauppahalli are brimming with local, seasonal Finnish flavours, inspired by the forest and sea. Try mouth-watering dishes of salmon, arctic char, elk, and grouse, accompanied by forest mushrooms, berries, and herbs.

Collect your rental vehicle and embark on a leisurely 3-hour drive from Helsinki to Lappeenranta. On route, explore Finland’s second oldest town, Porvoo, renowned for its picturesque old town featuring red ochre-painted riverside warehouses, cobbled streets, and colourful wooden houses housing charming cafes and quirky shops. Porvoo is also celebrated for its array of restaurants and chocolatiers. Upon arrival in Lappeenranta, you will catch your first glimpse of Lake Saimaa, Europe’s 4^th largest freshwater lake.

Lappeenranta blends modern architecture with historical landmarks, showcasing its diverse past. The star attraction of the city is the impressive Lappeenranta Fortress, a well-preserved 18th-century fortress that stands as a symbol of the region’s history. Visitors can explore its ramparts, museums, and picturesque grounds while learning about the city’s heritage.

Lappeenranta is also known for its vibrant waterfront area, where you can enjoy leisurely walks along the harbour, and dine at waterfront restaurants.

Embark on a leisurely drive to Savonlinna, relishing the stunning Lakeland scenery along the way. Visit one of the most peculiar natural wonders, Kummakivi, a 12,000-year-old balancing rock in Ruokolahti.

Continue north to Punkaharju and drive along the narrow ridge, nestled between the lakes of Puruvesi and Pihlajavesi. Take in the beauty of this unique landscape and make plenty of stops for photographs. Finally, arrive in Savonlinna on the shores of Lake Saimaa, designated as the region of European gastronomy in 2024.

Spend a day exploring Savonlinna, including the famous Olavinlinna, a medieval castle built in the 15th century to defend the area from Russian attacks. The vibrant market square in the town centre is an excellent spot to mingle with the locals and sample homegrown products and traditional delicacies. Be sure to try lörtsy, a traditional Finnish sweet pastry filled with berries or jam, often served with coffee.

Stroll through the old part of town with its charming yellow wooden buildings and cobbled streets, where you’ll discover numerous local artisan shops offering beautifully handcrafted products.

To fully appreciate the stunning lake scenery, consider taking a sailing trip on Lake Saimaa or exploring Linnansaari Island National Park.

Explore the 19th-century Kerimäki Church, renowned as the largest wooden church in the world, drawing in visitors with its majestic presence and rich historical importance.

If you’re visiting in July or early August, don’t miss the renowned opera festival held in Olavinlinna, a tradition spanning over a century. Tickets are available for individual performances, or you can simply immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the town during this time.

Leaving the city of Savonlinna behind, take a 50km drive north and enjoy the abundance of scenic sights along the way. Perhaps consider a brief detour to the 200-year-old Rapio Mill, which continues to employ traditional methods to produce high-quality products.  Afterwards, continue to Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän where you will be spending the next three nights.

Surrounded by tranquil nature and situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa, Järvisydän offers some of the finest accommodation in the lakeland area. Options vary from stylish rooms or suites to quirky lodgings such as a houseboat, bird’s nest or forest suite.

Here you can fill your day with activities such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, biking, fishing or taking a boat trip to the Linnansaari National Park where you may spot the protected Saimaa ringed seals basking on the shores. You can also treat yourself to a relaxing yoga session and a visit to the spa with a range of treatments.

Embark on an enchanting journey as you traverse through quaint villages and stunning countryside on your way to Koli National Park.

Make a stop at the Orthodox Valamo Monastery and discover its rich 700-year-old history, including the story of the relocation from the original site by Lake Lagoda in Russia to its current location in Finland. The Brotherhood warmly welcomes visitors to explore the picturesque monastery grounds, admire the art exhibition, sample the wine produced onsite, and dine at their refectory, Trapesa.

Additionally, visitors can browse the Monastery shop for local products.

Continue to Koli National Park for a 2-nights stay.

Koli National Park is a breathtaking natural wonderland nestled in the heart of eastern Finland, surrounded by towering forests, rugged cliffs, and pristine lakes, all woven together in a tapestry of natural beauty.

The iconic Ukko-Koli Hill stands proudly amidst this picturesque scenery, offering panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Traverse along meandering trails that lead through ancient forests adorned with moss-covered trees, where the tranquil silence is only broken by the occasional chirping of birds or the rustle of leaves. Along the way, you may encounter native wildlife such as reindeer, foxes, or even elusive lynxes, adding an element of excitement to your exploration.

Koli is not just about outdoor pursuits; it’s also steeped in history and culture. Discover the ancient traditions of the local Karelian people and their deep connection to the land as you immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this region.

Enjoy another leisurely drive through the beautiful lakeland scenery to Kuopio. With much of the city situated on islands, Kuopio is surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Kallavesi. Take a trip up to the Puijo Tower for the most stunning views of the lakes and forests. The Puijo Tower also boasts a restaurant serving local specialties against a breathtaking panoramic backdrop. At the Kuopio Market Hall, you will also find some local delicacies, such as the famous Kalakukko, a quirky fish pie.

Another day in the Savonian city of Kuopio to enjoy outdoor activities or take a drive to Maaninka, where you find Finland’s highest rapid stream, Korkeakoski,  a popular destination. Nature attractions worth visiting are also Rautavaara Pumpulikirkko – the cotton church – and the Rotkolaakso valley in Tuusniemi.

Driving southbound on roads flanked by lush forests and occasional glimpses of sparkling lakes, the journey takes you through charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character and traditional Finnish architecture.

As you continue your drive, the scenery evolves, with the road meandering through rolling hills and open fields. Keep an eye out for wildlife that may cross your path.

As you approach Lake Päijänne, the breathtaking lake scenery fills the landscape, and the 8-kilometre scenic road across Pulkkilanharju esker provides a truly amazing experience.

Enjoy the beautiful Lakeland scenery and explore Päijänne National Park. Perhaps take another drive, making plenty of photo stops, over the stunning Pulkkilanharju esker. There are plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for water activities, but also be sure to sit back and relax in the tranquil surroundings.

Take a leisurely drive back to Helsinki Airport and drop off your rental vehicle before your flight back to the UK.