Itinerary

Day 1: Helsinki

Arrive in Helsinki and make your way to your hotel. Use the evening to adjust to your surrounds and check out the Finnish night life.

Day 2: Helsinki - Turku, 175 km

To get the most out of the rural heritage landscapes in the stretch between the modern metropolis of Helsinki and the historic town of Turku, leave the main roads and head for the quiet byways. This is where the King's Road winds through fascinating small towns, charming villages and scenic countryside. The historic road, which once linked the Kingdom of Sweden with the Russian Empire, offers a wealth of cultural heritage sites worth a visit, including the ruins of the Raasepori Castle, the Mustio Manor and Fiskars Ironworks. As the oldest city and the former capital of Finland, Turku is home to some of the most remarkable medieval landmarks in the country, including Turku Castle and Cathedral. Aboa Vetus Museum shows the history of Turku and the remains of the early settlements. The wooden workshop houses of the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum tell the tales about the trades and city life of days gone by.

Day 3: Turku - Rauma, 95 km

Today take a leisurely drive through Naantali, with its charming wooden houses, to the coastal town of Rauma. The city is home to the largest collection of preserved, wooden buildings in the Nordic countries. Enjoy a walk in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and step inside a lace shop to see a demonstration of lace-making, a 200-year-old tradition in Rauma.

Day 4: Rauma - Hämeenlinna (Aulanko), 190 km

Finland's oldest inland town, Hämeenlinna, boasts a 700-year-old brick castle, which is one of Finland's medieval fortifications. Other attractions include the birthplace and childhood home of the world-famous composer Jean Sibelius and the lovely Aulanko Park.

Day 5: Hämeenlinna (Aulanko)

Take a leisurely hike to enjoy the magnificent Aulanko Park and climb up the old observation tower for stunning views of the Finnish forest and lake landscape at its most genuine. You will have today to relax, adventure, shop or all three!

Day 6: Hämeenlinna - Tampere, 75 km

Some interesting points of interest along the Hämeenlinna-Tampere route include the medieval stone church in Hattula, the Iittala Glass Museum and factory shop, and the Visavuori home museum in Valkeakoski. With its industrial heritage, Tampere has an array of museums that show the culture of the working class such as the Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing. Vapriikki museum centre is located in an old industrial complex by the Tammerkoski Rapids and Sara HildŽn Art Museum houses a fine collection of modern art.

Day 7: Tampere - Jyväskylä, 175 km

Today continue your journey from Tampere to Jyväskylä. Along the way a stop at Mänttä is suggested. Gösta Serlachius Museum of Fine Arts at Mänttä is home to an outstanding private art collection. The old wooden church at Petäjävesi with a history dating back over 250 years is a fine example of vernacular architectural tradition. The Jyväskylä region is renowned for buildings designed by the internationally acclaimed Alvar Aalto.

Day 8: Jyväskylä - Mikkeli, 115 km

In Mikkeli the Kenkävero handicrafts center, earlier the largest wooden vicarage in Finland, is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture and gardens. Enjoy a day to relax in this beautiful town.

Day 9: Mikkeli - Lappeenranta, 180 km

The route from Mikkeli via Puumala and Imatra to Lappeenranta passes through some of the most spectacular lake scenery in Finland. In the historical fortress area of Lappeenranta there are workshops of local artists and craftsmen as well as the Wolkoff House museum from the 19th century, which portrays the life of a Russian trading family. The Orthodox Church bears witness to the eastern influences on the Karelian culture.

Day 10: Lappeenranta - Helsinki, 220 km

From Lappeenranta it is possible to continue back to Helsinki via Kotka, a town with a strong maritime heritage, and visit the imperial fishing lodge built on the banks of the Langinkoski Rapids. Another option is to drive via Kouvola and then turn off to Jaala to visit the unique Verla Mill Museum and Village. Other points of interest along the journey include the old ironworks village in Ruotsinpyhtää dotted with red 18th-century workers' houses, and the idyllic old quarter of Porvoo with its narrow cobblestone lanes and handicraft boutiques.

Helsinki offers a wide variety of things to experience ranging from art, design and an array of architectural gems to great shopping facilities and cultural offerings. Proximity to the sea and forest gives Helsinki its distinctive ambience.

Day 11: Depart Helsinki

After breakfast make your way back to the airport for your flight home or continue our adventure to another wonderful Scandinavian country with the help of Runic Travels.