Runic Travels
Runic Travels
Finland's Friendly West CoastFinland's western coast offers diverse scenery, ranging from an amazing archipelago and coastline to verdant countryside with vast open fields further inland together with settlements concentrated along riverbanks. Picturesque seascapes, the shimmering sea and sunny sandy beaches contribute their own aspect to the variety of landscapes in the region. The colourful Ostrobothnian culture imperesses in both culinary and handicraft traditions combining influences of both past and present. Attractive town districts with skillfully constructed wooden houses, centuries of tar-making and seafaring heritage, and strong traditions of Finland's Swedish-speaking population give this region its special character unlike anywhere else in Finland. Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights Contact us for availability and current pricing. Available Dates for 2007:
To purchase this tour please call 866-521-0828 Included
Optional
ItineraryDay 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Day 2: Helsinki-TurkuAfter breakfast, pick up your rental car and begin your journey into the Finnish countryside. 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, head for the quiet byways and follow the King's Road, a historic road which once linked the Kingdom of Sweden with the Russian Empire. As the oldest city and the former capital of Finland, Turku is home to the most remarkable medieval landmarks in the country, including the Castle and the Cathedral. The wooden workshop houses of the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum tell tales about the trades and city life of days gone by. Day 3: Turku-Rauma-Pori
Day 4: Pori-Vaasa
Day 5: Vaasa-Kokkola
Day 6: Kokkola-Tampere
Day 7: Tampere-Helsinki
Day 8: Depart HelsinkiReturn home today or spend more time in the city. Ask Runic Travels for more information regarding extensions to the Baltics or Russia! |
Arrive in Helsinki and transfer on your own to your down town hotel. Use the rest of the day to become acquainted with this unique city where East truly does meet West.
The history of Rauma goes back to the 15th century when Fransiscan monks constructed a monastery on the site. Old Rauma with its wooden architecture is one of the five UNESCO World Heritage sights in Finland. Bobbin lace making, a handicraft originally brought to the town by seamen, still flourishes here. Pori is famous for its sandy beaches and Europe's largest Jazz Festival, held in July. It is worth taking the scenic archipelago road to the island of Reposaari, situated 32 km from the centre of Pori. It is like a small town of its own with many wooden houses.
Heading for the north, you'll pass small coastal towns with typical wooden houses. Off the coast of Vaasa lies an amazing archipelago, which is easy to explore by car or by taking a sightseeing cruise. Korsholm Island is home to an interesting open-air museum and a craftsmen's village.
Running from island to island, the scenic route known as the "Seven Bridges Archipelago Road" takes in spectacular coastal scenery and attractive small towns. The northernmost point of the route, Kokkola, has a charming district of wooden buildings.
Head to the south and drive past Lappajärvi, a lake formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. Pass by small rural towns and villages, vast open fields and farms. The industrial heritage of Tampere, the largest city in Finnish Lakeland, is reflected in the architecture of the city centre. The lake scenery can be viewed from top of an observation tower or from aboard a sightseeing boat. The city of Tampere also has a beautiful location in the heart of the scenic Pyynikki ridge area.
On the way back to Helsinki, it is worth visiting Iittala Glass Centre where you can see glass blowing and purchase Finnish design products. Upon arrival in Helsinki, drop off your rental car and spend the night enjoying all Helsinki has to offer.