Season
All year
Vehicle
Car route
Duration
10-11 days
Explore the Finnish Lakeland with a culinary and cultural twist
Explore the Finnish Lakeland with a culinary and cultural twist. You will savor local flavors and immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Lakeland Finland is renowned for its untouched natural landscapes, which serve as the foundation for its culinary treasures. In this region, “organic” and “sustainable” are more than mere terms. Explore the destinations within the area where you can anticipate the most unforgettable gastronomic adventures.
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Route description
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1Day 1 : Arrival to Lahti
Arriving in Lahti and choosing the day's cafe’s and dining destinations.
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2-3Days 2-3 : Tastings and culture in Lahti
Make the most of your two-day stopover in Lahti, a gateway to the Finnish Lakeland. Discover the city's unique culinary delights and immerse yourself in local culture.
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3Day 3 : Lahti-Joensuu
Lahti-Joensuu
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4-5Days 4-5 : Highlights of Karelian Culture
Dive deeper into Karelian culture
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6-7Days 6-7 : Jyväskylä
During two days you have time to explore the The Capital City of Alvar Aalto’s Architecture
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8Day 8 : Highlights of Tampere
Tips for must-see attractions and restaurants in Tampere.
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9Day 9 : Tampere-Hämeenlinna
Magic of glass and small boutiques in Iittala Village.
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10Days 10 : Hämeenlinna
Art and culture in the centre of Hämeenlinna city.
Navigating Each Day
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Lahti Region
Day 1
After arrival to Helsinki drive to Lahti region (about 100 km, 1 hour). Overnight for two nights either in a unique Hotel Mukkula Manor or Solo Sokos Hotel Lahden Seurahuone.
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Lahti Region
Days 2-3
Visit Ainoa Winery, an award-winning establishment in the heart of the Lahti region. Take a guided tour and indulge in tastings that will delight your senses. For whisky connoisseurs, Teerenpeli is a name you won’t want to miss. This renowned distillery produces world-class whisky.
Experience the pulse of the city by strolling along the harbour, known as the second living room of the locals. The iconic Ski Jump Tower is a must-see landmark, offering panoramic views of Lahti and a glimpse into its sporting heritage.
Immerse yourself in the world of art and culture at Malva, the city’s newest museum, where creativity knows no bounds.
Tips for restaurants for Finnish culinary experiences: Taivaanranta and Roux.
- Self-guided foodie tours in Lahti Region: https://visitlahti.fi/en/frontpage/eat-and-drink/self-guided-foodie-tours/
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Lahti Region
Day 3
On the way from Lahti region to Joensuu, optional stop at Valamo Monastery in Heinävesi, which is an active centre of the Orthodox religious life and culture in Finland. Explore the monastery area on your own or with a guide. From Valamo it is only one hour drive to Joensuu. Taste local flavours in à la carte Restaurant Kielo or Bistro Heili. Overnight in Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel with Karelian hospitality at the centre for two nights.
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North Karelia Region
Days 4-5
After breakfast freetime to explore the city of Joensuu. Dive deeper into Karelian culture by visiting Arts & Crafts Centre Taitokortteli, Joensuu Art Museum Onni and North Karelian Museum Hilma. Taitokortteli is a traditional wooden block with several handicraft shops, local souvenirs, workshops and cafe.To get more familiar with Karelian culture, make a day trip to Bomba, Nurmes. Visit there Bomba House and Karelian Village, bake traditional Karelian pastries and taste Valamo menu with local flavors and wines from Valamo Monastery.
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Jyväskylä Region
Days 6-7
Jyväskylä, The Capital City of Alvar Aalto’s Architecture holds the impressive portfolio of 30 locations including, for instance, the Alvar Aalto Museum (part of the new Aalto2 museum centre), Muurame Church and one of Aalto’s finest works, Säynätsalo Town Hall. The Alvar Aalto destinations, stories, and history are available to you either on your own accord or in the company of an expert guide.
The Craft Museum of Finland and National Costume Centre’s exhibitions and events will take you on a journey through time and the many faces of crafts. In the museum shop, you can find a unique selection of Finnish hand-made works.
Toivola Old Courtyard offers an indulging café and restaurants, boutiques and museum buildings to explore.
Jyväskylä Art Museum focuses on exhibitions on art from the Jyväskylä Region and other related areas.
On your way to Tampere, visit the Petäjävesi Old Church which is one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Petäjävesi Old Church tells stories of Finnish peoples’ everyday lives, during four different centuries. The mysterious Petäjävesi Old Church was listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1994, as a unique example of traditional Nordic wooden church architecture and log construction.
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Tampere Region
Day 8
Tampere, the third biggest city of Finland is located between two vast lakes and offers something for everyone. In Tampere, you can overnight for example at Scandic Tampere Koskipuisto located right in the city centre by Tammerkoski rapids.
The most important attractions of Tampere include for example Pispala recreational area and Pyynikki Observation Tower. Here you can experience nature just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. Industrial heritage can be found at Finlayson and Tampella areas packed with history, culture and innovation! Tallipiha Stable Yards with small handicraft shops are also located nearby.
The world’s only Moomin Museum has a permanent home in the Tampere Hall, taking visitors on a magical journey into the fairy tale world of the original Moomin illustrations by Tove Jansson.
With a picturesque location beside the Tammerkoski rapids, Vapriikki is a museum centre that offers things to see and do for the whole family. Vapriikki also houses many special museums and exhibitions.
Museum Milavida is a unique museum in Tampere. Its main exhibition sheds light on the life of the Nottbecks, a truly cosmopolitan family who lived in Tampere. The museum also houses a fashion or design exhibition that changes every year.
If you get hungry, you can go for example to Restaurant Tiiliholvi, Kumma Bar or Restaurant Kajo. Tiiliholvi offers a romantic atmosphere in an old Art Nouveau style building in the city center. Kumma is a gastroclub seamlessly combining the world’s street cuisines, cocktail bars and small breweries in the heart of the city. Restaurant Kajo’s “Ode to Nature” menu serves the best local produce the season has to offer.
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Häme Region
Day 9
Drive from Tampere to Hämeenlinna. On the way, stop at Iittala Village, where you can experience the magic of glass blowing at the Iittala Glass Factory, the joy of art in Naive Art Exhibition and the skillful work of artisans in little boutiques. Visit also the The Iittala Glass Museum. After visiting Iittala, check in at privately owned small bed & breakfast Matin ja Maijan Majatalo. Have a dinner and sauna in Vanai Bistro & Bastu by the shore of Lake Vanajavesi.
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Häme Region
Days 10
In Hämeenlinna City Center visit the Wetterhoff House – the house of Arts & Creative Handicrafts. Continue to Hämeenlinna Art Museum. Have a lunch at Restaurant Piparkakkutalo in the centre of Hämeenlinna. Birthplace of Jean Sibelius. Near the birthplace you can rest for a while on the musical benches of Sibelius Park, playing the music of Jean Sibelius. Continue to the tour in medieval Häme Castle.
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