Season
All year
Vehicle
Train route
Duration
8 days
During this round-trip you can experience the best of Hämeenlinna, Tampere, Jyväskylä and Lahti in a sustainable way.
This tour will take you by train to the largest cities of Western Lakeland, where you can experience nature adventures, culture, and urban city life
Useful info
Find the routes and timetables for transportation from perille.fi.
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Route description
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1Day 1 : Lahti
Lahti, The European Green Capital and Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark
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2Day 2 : Lahti
Experience city center area like a local (15-minute city)
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3Day 3 : Jyväskylä
A day full of culture! Follow the footsteps of the world-famous architect Alvar Aalto and enjoy the taste of Jyväskylä Region.
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4Day 4 : Jyväskylä
Relaxing day at the Sataman Viilu - sauna & lunch and a view to the entire city of Jyväskylä
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5Day 5 : Tampere
Tampere, The city for families, nature lovers, foodies and event junkies. The sauna capital of the World in the middle of the most beautiful Finnish Lakeland!
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6Day 6 : Tampere
Enjoy the lovely nature and the lakes right there, within your reach!
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7Day 7 : Hämeenlinna
Welcome to Hämeenlinna! Explore the Häme Caste and rich culture history of Häme.
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8Day 8 : Hämeenlinna
Enjoy the Aulanko nature reserve with culture history and nature activities.
Navigating Each Day
This is a journey by train to the largest cities of Western Lakeland.
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Lahti Region
Day 1
Lahti region offers a wide range of nature activities and urban events in the surroundings of the unique Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark area where the whole landscape is created by water.
When you arrive in Lahti, take a hotel next to the railway station GreenStar or in Lahti city center, Solo Sokos Hotel Seurahuone or Scandic Lahti.
The main attractions in Lahti city center area, Malski, the harbor, and the sports center – are easily accessible on foot. Alternatively, you can borrow a city bike, Mankeli, for getting around.
Start your exploration of Lahti with culture. Malva is a museum full of art, design, posters, and culture. Malva, the city’s newest museum, where creativity knows no bounds. In the same building, you can find Malski Bistro, Kahiwa Coffee, and Ant Brew brewery.
Tips for restaurants for Finnish culinary experiences: Taivaanranta or Roux
Recommendations for lunch places: Trattoria, Coppa, Malski Bistro, Popot, Kaarlo Social, Kokka
Recommendations for cafes: Asemapäällikkö, Kariranta Cafe, Malski Kahiwa Coffee, Oskari cafe, Olavi
Attractions
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Lahti Region
Day 2
On the second day, head to Lahti’s famous sports center. The iconic Ski Jump Tower is a must-see landmark, offering panoramic views of Lahti and a glimpse into its sporting heritage.
After the sports center, experience the pulse of the city by strolling along the harbor, known as the second living room of the locals. Explore independently or take a guided tour in wooden architecture, including Sibelius Hall, Pro Wood Gallery and Shop.
Lahti is the first real lakeside city after the capital Helsinki so If you arrive in the summer and the weather is nice, take a lunch or day cruise on the waterways of the Finnish Lakeland, departing from Lahti harbor.
After your second day you can hop on a bus in Lahti Travel center and travel to Jyväskylä. The journey is 2 hours and you can find the travel options here.
Attractions
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Jyväskylä Region
Day 3
After a good night’s sleep and delicious breakfast you can start a day in the Capital City of Alvar Aalto’s Architecture – Jyväskylä. The impressive portfolio of 29 locations includes, for instance, the Alvar Aalto Museum (part of the new Aalto2 museum centre). The Alvar Aalto destinations, stories, and history are open to you either on your own accord or in the company of an expert guide.
Toivola Old Courtyard offers an indulging café and restaurants, boutiques and museum buildings to explore. In the main pedestrian street you will find the Craft Museum of Finland and the Jyväskylä Art Museum. The street offers you multiple shopping possibilities, nice restaurants and cafés.
In the evening you can take a Summer evening lake cruise from the Jyväskylä Harbour. During a 3 hour cruise you can have dinner in a beautiful lake scenery.
Attractions
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Jyväskylä Region
Day 4
The day begins in a relaxing sauna at Sataman Viilu. After sauna you have a lunch at the Sataman Viilu restaurant.
Before leaving Jyväskylä, take a green loop of the city. The Green Loop is chain and route through green spaces in the city centre. You can see the entire city from the observation tower Vesilinna which locates in the Harju Ridge – a pine forest ridge formation in the middle of the city center.
After exploring the city of Jyväskylä you can travel by train to Tampere. The travel time is only 1 ½ hours from Jyväskylä to Tampere. When arriving to Tampere by train, you reach the very center of the city. Within walking distance you will find a selection of eco-labelled and/or STF certified hotels to overnight in.
Attractions
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Tampere Region
Day 5
After breakfast we recommend you to start a self-guided walking tour around the city and to take a look at the most important sights of Tampere. You can visit for example Finlayson and Tampella areas that are industrial heritage sites packed with history, culture and innovation. They boast various restaurants, cafés, businesses and cultural services, like the Spy Museum, the Finlayson Church and Tallipiha Stable Yards with small handicraft shops. A must-do is the Finlayson Roof Walk!
Visit also the Kauppahalli Market hall and see how you feel about the local treat, black sausage. In the evening it is time to check one of the public saunas of the Sauna Capital. Check out the printable maps with tips here.
Attractions
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Tampere Region
Day 6
Tampere is located between two lakes, lake Pyhäjärvi and lake Näsijärvi. Enjoying some lake activities is a must, when visiting the city. Rent a kayak or a canoe, join a guided tour on the lake, pick a SUP board and relax on the lakes! Or take a boat to Viikinsaari recreation island, local´s summer oasis.
If you are more into museums, don´t skip the Moomin museum, the only one in the world.
After an active day, it is definitely time to enjoy great food with the most amazing view in Restaurant Näsinneula or sing an Ode to Nature in Restaurant Kajo.
Attractions
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Häme Region
Day 7
Transfer by train from Tampere to Hämeenlinna. Hämeenlinna offers a unique blend of new and old, nature and culture, urban scenery, and countryside landscapes – all in perfect harmony.
In Hämeenlinna, you can easily explore the main attractions by cycling or walking. Start your tour with a visit to the medieval Häme Castle. Continue to the Hämeenlinna Art Museum or the Birthplace of Jean Sibelius. Enjoy dinner at one of the local top restaurants: Uoma, Ravinteli Vintti, Vanai Bistro & Bastu, or Restaurant Piparkakkutalo.
Have a good night’s sleep in the city center, for example, at B&B Matin ja Maijan Majatalo, Hotel Emilia, or Sokos Hotel Vaakuna.
Attractions
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Häme Region
Day 8
After breakfast, head to the Aulanko Nature Reserve. This unique area in Hämeenlinna boasts beautiful Finnish natural scenery, old-growth forests, and many opportunities for outdoor activities. Walk through the reserve to the top of Aulangonvuori Hill, where you can find a scenic platform and a granite tower offering views of one of Finland’s national landscapes.
In addition to exploring the nature reserve, Aulanko offers a variety of outdoor activities. Aulanko Outdoors rents a wide range of sports equipment for thrill-seekers, including canoes, fat bikes, SUP boards, skis, snowshoes, and more. HugoPark Aulanko features a treetop trek with high rope courses in the trees. The area also has two golf courses, horse stables, and a spa. Restaurants and cafes provide snacks or lunch, and you can dine and enjoy a sauna at Vanai Bistro and Bastu near the railway station before you leave.
After an active day, hop on a train and travel back to Helsinki Vantaa Airport.
Attractions
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