Turku-Tampere-Järvisydän

Travel program

Day 1 | Arrival & Fiskars Design Village (L)

Arrival in Helsinki and scenic drive west. Stop in charming Fiskars, a historic ironworks village turned creative hub for design and artisans. Along the route, we recommend a stop at idyllic Fiskars Village – the perfect place for a leisurely walk and lunch. Optional guided tours are available, but the village is also wonderful to discover on your own. Nestled in the heart of Raasepori, about 90 minutes from Helsinki, Fiskars Village is one of Finland’s most charming and atmospheric destinations. Founded in 1649, the village grew around historic ironworks that later became the origin of the world-famous Fiskars brand. Today, the beautifully preserved surroundings have been transformed into a lively centre of art, craftsmanship, and design, combining history with contemporary creativity. Continue to Turku for overnight. Total driving distance appr. 250 km. Evening at leisure.

Day 2 | Turku & Archipelago Atmosphere (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Guided tour in Turku starting at Turku Castle, a 13th-century medieval fortress and one of Finland’s key historical landmarks. Continue along the Aura River with its scenic riverbanks, historic ships, and old warehouse buildings. Visit Aboa Vetus to explore underground medieval ruins, followed by a short stop at Turku Cathedral, Finland’s most important church. Lunch at a riverside restaurant with local cuisine. In the afternoon, visit Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, an open-air museum with preserved wooden houses and artisan workshops. End the day with a visit to Ruissalo Island, known for its archipelago atmosphere, nature, and seaside views.
Evening at leisure.

Day 3 | Rauma & Tampere (B/L/D)

After breakfast, continue along Finland’s scenic west coast to the enchanting Old Town of Rauma, a UNESCO-listed site and the largest wooden town in the Nordic countries. With its colourful houses and narrow streets, the area feels like stepping into a storybook. Learn about the town’s rich history on a guided walking tour, including its famous lace-making heritage and strong maritime roots. After enjoying lunch in a local restaurant, the journey continues to Tampere – a lively city set between two lakes and shaped by the flowing Tammerkoski rapids. Known for its unique blend of industrial history and modern culture, Tampere offers a distinctive atmosphere. After hotel check-in and a short rest, the day concludes with an authentic Finnish sauna experience. In Tampere, the “Sauna Capital of the World,” sauna is a way of life – a place to relax, reflect, and connect. Conversations flow naturally, and silence is equally appreciated. The experience is rounded off with a shared dinner after the sauna.

Day 4 | Tampere Highlights (B/L)

Today you will discover the unique atmosphere of Tampere with a local guide, exploring the city both on foot and by coach. Begin at the lively Tammerkoski rapids, where historic red-brick factories tell the story of Tampere’s industrial past. Visit the Vapriikki Museum Centre, set in a former factory building, and immerse yourself in one of its fascinating exhibitions. Continue to the beautiful Tampere Cathedral, perched above the city, admired for its national romantic style and distinctive frescoes. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the Market Hall or Market Square, where you can sample traditional Finnish flavours – perhaps even try the local favourite, mustamakkara. In the afternoon, head to the scenic Pyynikki Ridge for breathtaking views shaped by the Ice Age. Climb the observation tower and treat yourself to the famous Pyynikki doughnuts at the café.
To round off the day, you may choose to join a peaceful lake cruise or simply enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Day 5 | Into Lakeland: Jyväskylä (B/L/D)

Today the journey continues into the heart of Finland’s Lakeland, with a stop in the vibrant town of Jyväskylä. Surrounded by lakes and forests, the city is especially known for its connection to the world-famous architect Alvar Aalto. During the visit, discover some of Aalto’s most important works, including the Alvar Aalto Museum and the university campus, with the possibility of hearing more about his legacy from a local guide. Lunch is enjoyed in a local restaurant before continuing the journey. The route onwards to Järvisydän takes you through quintessential Finnish landscapes—quiet roads, deep forests, and sparkling lakes accompanying you along the way. Arrival at Järvisydän Resort feels like stepping into a hidden retreat by Lake Saimaa. The beautifully crafted buildings, inspired by traditional lakeside villages, blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Wooden structures, stone details, and lakeside terraces create a peaceful and immersive atmosphere where nature sets the pace.
After check-in for a two-night stay, enjoy dinner at the resort.

Day 6 | Relaxation & Nature Experiences (B/D)

Day to relax in spa and do some outdoor activities. The nature is ideal for slow walking, mindfulness and photography by easy forest paths and lakeside trails. Summer offers long day light and green calm, autumn also berries, mushrooms, fiery foliage. Nearby is Hakoapaja‘s Aikhikylä, very special attraction of massive log buildings, made it Finland’s Largest Drowned Wood Village by artist Esa Heiskanen. The story is even amazing – liturally dive into the history of driftwood, the underwater world and the sorty of the builder!
Possibility also for the guided excursion to spot the Saimaa seal. On the way learn about the life of the seal, observe the shore rocks from a suitable distance andenjoy a small salty snack at the safari house after tour. Excursion is always carried out respecting the habitat of the Saimaa seal, heading to the best seal grounds in Lake Saimaa, and along the way may also see an ospray or even a beaver. Dinner served in Järvisydän.

Day 7 | Savonlinna & Scenic Landscapes (B/L)

After breakfast, travel deeper into the Saimaa region to Savonlinna, a charming lakeside town where water, islands, and boats define the atmosphere. Explore the lively Market Square and perhaps enjoy a coffee with the local delicacy, lörtsy. A short drive takes you to Kerimäki, home to the world’s largest wooden church—an impressive testament to traditional craftsmanship and community spirit. Continue to the breathtaking landscapes of Punkaharju, where a narrow ridge winds between shimmering lakes, offering some of Finland’s most iconic views. This historic nature reserve has long inspired artists and visitors alike. Lunch is enjoyed in this scenic setting. In the afternoon, visit the unique Parikkala Sculpture Park, where imaginative concrete figures create a truly unforgettable experience. The journey continues to Imatra, known for its powerful rapids and its role in the early days of Finnish tourism. If conditions allow, witness the dramatic water release. The historic Imatra State Hotel adds to the nostalgic atmosphere.

Finally, continue to Lappeenranta for dinner and overnight stay.