Discover Finland – Helsinki & Lakeland
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Finland - KoiraKikka - Huskies ©VisitLahti
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Finland - Lake Päijänne ©VisitLahti
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Finland - Heinola Nature Summer night ©VisitLahti
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Finland - Lahti Harbour © VisitLahti
Looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of lockdown life? Or just looking to explore one of the world’s natural wonders? Then look no further than Finland. Finland is a hidden gem tucked away far up North. You will find thousands of reasons to fall in love with Finland; the people, Lakeland adventures and secrets. It is a treasure waiting to be discovered. With four distinct seasons that continue to call you back, Lahti is beautiful all year round. When you think you have seen and experienced it all, it is time to explore Finland. Staying in Lahti, a mere 100km away from Helsinki, you will be in the heart of the nature. Surrounded by extravagant lakes and wondrous forests, there has never been a better time to reconnect with nature.
Read moreLahti; The city in the heart of the Lakelands
The city of Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region and its incremental growth means it is fast becoming one of the main economic hubs of Finland. However, The city is known for its wooden architecture and design, non more impressive than Sibelius Hall. An ornate wooden concert and congress hall, completed in 2000, is was created to celebrate Lahti’s industrial history. The main source of inspiration in its design was the Finnish forests, like many of the wooden architecture. Furthemore, Lahti is also known for its impressive manor houses, lakeside cottages, outdoor activities, wellbeing services and lake cruises. Lahti Harbour area offers a peak into the wooden architecture Park, which consists of buildings and structures designed by the winners of the international spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award and Olavi Lanu Sculpture Park, located in the heart of the nature. In the heart of Lahti, there are four Museums, Lahti Historical Museum, Lahtii Art and Design Museum, Ski Museum and Radio and TV Museum, all of which invite you to take a fascinating journey through Finnish history, in particular, life in Lahti.
Päijänne National Park
Lake Päijänne is the second largest lake in Finalnd. In the middles of its open waters you can find a nature lover’s treasure, Päijänne National Park, which consists of small islets and bigger islands with steep rocks or sandy eskers. It is situated in the southern part of the lake and contains around 50 islands and islets. At the very heart of the national park is Kelvenne, one the largest and most attractive esker islands in Finland. You can explore the entire length of the esker island of Kelvenne and its varied nature during this tour.
If it’s not already, Finland should definitely be on your travel wish list. Whether you want to visit this incredible Lakeland region or spend a little more time exploring the Capital, Helsinki or travel to Lapland, get in touch today.
Dates
Day 1
Travel to Finland
Upon arrival in Helsinki and transfer to Lahti (about 100 km). Upon arrival at your hotel, enjoy your a free evening to discover the area.
Day 2
The Best of Lahti; Guided tour and Lake Cruise
This morning, enjoy some free time to explore Lahti, perhaps visit the Suurmäki Observation Deck: In the summer, you can enjoy the wonderful view from the observation deck at the top of the Lahti Ski Jump tower. Afterwards, enjoy a Guided tour by coach & foot in Lahti including Lahti City Hall, Church of Cross (Ristinkirkko), Wooden architecture tour in Lahti harbour area including Sibelius Hall, Pro Wood Gallery and Ulpukka handicraft shop. Then in the afternoon, hop onboard a delightful cruise from Lahti -Vääksy, enjoy a lovely lunch whilst basking in the spectacular splendour of this stunning area. Upon arrival back in Lahti harbour, have the evening at your leisure.
Day 3
Vääksy & Päijänne National Park
Today, you will be met by your guide and you will hop onboard your coach to travel to Vääksy/Asikkala, drive via one of the most scenic routes in the world to the Päijänne National Park. Afterwards, enjoy a private boat transfer to the biggest island, Kelvenne and here, enjoy tranquil picnic lunch (salmon soup, bread, non-alcoholic drink, coffee & pastry around open fire). Upon return to the mainland, continue by coach to Pihamaa winery & Gardens for a tour and tasting of the local delicacies, before returning to Lahti.
Day 4
Heinola & Koirakikka Husky and Reindeer Farm
This morning, take a coach trip to Heinola, where you will enjoy a 2 -hour guided tour of the city. This city tour takes you around Heinola first by coach. After the coach tour, visit the Riverside Park and take a stroll of river front area which is a part of the Heinola National Urban Parks. The National Urban parks invites you to come enjoy the beauty of Finnish nature all year round. But it´s not only parks and nature, it tells a story of a Finnish lifestyle, architecture and history and it´s combined with events and recreation. And the guide is onhand to provide you with a local insight! After the stroll, the group will head to Elämyspuoti – a local handicraft shop full of different hand made products from the area. Afterwards, head to Koirakikka Husky and Reindeer farm, here meet the Finland’s famous inhabitants and enjoy a tea/coffee break whilst here, before returning to Lahti.
Day 5
Helsinki & Lake Tuusula, Return to the UK.
This morning, say goodbye to Lahti and head towards the capital, Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will be met by your guide for 2 hour guided tour of the city including sights such as The National Gallery Ateneum, The National Theatre, Aleksis Kivi statue and Railway Street Square by foot before boarding your coach to view the Finlandia Hall, The National Opera and the Olympic Stadium. Continue to Esplanadi and Kaivopuisto. Viewing the beautiful shoreline with a glimpse of the Suomenlinna Seafortress as well as many more sights to behold. Afterwards, we depart to Lake Tuusula. Here, enjoy a guided tour travelling from Tuusula through Hakaniemi, Kallio, Vallila and Vantaa, before enjoying a Delicious Five Season’s lunch buffet at Restaurant Krapi before finishing at the Halosenniemi; an art museum dedicated to Pekka Halonen and his art. Pekka Halonen is one of the most beloved artists of the ‘Golden Era’ of Finnish art. A versatile artist and master portrayer of Finnish landscapes and people. Perhaps, spend a night or two in Helsinki, if not transfer to the airport.
Extra
Perhaps see more of Finland or visit the Baltics or Scandinavia?
Why not spend some more in Finland by travelling to Lapland and see the Northern Lights (Winter-Spring) or perhaps take a short ferry journey to visit the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania or perhaps travel westwards to see Sweden, Norway or Denmark.
Suggested Hotel
Solo Sokos Lahden Seurahuone ****
One of the most classic hotels in Finland, located in the heart of Lahti, a 12-minute walk from Lahti railway station, 2 km from concerts at Sibelius Hall and 3 km from Launeen Perhepuisto family park. Colourful rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites add separate sitting areas, and private saunas or whirlpool tubs. Additional amenities include an Italian restaurant, a relaxed bar, and a fitness room, as well as a communal sauna and 2 private saunas.
| Dates | Price |
| Summer Dates | Price on request |
| Winter dates | Price on request |