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Home , Kangasniemi, Kolovesi National Park, Mikkeli, Pertunmaa, Punkaharju, Puumala

Helsinki----Jyväskylä-- (approximate length of the route 1,250 km)

This tour is meant for all who are interested in nature, amazing natural locations, national parks and an active holiday amidst nature. If you value uniquely alluring and clean lakeland nature and wish to experience something you will never forget, this trip is perfect for you! On this route, we have compiled recommendations from which you can choose the locations that most interest you and where you would like to find accommodation. The recommended route runs from Helsinki through Kouvola, Mikkeli, Savonlinna, Jyväskylä and Tampere back to Helsinki. Along the way, we have collected locations and sights that are particularly suitable for nature travellers. We have also added recommendations for beautiful scenic routes in , whenever the route allows it. We believe that our suggestions can help you to plan and enjoy a fascinating and memorable holiday.

We hope you have a holiday to remember in Helsinki and the Finnish Lakeland! Helsinki for Nature Lovers

Helsinki is a city by the sea. As you walk along the waterfront, the wind ruffles your hair while the waves create ripple in time to your footsteps. Seagulls circle above and keep a sharp lookout for ice cream cones and other human treats. ships, cruise vessels and sailing boats float by on the horizon.

The locals love the sea, often packing a picnic basket and heading for one of the many islands just off the coast. Sunbathers board ferries for the sandy beaches. Those who live by the sea will stroll down to their local beach and cool their feet in the water.

The shoreline that wraps around the Kaivopuisto park is the heart of maritime Helsinki. Enjoy a picnic atop the hill in the park, a drink on the terrace by the rug-washing piers, or an ice cream from one of the kiosks. Then just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Helsinki offers lots of opportunities to relax and unwind. Many will enjoy clearing their heads with a leisurely jog along the shoreline or through the forests of Keskuspuisto, our very own ‘central park’. Helsinki is also ideal for cycling, and finding a bike to rent or borrow is easy.

Text: Heidi Kalmari / Matkailulehti Mondo – Mondo Helsinki Travel Guide

Accommodation Options in Helsinki:

Hotel Fabian - The architecture of the building plays a key role in the design of the interiors creating a unique identity for the hotel. Fabian’s rooms feature stylish, modern design and décor.

Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka - Inside the old brick walls, a fascinating world of contrasts opens up; a modern premier-class hotel built in a historic prison setting.

Park Hotel Käpylä - Located in the middle of an idyllic and historical garden city district and surrounded by wooden houses built in the 1920s.

Rastila Camping - Welcome to Rastila, a city holiday with a camping spirit!

Hotels in Helsinki

We warmly recommend for you in Helsinki:

Suomenlinna (Viapori/Sveaborg) fortress is one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world and built on islands off the coast of Helsinki. Suomenlinna is one of the most popular attractions in and a residential area. It was included in Unesco’s World Heritage List in 1991 as a unique monument to European military architecture.

The island of Seurasaari is a popular outdoor recreation area and open air museum. It was made a public park in 1890 and quickly became a popular place for picnics and parties. The people of Helsinki were introduced to many new things such as photography, ice-cream and fireworks at Seurasaari.

Helsinki’s markets are popular with everybody! Coffee with a cinnamon bun, doughnut or meat pie at the Market Square or Hakaniemi Market Square is a great way of slowing down and enjoying the city with all your senses. Cycling in Helsinki - Cycling is a great way to see the sights and surrounding nature. Helsinki offers around 750 kilometres of well-maintained bicycle routes. Baana is a new 1.3-kilometre corridor for pedestrians and cyclists that runs along a disused railway line through the city, connecting the Töölönlahti and Ruoholahti districts.

Helsinki has a long shoreline best appreciated from the sea. Sightseeing cruises depart from the Market Square – one of the finest routes travels through the archipelago of East Helsinki. For example “The Beautiful Route” by Strömma has been voted the best tourist attraction in Helsinki. Alternatively, kayaks or canoes can be rented in Vuosaari, for example.

Hietalahti Market Square and Market Hall - At Hietalahti Market Square, there is a popular outdoor flea market, especially in summertime. The indoor market hall at Hietalahti no longer sells art and antiques, as it is being returned to its original purpose as a food hall.

The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia opened in in May 2013. Haltia is a new type of visitor centre, bringing all of Finland’s nature under one roof and closer to the visitor through both the building’s facilities and its stunning exhibitions. Nature from all over Finland can be experienced in the Helsinki region!

Main Events in Helsinki

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General Information:

Planning your stay in Helsinki: www.visithelsinki.fi/en www.facebook.com/visithelsinki www.youtube.com/Visithelsinki https://twitter.com/HelsinkiTourism Traveller Discussions Helsinki Mobile Apps

Helsinki City Tourist Information Unioninkatu 28, Helsinki Tel: +358-9-310 13300 Email: [email protected]

Other Tourist Information Centres in Helsinki: Helsinki Region Tourist Information - Helsinki- airport (Terminal 2 – Arrival Hall 2A) Tourist Information - Central Railway Station

Public Transport Taxis, car rentals and parking Experience Wireless Helsinki

Travelling in Finland by train or airplane

Travel Advice:

On the way from Helsinki to Kouvola, we recommend a stop in , is the second oldest town in Finland. The timeless and unique atmosphere of the Porvoo Old Town is sure to appeal to travellers from all over the world. Take Route 7 from Helsinki, Kouvola for Nature Lovers

Our pride and joy and Destination of the Year 2012, turns 10 this year. The scenery of Repovesi is made up of vast uninhabited forests, bold steep-faced cliffs and dozens of clear and ponds. Thanks to the varied but always impressive landscape, Repovesi National Park is one of Finland’s favourite trekking destinations.

From Route 15 leaving Kouvola, turn onto the Valkeala-Mäntyharhu road (no. 368 )at Valkeala. After Vuohijärvi village, drive for about 8 km then turn right. From the junction it is about 3½ km to the Lapinsalmi car park. Continuing on Route 368, we come to the Orilampi Holiday Centre. Orilampi’s diverse holiday centre on the edge of Repovesi has a wilderness environment and homely tourist services. It is known for good food and a summer water-bus cruise that shows tourists the best things about the North Valkeala wilderness areas.

Accommodation choices in the Kouvola region:

Orilammen lomakeskus. Different levels of accommodation from manor houses to campsites.

In Repovesi National Park, different types of accommodation can be booked for any kind of explorer. Cabins for accommodation are located in a beautiful natural environment by the shores of lakes. If you want your own peace and quiet in Repovesi, the park also has four new huts that can be rented from Metsähallitus. For all bookings visit Tervarumpu.

Verlan mökit.Close to the Verla Mill Village are old mill workers’ and holiday belonging to UPM-Kymmene, which can be rented out for holiday use.

Mikkelän Maatila. Bed & Breakfast on a farm in rooms or apartments for 2-4 people is also suitable for groups. Accommodation for up to 15 people. Rustic peace close to the city and the road to Helsinki.

We warmly recommend the following destinations: Repoveden kansallispuisto. Repovesi is a traditional and popular destination for trekkers. Available are a total of 40 km of marked hiking trails of different levels and many places for camping and making a fire. Choose your trail according to what you want, from easy paths to demanding climbs over cliffs. The 120-km Valkeala hiking trail also crosses the park. The 10-metre high swaying suspension bridge at Lapinsalmi is a unique experience for many visitors, and makes a real impression.

The lakes of the national park offer a fantastic opportunity to travel by rowing boat or canoe. Canoes can easily be rented from, for example, Hillosensalmen asemalta. The sights of Repovesi include Olhavanvuori hill, which is favoured by climbers and is one of the best climbing venues in Southern Finland, and the Golden Trail, which offers the chance to take a water-bus into the wilderness. Repovesi National Park is Southeast Finland’s largest unbroken and uninhabited area of forest, swamp and lakes. Its fauna includes red-throated divers, lynx, elk, owls and different kinds of fowl.

Eija´s Garden. This English country garden is situated in Ruotsinpyhtää on the banks of the Kymijoki river at Ahvenkoski, and is open to the public.

Arboretum Mustila. Arboretum Mustila was founded in 1902, and is unique park in the for its different species of conifer. It is situated by the Helsinki-Kouvola motorway. Nearly 100 conifer species, about 150 broad-leaved tree species and numerous shrubs, vines, bulbs and perennials from all over the world have been planted in the arboretum, which covers 120 hectares. Arboretum Mustila is especially famous for its rhododendrons, of which it has more than 100 different species. In June a colourful sea of flowers can be seen in Rhododendron Valley when hundreds of different species and hybrids are blooming. The area also has Mustilan Viinin a winery and shop as well as a nursery. Moision kartanon pihapuisto

Kultareittiristeily Cruises on the Tuuletar II depart from the jetty at Orilampi Holiday Centre and passengers can see the best of the North Valkeala wilderness.

Further information: Are you planning a trip to the Kouvola region? Find out more at our website: www.visitkouvola.fi

Kouvola tourist information: · Kauppalankatu 5, Kouvola, Finland · Tel: +358 (0)206 155 295 · E-mail: @kinno.fi

The journey continues We recommend that you choose Route 370 from Kouvola and continue on Route 368 towards Mäntyjarju and the Mikkeli region (approx. 135 km).

Mikkeli for Nature Lovers (Mikkeli region)

Mäntyharju provides diverse nature activities throughout the year. In fact, it is said that Mäntyharju is the “northern gate” to the Repovesi National Park. We recommend canoeing the Keisarilähde route or mountain biking from Mäntyharju to Repovesi.

Other significant nature sights and attractions in the Mikkeli region include the Astuvansalmi rock paintings in Eistiina, Neitvuori and the Hiidenmaa hiking route, the Luonteri canoeing route and the Orava route in . We also recommend seeing the archipelago, the home of the ringed seal. In addition to this, the Mikkeli region is a dream location for anglers, which provides the opportunity for rapids fishing, guided fishing trips and, of course, relaxed angling on a pier.

We are proud to present Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest natural freshwater lake in Europe. It's the main lake of the water system, whose outlet river Vuoksi flows into Lake Laatokka, from which the Saimaa water then streams onwards along Nevajoki River to the .

Accommodation Options in the Mikkeli Region:

You can stay overnight in Mäntyharju and get back on the road in the morning or, alternatively, continue on via Mikkeli to Anttola, and Puumala, or or Juva.

Bed and breakfast accommodation in Mäntyharju/:

B&B Pinus, Mäntyharju. A charming bed and breakfast near the centre of the town.

B&B Lahdelma in Pertunmaa is a bed and breakfast that operates in connection with an organic farm. Located between Mäntyharju and Mikkeli. Bed and breakfast accommodation in Anttola and Ristiina:

B&B Harmola Farm, Anttola. This location near Neitvuori and the Hiidenmaa hiking trail amidst breathtaking lake landscapes and rural vistas is also a operational farm.

Raijan Aitta is located between Mikkeli and Anttola. In addition to bed and breakfast accommodation, it provides the opportunity to pick strawberries and raspberries, shop at a crafts boutique and enjoy the famous strawberry cake at the café.

Tuukkalan tila in Ristiina is a charming location and operational farm situated along the Green Gold Culture Road. The distance to the Astuvansalmi rock paintings is about 24 km.

Bed and breakfast accommodation in Puumala:

B&B Nestorinranta is located in the beautiful Puumala archipelago and provides a variety of accommodation options, fishing, boat rentals and boat trips.

Bed and breakfast accommodation in Kangasniemi and Juva:

Kakkaramäki, Kangasniemi.

Läsäkoski Mansion, Kangasniemi.

Juva Camping, Juva. A four-star camping area with cabins available for rent. The starting point of the Orava canoeing route. Canoe renting and transport services.

More options for B&B accommodation

We warmly recommend for you in the Mikkeli region:

Mäntyharju: Mäntyharju is a diverse nature travel location, where new mountain biking and canoeing routes will be completed in 2013.

At the Tyryn viini vineyard, you can buy berry wine and sample liqueurs, local spirits and a variety of other drinks. In the summer, the vineyard also serves a lunch buffet of local food.

Linkkumylly offers art exhibitions, concert and summer café services along the Repovesi-Mäntyharju hiking trail.

Mikkelin Anttola and Ristiina: We recommend the route from Mäntyharju via Mikkeli to Puumala. Along the way (Route 62), you can stop by at the Ollinmäki Wine Farm and Neitvuori, the highest hill in Southern Savo, which commands a spectacular view of the Luonteri reach of Lake Saimaa. The Hiidenmaa hiking trail begins from Neitvuori and leads hikers to guided routes of varying lengths.

Anttola is a charming village with shops, a pharmacy, bakery and an idyllic restaurant in the harbour. In the Anttola harbour, Guide Tiina rents out canoes and kayaks. You can also order a guided trip to the beautiful Saimaa archipelago to see the Saimaa ringed seal, for example. The Anttolanhovi Restaurant, famous for its local food, serves from morning to night every day, and you can also find accommodation in the lakeside villas. The fresh-baked bread and pastries conjured up by Kirsi the baker are sure to please anyone, and they can also be bought to take with you on the road.

Puumala: The Puumala archipelago provides a wealth of services, breathtaking vistas and excellent food – come and visit us!

Finn Active Travel offers complete canoeing packages. Restaurant Niinipuu on Niinisaari island serves up local food at its very best. Accommodation is also available in unique lakeside villas.

Juva: The Squirrel Route (Oravareitti) is a 57-km long canoeing route which runs between Juva and . The route is also suitable for family outings, and is the first biologically studied Finnish aquatic nature trail marked with information plaques. The water condition of the route is best in early summer in May-June. Current information about the water level of the route will be updated on these sites.

You will find more information on services, routes and guides in the Mikkeli Region here.

General Information: Planning your stay in Mikkeli region: www.visitmikkeli.fi/en

Tourist Information in Mikkeli: Savilahdenkatu 8, 50100 Mikkeli, Finland (Shopping Centre Stella) Tel: +358 44 794 5669 Email: [email protected]

Travel Advice: When leaving Anttola, we recommend taking the route from Sulkava to Savonlinna. Along the way (Route 438), you can drive through the beautiful Vilkanharju scenic route and stop by at Holiday Resort Kukkapää for lunch, for example. (About 125 km depending on the selected route)

Savonlinna for Nature Lovers

Savonlinna is located amidst the thousands of lakes of the labyrinthine Saimaa lake region. Water connects the area to Helsinki, the sea and the rest of the world through the . Almost 40% of the area is covered in fresh water where the rare Saimaa ringed seal thrives. In addition to traditional steam boat and sightseeing cruises, you can also embark on longer cruises from Savonlinna: a boat trip from Savonlinna via Puumalan and to Helsinki, a cruise to along the beautiful Heinävesi Canal route, and a day trip to or the Oravi Village and the Linnasaari National Park.

During the bright Finnish summer, you can enjoy a high-quality cabin by Lake Saimaa at the heart of the largest lake area in Europe or hike and canoe in the national parks of Linnasaari and Kolovesi. Cyclists can enjoy the spectacular landscapes on the Suur-Saimaa route, or tailor their own route with a cycling guide.

In Savonlinna, we recommend you visit the Castle, take a sightseeing cruise on a nostalgic steam ship, stop by on Riihisaari island at the Provincial Museum of Savonlinna. Also remember to visit the Lake Saimaa Nature and Information Centre. If you fancy a picnic, head to Sulosaari island in the city centre. Beaches and rocks perfect for dipping in the pristine waters of Lake Saimaa can be found all over town.

Accommodation Options in the Savonlinna Region:

Summer Hotel Vuorilinna is located on the picturesque Kasino island, a short walk from the market place and the train stop in the city centre. Lomamokkila Experience an authentic countryside environment with a variety of domestic animals, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the host family. Accommodation in outbuildings, the main building and lakeside cabins. Home-cooked meals and plenty of activities. Located a 15-minute drive from the centre of Savonlinna.

A holiday cabin in the Savonlinna region is an excellent way to spend the Finnish summer and experience the lake environment!

More information on the accommodation locations can be found here.

We warmly recommend for you:

The Olavinlinna Castle was established in 1475 to bolster the eastern border defence. The castle has been used for tourist purposes since the 1850s, and the first Opera Festival was held in 1912. Guided tours are organised on a daily basis.

The Savonlinna Provincial Museum on Riihisaari provides information on the cultural history and nature of the Saimaa region – the Saimaa ringed seal, for example.

During the summer, you should definitely take a cruise on a nostalgic steam ship to the Savonlinna archipelago or to Punkaharju, for example. Longer cruises on motor ships to Oravi, Kuopio, Lappeenranta and Helsinki are also available. www.savonlinna.travel

The Savonlinna Market Place is a meeting place for locals, where you can enjoy the local delicacy “muikku” (fried vendace) and “lörtsy” (a type of folded meat pie).

The Sulosaari island is located right behind Spa Hotel Casino. In other words, you need but cross a few bridges to get to the heart of nature in the Saimaa lake region and enjoy a picnic, for example.

You can go for a swim at many locations in the centre of Savonlinna, such as the beach of the Pikku play park, on the Kasino island and the islands behind it in Heikinpohja, as well as the beach of the Savonlinna indoor swimming pool.

Savonlinna-Punkaharju We recommend taking the trip from Savonlinna to Punkaharju on an atmospheric steam ship or shuttle train. In Punkaharju, you should visit the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto and walk or cycle along the Punkaharju ridge. You can engage in guided nature activities, such as Nordic walking or traditional remedies at Kruunupuisto in Punkaharju. Beaches for swimming are also available throughout the ridge area.

Accommodation and Sights in Punkaharju:

S/S Heinävesi, steam ship cruises between Savonlinna and Punkaharju.

Punkaharju Holiday Centre and Camping and Harjun Portti provide diverse accommodation by Lake Saimaa.

More information on the accommodation locations can be found here.

Punkaharju - Linnansaari National Park ( and Oravi) + From Punkaharju, we recommend moving on to the Linnasaari National Park and visiting the world's largest wooden church in Kerimäki along the way. You can also stop by at the Hytermä nature reserve island before arriving at the national park. You should head to the national park through the Rantasalmi locations Oskari Nature Park Visitor Centre and Holiday Resort Järvisydän, which provides daily boat rides to the main island of the national park and onwards to Oravi village. At the national park, you can engage in activities, such as canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking and trips to see the Saimaa ringed seal (these activities are also possible on guided tours). The main island of the Linnansaari National Park also has a camping area. From Oravi, you can continue your trip on the M/S Puijo ship, for example, either back to Savonlinna or on to Kuopio. Accommodation and sights in the Linnansaari National Park and its surroundings:

Holiday Resort Järvisydän and the Heiskanen family have hosted travellers and guests amidst the breathtaking rocky landscapes of Poronsalmi since 1658. The current offering includes high-quality villa housing, local food in the local style, possibly the largest wine cellar in the Savo region and plenty of nature activities in the Linnasaari National Park.

The Sammakonniemi camping area is located on the main island of Linnansaari, which is accessible by shuttle boat from Holiday Resort Järvisydän or the village of Oravi.

SaimaaHoliday Oravi offers diverse accommodation options and nature activities in the Linnansaari and Kolovesi national parks.

More information on the accommodation locations can be found here.

General Information: Planning your stay in Savonlinna Region: www.savonlinna.travel

Tourist Information in Savonlinna Puistokatu 1, 57100 Savonlinna, Finland Tel: +358 600 30007 (€0.76/min.) Email: [email protected]

Travel Advice:

From Savonlinna, we recommend you continue on to , where you can visit the Mechanical Music Museum. Then, take Route 23 from Varkaus to Pieksämäki and, from there, Route 447 to Kangasniemi. After Kangasniemi, follow Route 616 to (about 218 km).

Jyväskylä Region for Nature Lovers

The best of what Central Finland can offer are the numerous lakes, undulating landscapes, lakes and rapids rich with fish and lakeside cabins, as well as cruises on the large lakes of Päijänne, Keitele and Keurusselkä. Central Finland has four national parks, each with its own unique traits. The most impressive old-growth forests can be found in the Pyhä-Häkki National Park in Saarijärvi. Wonderful hiking trails are also available in the other national parks in our region in Leivonmäki, Isojärvi and Salamajärvi.

The capital of the province, Jyväskylä, is a hub of culture, education and commerce of some 135,000 inhabitants. In Jyväskylä, we recommend you visit the Alvar Aalto Museum. The city provides a unique opportunity to see this famous architect's works from various phases of his creative period. Approximately 20 buildings designed by Aalto draw architectural enthusiasts from all over the world to the region. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Petäjävesi Church and the measurement point of the Struve Geodetic Arc on Oravivuori Hill, are also definitely worth a visit.

We warmly recommend for you:

Design Pylsy, Pertunmaantie 912, 19650 Joutsa Hand-printed textiles that combine modern elegance and Finnish folk tradition are created on the nostalgic premises of an old school in Joutsa. Leivonmäki National Park's footpaths and duckboard paths, which are suitable for day trips for the entire family in terms of their length and difficulty, meander through the awe-inspiring wilderness. Several camp fire spots are available in the area for hikers to stop and rest. The park is located by Route E4.

The beautiful lake vistas of Central Finland can be admired from Kärkistensalmi Bridge that crosses Lake Päijänne. The road to take is Route 610 due west from Route E4 and head towards Korpilahti. A nice place to stop is the Korpilahti harbour restaurant and the adjacent Emalipuu crafts shop, which features high- quality crafts products. The second floor of the shop houses an art gallery. Café Restaurant Satamakapteeni, Korpilahdentie 8, 41800 Korpilahti

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Struve Geodetic Arc In the eartly 19th century, German-born astronomer F.G.W. Struve decided to determine the size and shape of the Earth more accurately than before through triangulation that reached from the Black Sea to the Arctic Ocean. One of the protected measurement points is located by Lake Päijänne on Oravivuori Hill in Korpilahti. The observation tower on the hill commands a breathtakingly beautiful view. The walking distance from the parking area is about 1½ km. Address: Oravivuori, Korpilahti

When driving towards the centre of Jyväskyä from Korpilathi, you should stop by in Säynätsalo where you can admire Säynätsalo Town Hall. It's one of the most revered works of the famous architect Alvar Aalto's red brick era, and a site especially favoured by architects and students in the field. Address: Parviaisentie 9

Juurikkasaari Harbour, which is popular among boaters, lies a few kilometres from the town hall. The harbour is also the northern base of Päijänne-purjehdus, the biggest sailing event held on Finnish inland waters. Restaurant. Lakeside sauna available for rent. Address: Juurikantie 5, 40900 Säynätsalo

Jyväskylä Harbour and cruises on Lake Päijänne Lake Päijänne is the deepest and second largest lake in Finland. Its length is 120 km. During the summer, many cruises of various lengths depart from Jyväskylä Harbour. s/s Suomi. Providing atmospheric cruises on Lake Päijänne since 1906. m/s Rhea. Sightseeing Cruises

Cruises along the Keitele-Päijänne Canal

Restaurant Vesilinna, Jyväskylä. Located on the fringes of the Harju ridge, this restaurant offers not only delicious food, but a spectacular view over the city. Address: Ihantolantie 5

Café Muisto, a charming café in an old block of wooden buildings. address : Cygnaeuksenkatu 2

Naissaari Coffee and Design Shop and nature trail Naissaari is a beautiful wooden district on an island surrounded by rapids. The area is home to the Keitele- Päijänne Canal Gate, summer art exhibitions at Wanha Woimala as well as a beach for swimming. A nature trail that climbs a nearby hill providing magnificent views is located in the vicinity. The area also has Design-Puoti, which sells Finnish crafts and design products.

Accommodation Options:

Manor Hotel Taulun Kartano, . Tastefully decorated first-rate rooms and a cosy restaurant. Smoke sauna on request. Only advance bookings allowed.

Spa Hotel Rantasipi Laajavuori, Jyväskylä

Situated in a natural location but still near the centre of Jyväskylä. Good hiking environments and a nature trail are nearby. Another accommodation option in the same area is Gasthaus Laajis.

Hotel Alba, Jyväskylä. Located right by Lake Jyväsjärvi some 1½ km from the city centre. A beautiful cycling route about 15 km long goes around the lake.

Laukaa Central Finland is known for its numerous rapids that provide recreational anglers with prime fishing spots, such as those on the Kuusaankoski and Kapeenkoski rapids. Those travelling by car can also admire the beautiful scenery. In the summer by Kuusaan Gate in the Keitele Canal, you can board a canal boat for a cruise to Äänekoski lasting a few hours.

Accommodation Options in Laukaa

Varjola Farm, located on the banks of the roaring Kuusaankoski rapids, offers fishing and other memorable activities in addition to B&B accommodation. Delicious local food. Enchanting café.

Spa Hotel Peurunka is a diverse recreational centre where you can be accommodated in a hotel room or high-quality flat. Excellent sports and exercise services.

Saarijärvi The most impressive old-growth forest can be found in the Pyhä-Häkki National Park in Saarijärvi. The oldest trees date back to the late 16th century. The park features routes that are 1-5 km long. One of the specialities of Central Finland is the reconstruction of a village from the late Stone Age by the picturesque Lake Summasjärvi, based on archaeological studies.

The Stone Age Village between June and August. Saarijärven Eräpalvelu, which operates by the Stone Age Village, organises hunting, fishing and nature trips. You can rent a cabin and a variety of saunas on the shore of Lake Summasjärvi. Kivikirveentie 10, Saarijärvi

Accommodation Options:

Purola Farm, B&B accommodation in first-rate rooms, Icelandic horses

Spa Hotel Summassaari accommodation in hotel rooms or flat by the lake

Petäjävesi

Petäjävesi Old Church was honoured as a UNESCO world heritage landmark in 1994 as an excellent example of a Lutheran country church built of logs. To the west from Petäjävesi, you’ll find the old wooden churches of Keuruu and from the same period.

Jämsä

Kievari Rantapirtti Inn organises canoeing trips on the popular Wanhan Witonen route and rents equipment for independent canoeing trips. Restaurant, accommodation. Petäjävedentie 448, Jämsä

Restaurant Moose Manor is the only place in Finland where you can watch elk at close range. The restaurant serves rural gourmet food in a charming environment.

Uusi-Yijälä Farm is an excellent place to eat: in the atmospheric dining hall, you can taste Finnish food at its best. Sample the farm's own wine. B&B accommodation. Located in the Himos tourist area.

Fishing trips in Himos take place at the best fishing spots in the area and the nearby Lake Päijänne, the second largest lake in Finland. The possibilities are endless.

Isojärvi National Park in Kuhmoinen is a small area of wilderness perfect for trips lasting a day or two, and for hiking and canoeing.

Accommodation Options:

Holiday Centre Himos is a holiday village that provides a variety of activities throughout the year, cabin accommodation and a small hotel. Golf course.

Majatalo Morva is a charming rural hotel and reservation only restaurant with cabins available for rent.

General information

Planning your stay in Jyväskylä Region: www.jyvaskylaregion.fi/travel, www.centralfinland.net Tourist Information in Jyväskylä Asemakatu 6, 40100 Jyväskylä, Finland Tel: +358 14 266 0113 E-mail: [email protected]

Tourist Information in Saarijärvi www.luonnonvoimaa.net

Tourist Information in Jämsä: www.jamsek.fi

Travel Advice: From Jämsä, the route continues to Mänttä-Vilppula and onwards to Kuru and Seitseminen through Ruovesi and Helvetinjärvi. (approx. 135 km)

Tampere for Nature Lovers

You have now arrived in the Seitseminen National Park, which provides limitless possibilities for hiking. You can explore the area along over 60 km of marked trails on foot, snowshoes, skis or a bicycle. If you want, you can spend a few days in the park and stay overnight in a Finnish ‘laavu’ lean-to or tent. Rental cabins are also available, if you prefer sturdier walls around you. Camp fire spots and water outlets have been positioned along the hiking routes. This is your opportunity to head into the forest and finally see the wood from the trees! If you visit the park during the berry season, bring a container. Finnish everyman's rights ensure that you can pick berries to make a delicious pie, for example.

The Helvetinjärvi National Park is located in Ruovesi. The signposts to Helvetinkolu are on Route 66 when driving from Keuruu. In Helvetinkolu, you can admire the vestiges of the Ice Age, and the crystal clear Lake Helvetinjärvi is a wonderful destination for short day trips. Despite its name, Helvetinjärvi (lit. Hell Lake) is as pleasant as can be.

When in Tampere, you can't help but find yourself in nature. Natural forests, where you can enjoy the rustle of trees and the song of birds, can be found but a stone's throw from the city centre. On Pyynikinharju, the longest longitudinal ridge in the world, you will feel like you're on top of the world. Take in the scents and sounds of summer! In the space of a few days, you can visit a great many forests in the city area. During the summer season, the weekly offering of activities provides a wealth of amazing and engaging nature experiences.

Tampere is also a great city for cycling. You can rent a bicycle at a number of locations and get on the road! The Visit Tampere tourist information desks can provide you with a comprehensive cycling map of the area.

What's more, the breathtaking nature isn't limited to the central area of Tampere. You can hop on a bus and ride to Hervanta. The lakeside route that goes around Lake Suolijärvi takes you so far from habitation that it becomes impossible to imagine that you are near a suburb of 25,000 residents. The Birgitta Trail in Lempäälä provides the opportunity for a longer hike, but still remains close to civilisation.

Accommodation Options:

The Luomajärvi Horse Inn is an inn that offers rural romanticism, a malt sauna and genuine countryside atmosphere. It's just the right place for you if you don't need all modern conveniences. The outbuildings have been renovated in the traditional style, and the authentic feel is bolstered by the horses and sheep sauntering in their pens. The farm even has a cockerel to wake weary travellers in the morning. The Yellow Country House B&B. Experience the air of a historical village right next door to the old ruined church in Pälkäne. The nostalgic guest rooms on the second floor of the building welcome travellers throughout the year.

Sappeen matkailukeskus ski and holiday resort offers opportunities for winter and summer activities. The available activities include Frisbee golf, downhill cycling and riding. The accommodation is also excellent.

We warmly recommend for you:

Seitseminen Visitor Centre. A trip to the Seitseminen National Park should begin through the visitor centre. It provides information on Finnish forests and nature in the national parks, along with maps and other useful information for hikers.

The Yrjölä Berry Farm in Hämeenkyrö is located amidst national landscapes and provides an excellent place to stop and replenish your rations for the road. The available offering includes berries, fruit, vegetables and products from local farms and small producers. You can also stop by at the café and admire the beauty of Finnish nature in the summer.

The Pyhäjärvi Cycling Route. A signposted cycling route runs around Lake Pyhäjärvi to the south side of Tampere. The length of the route is 30 kilometres, and it stays as close to the lakeside as possible. On a bicycle, you can see the city from a complete new perspective and see how close the countryside really is.

Nature in the city. The centre of Tampere has grown on a narrow neck of land between two lakes. The landscape is dominated by the lakes and the longest longitudinal ridge in the world, which was formed during the Ice Age. Nature is present everywhere you go. Enjoy the diversity of nature in the city.

Weekly Activity Schedule. Answer the call, get up and go. With a professional wilderness guide, it's easy and perfectly safe even for beginners to venture out into nature. The weekly activity schedule of nature activities provides hiking trips and other activities for more experienced nature enthusiasts as well. Come alone or in a group!

If you're travelling by bike, you can ride on board the steam ship Tarjanne , which is more than 100 years old, and enjoy a relaxing summer day on the boat. The ship will bring you to Mustalahti Harbour, which is right by the centre of Tampere.

Fishing! The capital of Finland's Zanderland, Tampere has plenty of fishing waters, even in the very heart of the city centre. From Tammerkoski, a couple of steps away from the busy main street, you can actually catch a real whopper! Let waterways inspire you and find your favorite fishing site.

General information: Planning your stay in Tampere Region: www.visittampere.fi

Tourism Information in Tampere Rautatienkatu 25 A, 33100 Tampere Tel: +358 3 5656 6800 Email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/Tampere tourist information www.twitter.com/visittampere www.tampereallbright.fi

Travel Advice: For those heading from Tampere to Helsinki, we recommend taking the old Route 3, now Route 130. The former main artery now meanders through enchanting rural and lake vistas in a leisurely fashion. Along the way, you can stop by at Visavuori and see Emil Vikström's art studio, or visit the Iittala Glass Centre to purchase authentic Finnish glass design as a souvenir. (Tampere–Helsinki about 184 km) Thank you for your visit! We hope you enjoyed your time with us and found surprising and memorable locations and sights along the way. We also hope you will return to see us in Helsinki and Finnish Lakeland. We are happy to receive feedback and ideas for improvement at [email protected]

Thank you and have a safe trip home! Tourist service providers of Helsinki and Finnish Lakeland

More information on travel services in Finland: www.visitfinland.com