Helsinki-Kouvola-Mikkeli-Savonlinna-Jyväskylä-Tampere-Helsinki (Approximate Length of the Route 1,250 Km)
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Helsinki-Kouvola-Mikkeli-Savonlinna-Jyväskylä-Tampere-Helsinki (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 Finnish Lakeland, 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. Cargo 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 Finland 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 Canal 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 Nuuksio National Park 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 Search for Events in Helsinki 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-Vantaa 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 Porvoo, 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, Repovesi National Park turns 10 this year. The scenery of Repovesi is made up of vast uninhabited forests, bold steep-faced cliffs and dozens of clear lakes 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’ cottage and holiday cottages 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 Nordic countries 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.