Stay : The grand tour of Finland
Finland, a large and beautiful country that we propose you to discover in three weeks. Starting fromHelsinki, you will then go inland, cross large natural parks, discover endless forests and majestic lakes before visiting the mysterious Lapland of Santa Claus and the gold diggers. An unforgettable journey
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
24 days
€€€ - Luxury
Detail of the stay : The grand tour of Finland - 24 days
Day 1: First steps in Helsinki
Steps: Turku, Helsinki, Kuopio
Capital in kaleidoscope. Visit of the city and its monuments. The Market Square with the double-headed eagle, symbol of the Russian era, then the Senate Square dominated by the imposing Lutheran cathedral with its green dome and surrounded by the Empire buildings of the architect Engel. Visit the Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral on the hilltop of Katajanokka, Kaivopuisto Park with its marina, Temppeliaukion Kirkko Church built under the rock, the Sibelius Monument in honour of the great Finnish composer, the Finlandia Palace in Italian white marble, and the Esplanadi Alley with the statue of Havis Amanda.
PLACE DU SÉNAT / PALAIS FINLANDIA / CATHÉDRALE USPENSKI / ÉGLISE DE TEMPPELIAUKIO / CATHÉDRALE LUTHÉRIENNE (TUOMIOKIRKKO) / MONUMENT SIBELIUS
Day 2: Helsinki, culture, shopping and nature
Steps: Helsinki
Visit of the Kiasma Museum to discover Finnish contemporary art, and the Finnish audacity in this matter, and then visit the Ateneum, which houses the treasures of the greatest romantic Finnish painters: Gallèn-Kallela, Edelfelt, Rissanen... Shopping in Missisquoi, the largest store in the Nordic countries, and an inescapable excursion on Suomenlinna fortress island classified as World heritage of mankind.
FORTERESSE SUOMENLINNA / ATENEUM - MUSÉE DES BEAUX-ARTS / KIASMA - MUSÉE D'ART CONTEMPORAIN
Day 3: In the footsteps of the Tsar in Porvoo
Steps: Porvoo, Tammisaari - Ekenäs, Helsinki, Imatra
DepartHelsinki for Porvoo, the second oldest city in Finland. Situated on the banks of a river, the old town is famous for its beautiful red wooden houses, craft shops and pastry shops. In 1809, in the medieval cathedral of Porvoo, Tsar Alexander I (1777-1825) officially integrated the Grand Duchy of Finland into the Russian Empire. The autonomy it enjoyed at that time was a first step towards the independence it gained in 1917. Stop in the picturesque village of Ruotsinpyhtää to admire the forges dating from 1695. On the way toImatra, linger at the beautiful Langinkoski rapids. Czar Alexander III (1845-1894) had a fishing residence here, which has now been converted into a museum showing his fishing trips with his court. See in particular the souvenirs of the imperial family and the flag of Roumanov. In Imatra, admire the Vuoksi rapids, which Tsar Nicholas I (1796-1855) immediately decided to protect as he found them so grandiose. The Valtionhotelli is also worth a visit. You can spend the night there (spa and discotheque).
TUOMIOKIRKKO-CATHÉDRALE
Day 4: Treasures of Karelia and Savonlinna
Steps: Savonlinna, Punkaharju
Punkaharju is reached by the famous road that winds over a 25 m high isthmus between two large lakes, occupying only the width of the road. Then towards Savonlinna: in the centre of the city is the founded in 1475. In July, it hosts one of the oldest music festivals in Europe in July: the. Opera Festival.
CHÂTEAU D'OLAVINLINNA
Day 5: Canoeing on Lake Saimaa
Steps: Lappeenranta, Mikkeli, Oravi
Departure by canoe fromOravi to Linnansaari Island. Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest lake in Europe. It stretches from Lappeenranta to Mikkeli and Puumala. Pure landscapes, original setting between pine groves and fine sandy beaches suitable for swimming, small islands with rounded shapes or cliffs plunging into the depths of the lake. At the rhythm of the paddle, take the time to taste the joys and delights of the Saimaa. When you dock at Linnansaari, stretch your legs on the hiking trails. Grill your sausages (makkara) over a wood fire and relax in the sauna. Sometimes life is so simple. You have become Finnish! A good night's sleep in one of the small cabins, mökki.
Day 6: Observation of Saimaa Lake fauna
Steps: Oravi
If you have not yet seen the protected seal species (saimaa seal), evolving near the lake islands, this is the time (spring). Enjoy a small journey in the nature reserve of Linnansaari before returning quietly to Oravi, happy...
Day 7: Cruise to Kuopio
Steps: Jyväskylä, Mikkeli, Savonlinna, Kuopio
You are now leaving Karelia and heading for the heart of the lake district, which has been widely promoted by the country abroad. All these lakes are about the size of Belgium. This labyrinth of lakes, rivers and canals connects the region's towns such as Mikkeli, Savonlinna, Jyväskylä and Kuopio. The most pleasant way to get to Kuopio is to take the Saimaa Canal. From Savonlinna, you board an authentic steamboat that travels up the canal. Sit back and enjoy the view. You will arrive in Kuopio in the evening.
Day 8: Day trip to Kuopio
Before continuing on to Kuusamo, linger in Kuopio. Founded by Governor General Peter Brahe in 1653, Kuopio only became a city in 1775 by decision of King Gustav III of Sweden. From the 19th century onwards, it was considered one of the centres of Finnish culture. Music, literature and art were indeed emerging in Kuopio at the end of the 19th century. The city was home to major intellectual and artistic figures. Start with the outstanding Orthodox Museum of Religious Art with its superb icons. Another interesting site is the Market Square, the nerve centre of Kuopio. Taste fish such as muikku there. Finally, go to the heights of the city to the Puijo Tower which rises to 75 m. The view of the lake district from the top is breathtaking. On the bus to Kuusamo (6.5 hours), a piece of advice: Philippe Guicheteau's Letters from Finland.
Day 9: Rafting in Kuusamo
The town of Kuusamo, 800 km northeast of Helsinki, is close to the Russian border. In just a few years, the region has become one of the most popular tourist destinations. The striking beauty of nature is the reason for this. Forests and woods stretch as far as the eye can see, interspersed here and there with lakes, rivers, rapids and streams. The waterways, strategic for the Finnish economy until the middle of the 20th century for the transport of wood and materials, cover 799 km². They attract canoeists, swimmers, fishermen, and all sportsmen who love nature. Assisted by professionals, try a rafting trip. In summer, the rapids are boiling and deafening. The category of the courses differs according to your level. During the summer months, it is one of the most popular activities in the region. If you prefer dry land to rough water, Kuusamo also offers motocross safaris. You can follow the tracks that go deep into the forests and stretch into the streams. For a thrill before you leave Kuusamo, take a ride down the Runis slide on Mount Ruka. The 1 km long descent propels you at 60 km/h. A lift takes you to the top of the mountain. If it's sunny, you can enjoy the view all the way to Russia.
RAPIDES
Day 10: The "Bear Circuit", towards Savilampi
Steps: Seurasaari, Salla
Nature is beautiful and wild in this part of Finland. So go hiking and immerse yourself in this beautiful biotope. The Oulanka National Park (Saami name literally means "tumultuous river") is known for the purity of its landscape. It is also home to the famous Bear Trail, or Karhunkierros (80 km), a hiker's dream. The refuges along the route will allow you to organize your stay in the best possible way. Some sites are impressive. See for example the Rupakivi rock in the Savinajoki river, the Oulanka canyon, the Taivalköngäs and Kiutaköngäs rapids and the Jyrävä waterfall. From the Hautajärvi information centre to the Savilampi hut. Don't forget the brochures and maps at the information centre, they will be useful. Let's go! After a few kilometers in the Finnish taiga, you are facing the most impressive site of the park: the Oulanka canyon. To enjoy the site even more, go down to the bottom of the canyon. Then continue along the Savinajoki River to Savilampi. Overnight at the Savilampi hut.
OULANKA NATIONAL PARK
Day 11: "Bear Circuit" from Savilampi to Taivalköngäs
Pass the Suspendu suspension Bridge, along the Oulankajoki, along the Falaises cliffs and enjoy a good night's sleep in Taivalköngäs.
Day 12: "Bear Circuit" from Taivalköngäs to Kiutaköngäs
Steps: Imatra
After a few hours of hiking along the Oulankajoki, the second great time of this journey: Arrival in Kiutaköngäs. You can admire the rapids before enjoying the camping sauna. A delight after three days of walking. Night in bungalow.
RAPIDES
Day 13: "Bear Circuit" from Kiutaköngäs to Retkietappi
The road always runs through the Oulankajoki in a quiet and gently wooded setting. The terrain is now much less rugged. Night at the Refuge refuge.
Day 14: "Circuit de l'Ours", end of the route
Steps: Ruka
Only 15 km to go to see the fauna and flora. You will pass by the Porontimajärvi lake and go around the Konttainen, Valtavaara and Ruka waterfalls. Save your strength until the end. The trail ends with a very steep incline. The terrain is also uneven. Once the hundreds of steps have been swallowed, your efforts are rewarded by a magnificent panorama. The Bear Trail ends at the Ruka Tourist Centre.
Day 15: Rovaniemi
Regular bus service from Ruka, on the Kuusamo-Rovaniemi route. On the way, stop off at Ranua Zoo, home to some 60 Arctic species (lynx, elk, brown bears, wolves...). With the exception of the polar bears, all these animals still live in Finland. When you arrive in these new latitudes, let yourself be carried away by the charm of Lapland's long summer days and the magic of its colors. Lapland is still an explorer's dreamland, just as it was when hunters, lumberjacks and gold diggers met in Rovaniemi on their way to the Far North. Don't miss the fascinating Artikum center, which focuses on nature and Arctic peoples. In addition to its resolutely modern architecture (beautiful glass roof), the building houses a scientific research center on the Arctic. Before the end of the day, admire the surroundings from the heights of Mount Ounasvaara, and don't hesitate to take the quickest way down: the summer toboggan run.
ARKTIKUM
Day 16: Visit to Santa Claus
Santa's village, located 8 km northeast of Rovaniemi, is at the Arctic Circle, or Napapiiri. His house is "actually" located not far away, under the Korvatunturi mountain. But, respecting the peace of this good man, his village, with elves and its sprites, was built on the polar circle. Santa Claus can thus easily impose his schedules of visit. Arrival always surprising. The spirit of Christmas and its songs is there... even in the middle of summer. You can also visit the postal centre! Yes, all letters addressed to the North Pole arrive here and are sorted by the elves. Come and say hello to the reindeer, who are waiting for the big Christmas night nearby. After the traditional photo in Mr. Claus' arms, you will finally cross the line of the Arctic Circle, the Napapiiri, and can even get a diploma.
SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE
Day 17: Tankavaara Gold Village
Steps: Tankavaara, Sodankylä
After a few hours of journey to Tankavaara. This museum, lost in Arctic forests, really deserves a Glance. From the history of Finnish gold researchers to the practical orpailleur of nature open to the public, you can initiate the techniques of the gold universe. So retroussez your sleeves and open your eyes.
MUSÉE DE L'OR
Day 18: UKK National Park
Steps: Salla
Named after the Finnish president Urho Kaleva Kekkonen (UKK), this park is one of the largest in Finland and certainly the wildest. Don't forget your compass. After a coffee in a nice cottage in Laanila, walk around the kota tent and enter the national park. Compared to the well-tended forests of Oulanka Park, nature here has an almost brutal edge. This is the beginning of the northern tundra. Trees are stunted, streams are scarce and the terrain is gently rolling. Climb the tunturis ("mountains" in Finnish). Then head 10 km to the centre of Kiilopää where you can spend the night.
OULANKA NATIONAL PARK
Day 19: Second day in the wilderness
Steps: Seurasaari, Tankavaara
After this good night's sleep, back to the wilderness. Go down Kiilopäää, walk along reindeer enclosures, follow rivers, walk around ponds. You have now returned to the Tankavaara Information Centre.
Day 20: Traditional Finnish culture in Inari
As a centre for Sami culture, Inari deserves attention to discover the culture of these Arctic peoples. presents their history and lifestyle. Take advantage of the immense the third of the country by its area. Survol is a bit of the icing on the cake before overnight on the bus to Rovaniemi.
Day 21: Stopover in Kemi
Steps: Kemi, Tampere, Rovaniemi
Departure to the west towards Kemi (Gulf of Bothnia). It takes one and a half hours by train and two hours by bus from Rovaniemi. Kemi is one of Finland's paper industry towns, on the border with Sweden and Lapland, and is located on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. So go and drag your feet on the sandy seashore and visit the Sampo icebreaker before taking the night train back to Tampere.
POLAR EXPLORER ICE BREAKER
Day 22: Visit of Tampere
Tampere, founded in 1779 on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids, became one of the industrial centres in the 19th century. Today it is the third largest city in the country and the largest city in the Nordic countries, located inland. After visiting the Finlayson district, the Spy Museum and the famous Lenin Museum as well as the Cathedral, stay in the Särkanniemi amusement park. On the programme: discovery of the surroundings from the top of the Näsinneula lookout, which culminates at 168 m, Planetarium, Delphinarium and attractions, including the Tornado alone, which is full of sensations.
Day 23: Turku, former capital
Steps: Turku
From Tampere (one and a half hours by train, two hours by bus minimum), head southwest to Turku, the former capital of Finland, now a modern and student city. Visit the cathedral, the open-air museum in the old quarter and its castle.
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