Helsinki-Mikkeli-Savonlinna-Jyväskylä-Tampere-Helsinki (approximate length of the route 1,300 km)

This tour is meant for all those interested in local people, life styles, culture and history, along with culturalevents and sights. If you value high-quality, authenticity, uniqueness, beautiful landscapes, local food as wellas specialities and good service, this trip is a perfect fit for you!

On this route, we have compiled recommendations on locations to choose from and stay for the desired time.Our recommendation tour follows the route Helsinki–Kouvola–Mikkeli–Jyväskylä–Tampere–Helsinki. The routebrings together some of the best Finland has to offer – the gems that may sometimes be hard to find fortravellers. We have also added recommendations for beautiful scenic routes in the Finnish Lakeland,whenever the route allows it. We believe that our suggestions can help you to plan and enjoy a fascinating andmemorable holiday. The best way to follow the route is by car – your own or a rental – but cycling, for example,is also an option. The selected locations can also be visited by means of public transportation. You may havealready heard about the Finnish speciality that has spread throughout the country – namely Restaurant Day.On that day, anyone can set up a pop-up restaurant and serve food for a small charge. More on the dates andpop-up restaurants is available at www.restaurantday.org/en/.

We hope you have a holiday to remember in Helsinki and Finnish Lakeland

Helsinki for Culture LoversCulture is all about creative madness, fun, the joy of doing and experiencing, surprising audiences andcreating memories. Culture is always a worthy pursuit, and in Helsinki it is easy to find. From one day andweekend to the next the city’s cultural venues host performances by breathtaking sopranos, charmingaccordion players, magical conductors, fascinating video artists, hard rocking bands and passionate folkmusicians.

Soup in a shoe shop, cupcakes and bagels in the park, or Finnish local food in the courtyard of an apartmentbuilding? Restaurant Day is a new kind of urban event in which locals are invited to set up their own pop-uprestaurant. The concept has been a huge success among residents and tourists, who get to sample everythingfrom children’s juice bars to multicourse gourmet meals. Restaurant Day is a fine example of Helsinki’s activefood culture, which has taken off in recent years.

The streets of Helsinki’s Design District are lined with intriguing boutiques, each offering something different toimpress you: antiques and art, interiors and design, clothing and jewellery, and so much more. Arabianranta, adistrict where design and architecture can be admired everywhere you look. Pieces of Moomin mugs can beseen adorning the wall of an apartment building. A mother pushes a stroller while wearing stylish turquoise Haiboots, and children play tag on a giant oriental carpet made of ceramic tiles. The unmistakable patterns ofMarimekko curtains can be seen in the windows.

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

Accommodation Options in Helsinki:

Klaus K Hotel - Klaus K understands that design reaches everywhere, including service and encounters.Come and see how the hotel takes the hotel out of the hotel!

Sokos Hotel Torni - One of the most important landmarks in Helsinki, a classic in the heart ofthe city. Torni’s interior reflects the era when the hotel was built, featuring functionalist, Jugend and art decodesign.

GLO Hotel Art - A unique combination of a 1903-built Art Nouveau castle and a new modern hotel located inthe heart of the lively Helsinki Design District.

Hotel Anna - Located in the Design District, so there are a lot of Design and Art boutiques as well as trendypubs and cosy restaurants in the area around the hotel.

Hotels in Helsinki

We warmly recommend for you in Helsinki:

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

Kiasma - Museum of Contemporary Art presents Finnish and international contemporary art,collection displays, performances at the Kiasma theatre, workshops, seminars and lectures.

The Music Centre gives Helsinki an acoustically first-class concert hall as well as other facilitiesproviding a wide range of musical experiences for people of all ages.

Design District Helsinki is both a neighbourhood and a state of mind. Located in the centre of Helsinki, thearea is full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms.

Arabia - Today the ”Old Town” area is a modern centre for sciences and the arts, as well as a waterfrontresidential district that can be easily reached by trams 6 or 8. The area is home to the 130-year-old Arabiaporcelain factory, museum and gallery, as well as factory outlets.

Helsinki Card

Restaurants and Cafes:

Helsinki’s markets are popular with everybody! Coffee with a cinnamon bun, doughnut or meat pie in theMarket Square or Hakaniemi Market Square is a great way of slowing down and enjoying the city with all yoursenses.

The Abattoir - The historic redbrick buildings that once served as the city abattoir form a pleasingly authenticcourtyard surrounded by boutiques, restaurants and event venues. At the heart of the Abattoir is the Kellohallirestaurant and event venue, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sea Horse - A classic Finnish "artist haunt" restaurant serving traditional Finnish home cooking. Therestaurant dates back to 1934.

Restaurant Lasipalatsi - A true Finnish restaurant: the kitchen combines the cherished traditional Finnishculinary culture with international influences.

Savoy - Restaurant Savoy has been at the very top of Helsinki's restaurant scene since the 1930s.

Culture Festivals and Events:

Helsinki Day 12th of June & Helsinki Week - Helsinki celebrates its anniversary every year with specialevents all over the city and opens the summer season.

Jazz Espa (July) - Esplanade bandstand Jazz concerts Mon–Fri 4 pm

Helsinki Festival (August – September) - The extensive programme features music, theatre, dance, art, filmand many visiting stars from Finland and abroad.

Helsinki Design Week (September)

See all Events in Helsinki

General Information:

Planning your stay in Helsinki:www.visithelsinki.fi/enwww.facebook.com/visithelsinkiwww.youtube.com/Visithelsinkihttps://twitter.com/HelsinkiTourismTraveller DiscussionsHelsinki Mobile Apps

Helsinki City Tourist InformationUnioninkatu 28, HelsinkiTel: +358-9-310 13300Email: tourist.info@hel.fi

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

Tourist Information - Central Railway Station

Public TransportTaxis, car rental and parkingExperience Wireless Helsinki

Travelling in Finland by train or aeroplane

Travel Advice:Drive from Helsinki to Kouvola on Route 7 (about 140 km).If your timetable allows, a recommended stopping place along the way is Porvoo, whose charming old town isreally worth seeing.

Kouvola for Culture Lovers (Kouvola-Elimäki-Iitti)

In Kouvola, the city and countryside live side-by-side. The Kymijoki river, which meanders through the regionserves some of the world’s largest forest industry companies, gives the local population employment and putsits own stamp on the landscape.

Another equally strong transport-related element is the railway. Kouvola is the western terminal of the Trans-Siberian railway that goes from Europe to Asia, and is Finland’s most important junction station. The first stopfor the Allegro train coming from St Petersburg is Kouvola. In terms of road traffic connections, the area issituated by Routes 6 and 15. The journey from Kouvola to the capital region takes a little over an hour by train.In Kouvola, nature offers Southern Finland’s best trekking country and holiday cottages for recreational use.The region is home to, for example, Repovesi National Park, Arboretum Mustila, Tykkimäki Amusement Parkand Verla Mill Village, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Cultural Trail of Western Kymi takes travellers through the old border region from the Kymijoki river inAhvenkoski and the Strömfors Iron Mill back to the manor houses of Elimäki. Along the old highway linkingElimäki in Kouvola to Ruotsinpyhtää in Loviisa, you will find cultural-historical sights and gardens, artexhibitions, music festivals, summer theatres, handicraft workshops and shops.

Accommodation choices in the Kouvola region:

Voikkaan Klubi – A small hotel-restaurant built in the early 1900s and decorated in the Jugend style in the oldfactory setting of Voikkaa. Voikkaantie 37, 45910 Kouvola. Reservations and enquiries tel. +358 (0)50 4339327Verla Cottages Close to the Verla Mill Museum are old mill workers’ cottage and holiday cottages belongingto UPM-Kymmene, which can be rented out for holiday use.Linkkumylly - From Valkeala, continue on Route 368 towards Mäntyharju.

Cottage rental

From June to August, a book café operates at Linkkumylly, which sells fresh, home-made bakery products anda large number of high-quality books. It also sells handicraft items and fishing lures and flies.You will find more accommodation alternatives here.

We warmly recommend the following destinations:

From Route 7 turn left onto Route 1792 (Elimäentie) and then right onto Route 3531 to Koskisto. Continue onElimäentie to Elimäki Church Village, which is home to a church and Moisio Manor. From the Church Village,continue for a few kilometres on Route 6, along which you will find Arboretum Mustila and Mustila Wine.

Elimäen puukirkko in 1638, it was expanded into a cruciform church in the 1670s and is Finland’s oldest stilloperational cruciform church.

Elimäki Local Museum and the Piika ja Renki Art Café are along Route 6.

Moision Taide-ja pitokartano - The manor house was designed by C.L. Engel in 1818. He designed a lowground floor for the manor for everyday use. Upstairs the ceilings were built high and ornate. The ground floorserves as a restaurant and café and the upstairs is dedicated to art. The manor houses a year-round artexhibition. Its outhouse can provide accommodation for about 20 people.

The journey continues along Route 6 towards Kouvola, then turns left onto Route 359 (Lahdentie). Turn leftonto Route 12 to Lahti and then right onto Iitintie.Iitin kirkonkylä was once awarded the mantle of Finland’s most beautiful village. In the village hall of theChurch Village, you can visit changing art exhibitions and handicraft shops. The cruciform church built in 1693is architecturally precious and one of Finland’s 15 wooden churches preserved from the 17th century. A littlefurther in from the Church Village is an 18-hole golf course Golfkeskus Iitti Golf. A traditional village idyll canalso be found at Vuolenkosken kylästä. Lively village life, a guest boat harbour and tourist services allfeature in this village.

Hiidenvuori is situated at Hiidensaari in Iiti. The hill’s highest point rises 60 metres above the Kymijoki river.Hiidenvuori is the site of summer musical performances at midnight during Iiti’s music festival. A well-maintained path with steps leads up the hill. Hiidensaari also has a good beach for swimming.

From Iitti Church Village back in a southerly direction on Route 362, a gentle left turn onto Urajärventie (Route3621), left onto Kymentie (Route 12), right onto Route 359, and left onto Route 6, where you will find KymenPaviljonki. From here it is about 10 km to the centre of Kouvola or to Jaala and Verla along Kuusantie. Turnleft onto Heinolatie (Route 46) and right onto Selänpääntie (Route 369). To the left is Verlantie.

Kymen Paviljonki is a pleasant and different sort of place for a break on the banks of the Kymijoki river alongRoute 6. The premises also host Pentikin tehtaanmyymälä and Pentik Galleria.

Kouvola Museum Quarter. At the Kouvola Museum Quarter, you can see what life was like in KouvolaStation Village in the early decades of the 20th century. The area’s houses contain numerous handicraftworkshops, a café, a restoration workshop, a nature shop and a tube radio museum.In the same area, there is also POIKILO the Kouvola Art Museum. The museum displays the City of Kouvola’sown art collection as well as changing exhibitions.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Verla. An old board mill setting on the banks of the rapids is situated about 30km from the centre of Kouvola. Verla, which has served as a mill museum since 1972, was included on theUNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. The atmosphere of the old woodpulp mill and board mill feel soauthentic that you can almost hear the voices of the workers there. Visitors will also undoubtedly be fascinatedby the area’s prehistoric rock paintings, the museum shop in an attractive park setting and ruukkikylänpuodit. The Mill Village is also home to the Viiniverla winery shop.

Restaurants and cafés:

Piika ja Renki Cafeteria and art delights in a charming setting.

Onnenkukko. A gift shop for some nice things and a café in the Kouvola Museum Quarter.

Events for all tastes:· Iitti Music Festival, 11-14 June, a high-quality chamber music event· Kouvo La Arctopolis, 2-3 August, a medieval event at Kasarminmäki in Kouvola· MILjazz – a jazz festival for military bands, 22 August At Kasarminmäki in Kouvola· Local Food Fair, 13-14 September at Mustila in Elimäki

Check out more events: http://www.visitkouvola.fi/en

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· Tel: +358 (0)20 61 55 295· E-mail: tourism@kinno.fi

Mikkeli – St. Michel for Culture Lovers (Mikkeli Region)

The Mikkeli area was once home to the first inhabitants of the Savo region. The entire province was namedafter the Savilahti parish in Mikkeli, while the town itself got its name from Archangel Michael. The SavilahtiChurch, which was established in the 14th century, was devoted to Archangel Michael. The name of the parishwas first listed as St. Michel in 1604.On 7 March 1838, Nicholas I of Russia issued a declaration that a town called Mikkeli be established in theMikkeli parish.

The history of the Mikkeli region is tightly bound to its location between East and West. The eventful borderhistory and proximity to St. Petersburg have influenced the development of the area for centuries. Thechanges of the nearby eastern border ever since the Treaty of Nöteborg in 1323, have instilled in the culturalheritage of the region a truly unique flavour. The manors, barrack buildings and the Mikkeli's history as amilitary headquarters are the most significant reminders of the past wars and military presence. Many of themanors are now tourist attractions that are absolutely worth a visit. The historical sights and services in Mikkeliand Savonlinna, with their own unique stories to tell, have been compiled together to form the Charms ofSaimaa network. Read more about these one-of-a-kind hotels, restaurants, locations and sights at Charms ofSaimaa.

Also enjoy the small town feeling, countryside attractions and lakeside scenery!

Accommodation Options in the Mikkeli Region:

Manor Hotel Kyyhkylä. The tranquil and intimate atmosphere of the manor hotel invites visitors to extendtheir stay. The setting is peaceful and beautiful, although the centre of Mikkeli is only 7 km away.

B&B Huoneistohotelli Marja, “A little home” for your stay in Mikkeli at the charming site of the old barracks inthe heart of Mikkeli. A private apartment hotel opened in June 2012.

Tertti Manor. Tertti Manor is a still-operational farm, a heaven for gastronomes and a cosy manor hotellocated by Route 5. The Manor Shop and the Dairy Café are open every day and the main building'srestaurant and charming guest rooms are available all year round on request.

Anttolanhovi. You can choose to stay in luxurious Art&Design Villas with Finnish design and art or in acomfortable room in Lakeside Hotel. Local cuisine restaurant with its own bakery. Nature activities andbeautiful surroundings are also there for you to enjoy.

More accommodation options: www.visitmikkeli/en/stay

We warmly recommend for you in the Mikkeli region:

Feel the atmosphere of local life style. Visit Mikkeli Market Place which has been the heart of the city since1838. Have a coffee or local speciality called “muikku” (fried vendace)and enjoy! There is an underground car park under the market place, the entrance to which is in front of therailway station in Mannerheimintie.

The Astuvansalmi rock paintings are a set of prehistoric rock paintings located on the shore ofYövesi/Saimaa in Ristiina. The paintings are some of the largest in Finland and Fennoscandia. The rockwhere the paintings are located resembles a human head when seen from a certain direction on the lake.There are 65 images painted on the rock, of which 18-20 represent elk. The Astuvansalmi rock paintings dateback to 4,000-2,200 BC. The underwater excavations conducted in front of the paintings at the turn of the1980s and 1990s unearthed three amber pendants with a human face, along with an eyelet pendant that hasbeen interpreted as depicting a bear. The rock paintings reflect the hunter-gatherer spirit and culture of theStone Age.

Amatsoni-cruise to Astuvansalmi. On Tuesdays on the Amatsoni-cruise to the Astuvansalmi rock paintings,you´ll meet Tekla the priestess, Asor the prophet and Innis the mother amazon of the Astuvansalmi amazonclan. They will tell you their stories, poetry and play music at the rock paintings.

Headquarters Museum in the city centre with Marshal Mannerheim's office and the headquarters of theFinnish Armed Forces during the Second World War. The main exhibition presents the operations of theheadquarters during the war years.

Kenkävero is a magnificent tourist attraction and prides itself on having the biggest and most beautifulvicarage in all Finland, in an impressive environment. It has something to interest everyone at all times of theyear: carefully restored buildings, exciting exhibitions and events, exquisite handicrafts as gifts, souvenirs orsimply to enjoy. In summer it is further enhanced by a garden and handicraft workshops, and delicious fare isserved in the restaurant daily all year around.

Tertti Manor. The Manor Shop and the Dairy Café are open every day and the main building's restaurant andcharming guest rooms are available all year round.

The charming gardens in the Mikkeli region are definitely worth a visit. The gardens are all unique locationswith their own specialities. Why not stop by and enjoy all eight of them.

Wine Farms. There are several wine farms in Mikkeli region worth visiting. Enjoy!

Trips to Finnish Nature, Take a trip to Finnish nature! On this trip you will get a short introduction to Finnishnature, forests and the lakeland area of Saimaa. You will learn about common trees, shrubs and flowers. Inaddition, you will learn about the traditional Finnish everyman’s rights, wild herbs, berries and mushrooms.The excursion to Finnish nature can be organised near your destination.

m/s Jaarli. Sightseeing Cruises from Mikkeli Harbour, (2 hours), m/s Kuutti. Sightseeing Cruises fromKenkävero by fast boat, (1,5 hours).

Mikkeli Centre of Photography is a contemporary and diverse Finnish art centre. Founded in 1989, it is oneof the oldest regional centres of photography in Finland. The Centre promotes photography and visual arts ona regional, national and international level.

Restaurants and Cafés

Bistro Vilee, Mikkeli. Enjoy lunch with local specialities like freshwater fish.

Restaurant Holvi, Mikkeli. Enjoy lunch or dinner in the beautiful locale.

Restaurant Kissakoski, Hirvensalmi. Pleasant restaurant and café in historic factory surroundings. (Open insummertime.)Restaurant Niinipuu, Puumala. Built in a stone cowshed in the Okkola courtyard, Restaurant Niinipuu serveslocal food. Depending on the season and the catch, the menu may include delicacies like vendace caught inLake Saimaa the previous night using a dragnet or chanterelles picked by the host himself. (Open insummertime.)

TeaHouse of Wehmais, Juva. Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea in the tearoom furnished in the old stable ofWehmaa Manor in the peaceful countryside.

Vanha Kilkkilä, is an old farmhouse and lovely café in the countryside between Mikkeli and Juva, only 2 kmfrom Route 5.

Café Miekankoski, Mäntyharju. The renovated log-floating museum, café and souvenir shop and theblacksmith's workshop. Café Miekankoski rents one quality cottage in Mäntyharju

Culture Festivals and Events in the Mikkeli Region:

Gergiev Festival (July), World-famous Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Theatre visit Mikkeli every July, andsummer 2013 will be the 21st festival in Mikkeli.

Art Centre Salmela (June-August) in Mäntyharju is one of the biggest and most famous art centres in Finland.Its multicultural programme includes art exhibitions, concerts and lectures. The beautiful location is also trulyworth seeing.ost famous art really worth seeing

General Information:

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

Tourist Information in Mikkeli:Savilahdenkatu 8, 50100 Mikkeli, Finland (Stella)Tel: +358- 44 794 5669Email: matkailu@mikkeli.fi

Travel Advice:Then continue on to the town of Savonlinna. We recommend that you choose Route 62 viaPuumala. It's one of the most beautiful roads in Finland and perhaps the entire world. On the way, it's wellworth stopping in Puumala and then driving on to visit the Puumala archipelago (www.veskansankylat.fi).From Puumala, you can take the road through Sulkava to Savonlinna. (Mikkeli-Puumala about 70 km,Puumala-Savonlinna about 77 km)

Savonlinna for Culture Lovers (Savonlinna-Punkaharju-Kerimäki-Rantasalmi)

Built on a group of islands, the town of Savonlinna was a popular spa and tourist location as early as thenineteenth century. Today, Savonlinna is known for its Opera Festival, cruises on spectacular steam ships,market place and the tasty snack “lörtsy”. The most popular sight in Savonlinna is the medieval OlavinlinnaCastle, but things you should definitely do in town also include walking along Linnankatu in the Old Town andseeing the old boutiques and art exhibitions, visiting the Savonlinna Provincial Museum on Riihisaari Island orstopping for a pint at the Brewery Restaurant Huvila. Among the many the architecturally significantlocations in town is Savonlinnasali, which was completed in 2002 as the first concert hall in Finlandconstructed entirely using wood building methods.

Accommodation Options in Savonlinna Region:

Lomamokkila Experience an authentic countryside environment with a variety of domestic animals, and enjoythe 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.

Villa Aria is a first-rate summer hotel located by the lake in the central area of Savonlinna. Villa Aria wascompleted in 1896 to serve as the general hospital for Savonlinna. The old building got a new lease of life atthe turn of the millennium when it underwent overhaul and restoration. Since 1998, Villa Aria has operated asa 20-room hotel.

Art Nouveau Villa Urhola provides accommodation for 23 people in a romantic locale in the heart of the hillynational landscapes of Punkaharju a 30-minute drive from Savonlinna. The neighbourhood is also home to thetraditional Finnish dance pavilion of Kruunuareena.

Holiday Resort Järvisydän and the Heiskanen family have hosted travellers and guests amidst thebreathtaking rocky landscapes of Poronsalmi since 1658. The current offering includes high-quality villaaccommodation, local food, possibly the largest wine cellar in the Savo region and plenty of activities in theLinnasaari National Park. Located a 40-minute drive from Savonlinna. Traditional dance evenings are alsoheld in the summer.

More information on the accommodation locations can be found here.

We warmly recommend for you in the Savonlinna region:

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

The Savonlinna Provincial Museum on Riihisaari provides information on the cultural history and nature ofthe Saimaa region – the Saimaa ringed seal, for example. In the summer, the museum steam ships on theRiihisaari pier are also open.

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

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

Akselinpoika, a delicatessen right by the market place, is known for its first-rate meat counter as well as itsselection of cheeses and fish.

The Finnish Forest Museum Lusto provides a wealth of information on the forest culture of Finland in thebeautiful hilly landscapes of Punkaharju.

The largest wooden church in the world is located in Kerimäki a 20-minute drive from Savonlinna. Thechurch boasts over 3,000 seats but, including standing room, the building can hold over 5,000 people. Thechurch was completed in 1847.

Restaurants and Cafes

Brewery Restaurant Huvila, Savonlinna. Taste beer brewed on the premises and delicious local food.

Restaurant Linnakrouvi, Savonlinna. Located in historical surroundings, next to Olavinlinna Castle.

Roof terrace of Sokos Hotel Seurahuone, Savonlinna. Try the local speciality “muikku”, fried vendace.

Punkaharju State Hotel, Punkaharju. Finnish food in the oldest tourism hotel in Finland and in the landscapeof the Punkaharju ridge area.

Tynkkylän Lomaniemi, Punkaharju. Delicious home-cooked buffet every Sunday during the summer season

Holiday Centre Järvisydän, Rantasalmi. Medieval-style restaurant and the biggest wine cellar in the Saimaaregion.

Café Alegria, Savonlinna. Ecological café, located in a historic wooden house, in the centre of Savonlinna.

Culture festivals and events in the Savonlinna region:

Savonlinna Opera Festival (July)

Savonlinna Music Academy's summer concerts

Sulkava Rowing Race (July)

St. Olof's Day, (July)

More events: www.savonlinnanyt.fi

General Information:

Planning your stay in the Savonlinna region: www.savonlinna.travel

Tourist Information in SavonlinnaPuistokatu 1, 57100 Savonlinna, FinlandTel: +358 600 30007 (€0.76/min.)Email: info@savonlinnatravel.com

Travel Advice:From Savonlinna, it's a good idea to continue via Rantasalmi (Route 14 and 464) to Varkaus (Route 5) andJyväskylä (Route 23 and 9). When in Varkaus, remember to visit the Mechanical Music Museum, which isthe biggest of its kind in the Nordic countries. If you have a bit more time on your hands, the ValamoMonastery is located some 50 km from Varkaus towards Joensuu (Route 71).

Jyväskylä Region for Culture Lovers (Jyväskylä – Petäjävesi – Keuruu – Jämsä)

Jyväskylä (pop. 133,687) is a city in Central Finland province in the western part of the Finnish Lakeland.Jyväskylä was founded on 1837 by Tzar Nicholas I of Russia. Nowadays, Jyväskylä is a city of modernarchitecture. The city has more buildings designed by one of the best known international functionalistarchitects, Alvar Aalto, than any other city in the world. Jyväskylä is also a very popular university city inFinland. The University of Jyväskylä is the only university in Northern Europe with a Faculty of Sports. Thefaculty has been a key player in developing a strong sports culture in the city.

Finland is famous for its world-class rally drivers, and one of the best world championship rallies, Neste RallyFinland, will take place in Jyväskylä Region at the beginning of August.

Accommodation Optionsin Jyväskylä region:

Boutique Hotel Yöpuu, Jyväskylä. Every room is furnished and decorated in an individual style. An excellentrestaurant.

Manor Hotel Taulun Kartano,Toivakka. Tastefully decorated first-rate rooms and a cosy restaurant. Smokesauna on request. Advance booking only.

Spa Hotel Peurunka in Laukaa is located on the lakeside surrounded by beautiful nature. A golf course in thevicinity.

Varjola Farm, Laukaa, Varjola Farm offering activities, B&B, a restaurant and a cosy café

Himos Holiday Centre, Jämsä. A holiday resort with a wealth of activities throughout the year, including golfin the summer and skiing in the winter. High-quality holiday homes and a hotel.

More accommodation options can be found here.

We warmly recommend for you in the Jyväskylä region:

Naissaari Coffee and Design ShopExperience a beautiful wooden district on an island surrounded by rapids. The area is home to the Keteile-Päijänne Canal Gate and summer art exhibitions. The design shop features a vast variety of Finnish craftsproducts.www.naissaarenkahvihuone.fi

Lake Päijänne -The second largest lake in Finland. Jyväskylä Harbour is the departure point for cruises oninland waterways. Cruises on the great Lake Päijänne from Jyväskylä and on the Keitele-Päijänne Canal.Päijänne-Risteilyt Hildén www.paijanne-risteilythilden.fi, www.matkarhea.fi

The Jyväskylä region is home to many buildings designed by the legendary architect Alvar Aalto, from hisearliest works through to achievements in the latter stages of his career.Alvar Aalto Museum in Jyväskylä houses a specialist museum of architecture and design, which is a nationaland international centre for information on Aalto.

The Craft Museum of Finland, Jyväskylä. The museum is specialised in handicraft from all over Finland.

Toivola Old Courtyard (Toivolan Vanha Piha), an old courtyard area for artisans from the late 19th century inthe centre of Jyväskylä. Café and crafts shops, Cygnaeuksenkatu 2, 40100 Jyväskylä.

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

The Old Keuruu area: Restaurant Old Rectory (Pappilan pidot), museum, art exhibition, souvenir shop. Youcan also include a cruise on Lake Keurusselkä aboard the paddle wheeler Elias Lönnrot in your visit to the OldRectory.

Gallery Emalipuu (Enamel-Wood) is located by Lake Päijänne in Korpilahti Harbour. The company was bornfrom the alliance of two artisans and two materials. A harbour restaurant is located next to the gallery.

Lahtinen Felt Shop, Jämsä. Original felt products: footwear, hats, waistcoats and tapestries. Unique inFinland! The "Aki Choklat for Lahtiset" collection represents the ultimate design.

Ateljé Veli Ähtävä, Jämsä. Magnificent paintings on birch wood.

Restaurants and Cafés

Restaurant Pöllöwaari, Jyväskylä. Friends of good food and drink in Jyväskylä gather at RestaurantPöllöwaari.

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

Restaurant Moose Manor, Jämsä. A restaurant with excellent Finnish country cuisine: game, fresh fish, wildberries and mushrooms. An elk farm with real elks. Have you ever kissed an elk?

Restaurant Bistro Gallén Suolahti. The restaurant operates in an old railway station and serves a Finnish-French menu with a local twist.

Culture Festivals and Events in the Jyväskylä region:

Jyväskylä Festival (July), an urban festival that features a diverse variety of arts: contemporary circus,comedians, mimes and international stars of physical theatre, concerts

Skiffle Music Festival - Kihveli Soikoon, (July), Hankasalmi.

Athenis Finlandiae (September), Jyväskylä

Keitele Jazz (July) in Äänekoski

Time of Music (July) in Viitasaari is an annual event for modern music in Finland.

Music Festivals in Himos, Jämsä

General information

Planning your stay in Jyväskylä Region: www.jyvaskylaregion.fi/travel, www.centralfinland.net

Tourist Information in JyväskyläAsemakatu 6, 40100 Jyväskylä, FinlandTel: +358 14 266 0113Email: matkailu@jkl.fi

Tourist Information in Jämsä www.jamsek.fi

Travel Advice:If you would like to visit all our recommended locations, continue south from Jyväskylä on Route 9. You canvisit Säynätsalo to admire the Town Hall designed by Alvar Aalto, and continue on Route 9 to Korpilahti andJämsä, and onwards to Petäjävesi on Route 604. From Petäjävesi, we recommend you take Route 23 toKeuruu and then Route 58 to Tampere, by way of Mänttä-Vilppula.

Tampere for Culture Lovers (Tampere and Pirkanmaa)

With over 200,000 inhabitants, Tampere is the most populous inland city in the Nordic countries. The city,which was established on the banks of the Tammerkoski rapids in 1779, developed into Finland's mostimportant industrial hub in the 19th century. Tampere is still known as city of industry, but the prominent fieldshave changed over the years. In addition, the old factory buildings in the central area have entered a new age.Weaving mills, dye works and turbine halls have been converted into restaurants, cinemas, museums andgalleries. The factories are brimming with life once more.

When arriving from Keuruu to Tampere, you should drive through Mänttä-Vilppula on Route 58. The Mänttä-Vilppula art town features the Serlachius museums Gösta and Gustaf. In Gösta, you can enjoy an artcollection that is extremely significant in the Nordic region, whereas Gustaf presents the life of old Mänttäresidents by the paper mill. The factory provided workers and managers alike with everything for day-to-dayliving and special occasions.

Mänttä-Vilppula organises an annual festival for visual arts and music, which offers visitors memorableexperiences in this charming rural town bathing in the beauty of summer. Mänttä also has a strong focus onwell-being. You can borrow Nordic walking poles and go and enjoy the nature and exquisite lakeside vistas.

From Mänttä to Tampere, you should take the enchanting route through Ruovesi (Route 334) and Teisko(Route 338). In Teisko, it's a good idea to stop for some shopping at the Teiskon Viini wine kiosk. There youcan find delicious wines and liqueurs made from Finnish berries. The company has also managed to growgrapes for making wine.

Accommodation Options in the Tampere Region:

Mäntän Klubi and Art Hotel Honkahovi in Mänttä: 30 unique rooms with a story. A range of options isavailable from basic accommodation to luxury.

Vaihmalan Hovi is located a mere 20 kilometres from the centre of Tampere in a wonderful rural environmentby Lake Vanajavesi. The main building of the manor, built in the early 19th century, has been restored to itsoriginal glory and offers impeccable accommodation in wonderfully relaxing surroundings.

Dream Hostel Tampere is a true gem that has been ranked among the top ten hostels in the world. DreamHostel provides affordable accommodation, excellent service and tips on the best places to party.

More information on the accommodation locations can be found here.

We warmly recommend for you in the Tampere region:

Museum Centre Vapriikki is a true treasure trove located in an old Tampella factory building by theTammerkoski rapids. Vapriikki holds a wealth of things to explore forthe whole family. The interesting permanent exhibitions provide information on the local shoe factories andinnovations, for example. At the Natural History Museum, you can dive into the Tammerkoski rapids or learnabout the unique traits of nature in Pirkanmaa. Over the years, the changing exhibitions have presentednational and international highlights from mummies to the Terracotta Army.

The Spy Museum, the world's first museum focusing on espionage, presents clandestine art as a worldwidephenomenon. Espionage is said to have affected world politics more than official governments and theiractions. The museum features all manner of things related to espionage.

Lenin Museum's fascinating collection delves into Lenin's personal history and his role in the process ofFinland gaining its independence. The museum is the first of its kind in the western countries and one of few inthe world. The museum shop stocks a variety of intriguing souvenirs.

The Market Hall, Tammela Market Place and Laukontori Market Place provide an excellent chance to seelife in the city of Tampere at its most authentic. In the Market Hall (Kauppahalli), you can treat yourself to adelightful local meal or have a cup of coffee with a freshly-baked bun. At the market places, you can enjoy therelaxing atmosphere as well as a variety of local delicacies. When in Tampere, you must absolutely taste the“Mustamakkara” sausage in the traditional way with lingonberry jam and cold milk. It tastes best whenenjoyed at the market places!

Suomen Hopealinja's inland cruises. Enjoy the Finnish summer in a wonderful lake environment. Take alunch cruise or select a longer route – whatever fits your schedule. The selection has an option for all needs.

In the Laitikkala village, you will find Rönnvik's Vineyard with its award-winning wines, the Suttinen berryand vegetable farm and the mouthwatering meat products of the Kesänmaku shop. The best food you willhave all summer!

The oldest active public sauna in Finland is located in Tampere. Rajaportti Sauna is unique in terms of thebathing experience as well as its social atmosphere – refresh your body and soul.

Tampere Region offers a perfect opportunity to get familiar with locally produced, high-quality Finnish food.Find more about the regional delicacies!

Restaurants and Cafés

Restaurant C was selected as the Finnish restaurant of the year in 2011. The restaurant offers exquisite foodmade from the best seasonal ingredients. C respects the traditions of Finnish chefs and the clean rawmaterials provided by small producers.

At Restaurant Näsinneula you can literally rise above your everyday worries. In addition to excellent food,the revolving restaurant in the observation tower offers you the chance to enjoy amazing vistas.

Pyynikki Observation Tower Café serves up the best doughnuts in town – you can ask pretty much any localresident. What a wonderful place to take a break and relax!

Vohvelikahvila (Waffle Café) on Ojakatu is a meeting place for happy people. Mouthwatering sweet andsavoury waffles to suit every taste.

More cafés and restaurants you’ll find here!

Culture Festivals and Events in the Tampere region:

Theatre, music, dance!Dozens of art events and internationally famous festivals are held each year in Tampere. In the summer, theregion is bursting with events – enough for anyone to find something to like. Music, dance, theatre, literary,cinema...

Mänttä Art Festival

Sastamala Gregoriana - Early Music Festival

Tampereen Flamencoviikko - the biggest flamenco festival in the Nordic countries is held in Tampere everysummer

Tampere Theatre Festival presents the most interesting productions from Finland and celebrated guestperformances from abroad

The dates and other information on festivals in the Pirkanmaa region can be found here!

General Information:Planning your stay in the Tampere region: Visit Tampere – travel portal.

Tourism Information in TampereRautatienkatu 25 A, 33100 TampereTel: +358 3 5656 6800Email: visittampere@visittampere.fi

www.facebook.com/Tampere tourist informationwww.twitter.com/visittamperewww.tampereallbright.fi

Travel Advice:For those heading from Tampere to Helsinki, we recommend taking the old Route 3, now Route 130. Theformer main artery now meanders through enchanting rural and lake vistas in a leisurely fashion. Along theway, it's a good idea to stop by at Emil Vikström's art studio Visavuori or visit the Iittala Glass Centre topurchase authentic Finnish glass design for a souvenir. (Tampere–Helsinki about 184 km)

Thank you for your visit! We hope you enjoyed your time with us, and found surprising and memorablelocations 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 matkailu@mikkeli.fi.

Tourist service providers of Helsinki and Finnish LakelandMore information on travel services in Finland: www.visitfinland.com