Culture & Countryside of Southern Finland, Self-Drive

Pick up your rental car after arrival into Helsinki airport in Finland, then head into the city. Situated on the Baltic Sea, Finland’s capital offers a wide variety of things to experience ranging from an array of architectural gems, art, design and cultural offerings to great shopping facilities. Proximity to the sea and forest gives Helsinki its distinctive ambience. Overnight in Helsinki

Depart by car this morning, heading west. To get the most out of the rural heritage landscapes in the stretch between the modern metropolis Helsinki and the historic town of Turku, leave the main roads and head for the quiet byways. This is where the King’s Road tourist route winds through fascinating small towns, charming villages and scenic countryside. The historic road, which once linked the Kingdom of Sweden with the Russian Empire, offers a wealth of cultural heritage sites worth a visit, including the Mustio Manor, the Fiskars Ironworks and the ruins of the Raasepori Castle. You will end your day in Turku, the oldest city in Finland. Overnight in Turku

As the former capital of Finland, Turku is home to remarkable medieval landmarks, including the Castle and the Cathedral. Aboa Vetus Museum shows the history of Turku and remains of early settlements. The wooden workshop houses of the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum tell tales about the trades and city life of days gone by. Turku is also home to a thriving university, plus plenty of modern cultural places to visit, like the Ars Nova contemporary art museum, with many cafes and restaurants featuring the New Nordic cuisine. Overnight in Turku

Drive through green farming lands, and stop in the Nuutajärvi Glass village. Finland’s oldest glassworks is today a producer of world-renowned Finnish art glass. The Glass Museum shows the history of glass and glassmaking in Finland, and – if lucky – you might see glassblower students at work. Continue a leisurely drive to Tampere. With an industrial heritage, Tampere has an array of museums that show the culture of the working class such as Amuri Museum of Workers’ Housing. Vapriikki museum center located in an old industrial complex by the Tammerkoski Rapids and Sara Hildén Art Museum houses a fine collection of modern art. Overnight in Tampere

On the Tampere-Jyväskylä route, it is worth making the detour to Mänttä. Gösta Serlachius Museum of Fine Arts at Mänttä is home to an outstanding private art collection. The old wooden church at Petäjävesi with a history dating back over 250 years is a fine example of vernacular architectural tradition. Jyväskylä Region is renowned for buildings designed by the internationally acclaimed Alvar Aalto. Overnight in Jyväskylä

Today you are headed into the heart of the Lakelands to Mikkeli. Along the way perhaps detour through Leivonmäki National Park for an easy hike on paved paths. The Kenkävero handicrafts center in Mikkeli – earlier the largest wooden vicarage in Finland – is worth a visit. Enjoy accommodation in the charming atmosphere of Tertti Manor, a family-run farm and manor hotel with a beautiful main building that has been preserved as it was in 1894. The fascinating gardens around the house invite for a leisurely stroll. Overnight in Mikkeli

Depart this morning and head east, possibly stopping in Savonlinna to check out its 15th century castle and Market Square with passenger harbor. If time allows, also include a stop at Kerimäki Church, the largest wooden church in the world. Continue on to Punkaharju, noted for its magnificent ridge area. Overnight in Punkarjarju

In the historical fortress area of Lappeenranta there are workshops of local artists and craftsmen. Wolkoff House museum from the 19th century portrays the life of a Russian trading family. The orthodox church bears witness to the eastern influences on the Karelian culture. Overnight in Lappeenranta

From Lappeenranta it is possible to continue back to Helsinki via Kotka, a town with maritime heritage, and visit the imperial fishing lodge built on the banks of the Langinkoski Rapids. Another option is to drive via Kouvola and then turn off to Jaala to visit the unique Verla Mill Museum and Village. Other points of interest along the journey include the old ironworks village in Ruotsinpyhtää dotted with red 18th-century workers’ houses, and the idyllic old quarter of Porvoo with its narrow cobblestone lanes and handicrafts boutiques. Overnight in Helsinki

Drive to Helsinki Vantaa airport to drop off your rental car, then check-in for your return flight to the US – or extend your stay in Scandinavia!