cycling on the road over the lake

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Saimaa © Saimaa Cycle Tour, Visit Finland 

Explore the soul of Finland

Summer idyll – from lakeside calm to coastal heritage

Discover Finland in summer, when long days and the midnight sun shape everyday life. This journey combines Helsinki’s design culture, Porvoo’s wooden heritage, the tranquillity of Lakeland and the coastal landscapes of the Turku Archipelago. It is designed for travellers seeking authenticity, well-being and a close connection to nature.

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Travel period: May–September
Suggested duration: 8–12 days 

helsinki cathedral

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Helsinki ©Helsinki Partners / Camilla Bloom 

outside gallery i Helsinki

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Helsinki ©Julia Kivelä, Visit Finland 

From Helsinki’s Modern Lines to Porvoo’s Timeless Streets

Finland’s capital sets the tone with modern architecture, innovative cuisine and proximity to the sea. Explore the Design District, visit galleries and enjoy dinner at Löyly, Helsinki’s iconic seaside sauna.

A short journey leads to Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest towns, known for its wooden houses, riverside warehouses and artisan workshops.

dinner with salmon and small dishes

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Visit Porvoo

the old houses in Porvoo

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Porvoo ©Julia Kivelä, Visit Finland 

kayaking at sunset

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Lake Saimaa © Visit Saimaa 

women stand up paddle

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Lake Saimaa © Visit Saimaa 

Lakeland – slow living and lakeside well-being

Continue to Finnish Lakeland, centred around Lake Saimaa and the Savonlinna region. This is a landscape of forests and water, ideal for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Explore Punkaharju’s ridge landscapes, enjoy seasonal activities and experience Finland’s approach to well-being — based on space, silence and simplicity.

man sitting on a wooden deck at Clobber in Finland

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Åland © Visit Åland 

swimming seals outside Åland

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Åland © Daniel Eriksson, Visit Åland 

Turku and the Archipelago – island sailing and old town charm

In Turku, Finland’s oldest city, medieval heritage meets a relaxed maritime atmosphere. Walk along the Aura River, visit Turku Castle and explore a growing food scene shaped by local producers.

Beyond the city, the Turku Archipelago — one of the largest in the world — unfolds through islands connected by bridges and ferries. Discover quiet villages, coastal landscapes and a slower rhythm of life shaped by the sea.

Conclude the journey with return to Helsinki for departure or continue across Baltic Sea to Stockholm via the Åland Islands.

Bengsskär light house in Finland

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Bengtskär Lighthouse ©Noora Tammisto, Visit Finland 

turku library

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Turku © Jemina Sormunen, Visit Turku 

a small boulder with pesto and flowers on top

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Anssi Tiusanen, Riku Niemi & Visit Finland 

Highlights

  • Private architecture walk in Helsinki, including Oodi Library, Amos Rex and the Design District

  • Boat trip to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just off Helsinki

  • Visit to a local chocolate factory in Porvoo, with tasting

  • Excursion to the Porvoo archipelago, exploring islands connected to Tove Jansson’s life and Moomin stories

  • Forest bathing with a certified guide or kayaking and fishing in Lakeland

  • Private sauna rituals followed by lakeside dining

  • Guided visit to Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna

  • Walk along Turku’s Aura River and visit Turku Castle

  • Cruise or cycle sections of the Archipelago Trail

  • Visit Naantali’s harbour and old town

Selected stays

Choose from a curated selection of distinctive accommodations, from design-led city hotels and boutique stays in Porvoo to lakeside retreats and archipelago hideaways immersed in nature.

This journey reflects Finland’s summer identity — design heritage, lakeside well-being and coastal living.

Contact us to tailor this journey to your preferences or to receive a personalized proposal.