Discovering the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Finland

There are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Finland which represent culture and nature in all their diversity and beauty. You can discover this heritage on our suggested route.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Arrival in Helsinki and overnight in good hotel located in city centre.
Free time to explore the city.

DAY 2: WORLD HERITAGE SITE SUOMENLINNA

The Suomenlinna fortress was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique monument of military architecture in 1991. The special feature of the fortress is that in the course of its history it has served in the defence of three realms: Sweden, Russia and Finland. Nowadays it is a living, tended and inhabited district of the city of Helsinki.

After breakfast, either on foot or by public transportation to the Helsinki Market Square. After arrival, go on a guided tour, which is a great way to see the fortress. The tour takes you around the fortress islands through the centuries, presenting the main sights and the key events in the history of the fortress, offering interesting perspectives on the Finnish history and history of the Northern Europe.

After the tour, independent lunch at one of the restaurants located in the island and optional visit at the museums: https:// www.suomenlinna.fi/en/visitor/museums/

Later in the evening, ferry back to the city.

Tips of things to do and see in Helsinki:
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/sights

DAY 3: WORLD HERITAGE SITE VERLA GROUNDWOOD AND BOARD MILL

Departure to Jaala (about 160 km) with rental car. On the way optional stop at Old Porvoo with cobbled streets and narrow lanes! https://www.visitporvoo.fi/

Verla, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, is unique. It is an old board mill on the Verlankoski Rabids, about 30 kilometres from the centre of the town of Kouvola. Visitors to the museum can relieve the early history of the forest industry: the original mill buildings and machinery, the surrounding area and the idyllic workers’ cottages as well as the Verla Rapids and its power plants.

After arrival, guided tour at the Verla Mill Museum and free time to discover the rest of the Verla area (prehistoric rock paintings, history trail, handicraft shops etc.). More information about Verla: https://www.verla.fi/en/theverlaarea

Overnight in a good hotel located in the city centre of Lahti.
Optional: Accommodation in a lakeside cabin at Lahti region.

DAY 4: TOWARDS JYVÄSKYLÄ

Before continuing towards Jyväskylä, optional things to do in Lahti:

  • Salpausselkä Geopark area (applying for UNESCO Global Geopark status): visitlahti.fi/en/salpausselkageopark
  • Suurmäki Observation Deck: In summer, you can enjoy the wonderful view from the observation deck at the top of the Lahti Ski Jump tower. The observation deck is open for the public daily in the summertime (1.6.–31.8.), other times by request. A public swimming pool is also available!
  • Lahti City Museums:lahdenmuseot.fi/museot/en/
  • Lahti Marina area with Wooden Architecture Park, Pro Wood Gallery, Sibelius Hall, caféterias and handicraft shop Ulpukka: Visit the harbor area which is called the second living room of the locals!
  • Small design boutiques at the city centre: www.heilahti. com

Later on, drive to Jyväskylä via the most scenic route in Finland (about 175 km, routes 24/314/612/610/E63). On the way, optional stop and visit:

  • Pulkkilanharju ridge trail (part of Salpausselkä Geopark)
  • Pihamaa Winery & Gardens at Kalkkinen village. Pihamaa is an excellent place to visit and make purchases (locally produced food, berry wines, ciders, beers). Or you can just relax and enjoy the idyllic rural setting, www.viini-pihamaa. fi/english/
  • Muurame Church designed by Alvar Aalto, www.visit. alvaraalto.fi/en/destinations/muurame-church/
  • Säynätsalo Town Hall designed by Alvar Aalto, www. tavolobianco.com/ Overnight in a privately owned hotel located in the city centre.

 

DAY 5: WORLD HERITAGE SITE PETÄJÄVESI OLD CHURCH

Drive to Tampere (about 180 km) via Petäjävesi, Keuruu and Mänttä. On the way, stop at World Heritage site Petäjävesi Old Church.

The Petäjävesi Old Church was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as a unique example of the tradition of Nordic wooden church architecture and log construction. It tells the story of the Finnish people’s everyday life over four centuries. Built by Central Finland’s land-owning peasants in 1763–65 with their masterful carving skills, the Old Church has been the site of the most profound moments of life.

Before driving from Petäjävesi to Tampere, some tips on the way:

Overnight in a good hotel located in Tampere city centre.

DAY 6: TOWARDS RAUMA

Before continuing towards Rauma, optional things to do in Tampere:

  • Finlayson and Tampella areas / industrial heritage sites: Area packed with history, culture and innovation! The modern and versatile center houses with various restaurants, cafés and businesses. Attractions in the area and nearby include The Finnish Labour Museum Werstas, the world’s first Spy Museum, The Finlayson Church, the Finlayson Palace, and Tallipiha Stable Yards with small handicraft shops
  • Pispala recreational area and Pyynikki Observation Tower
  • Näsinneula Observation Tower: The tallest building in Tampere – and in Finland – is of course Näsinneula. It is also the second highest observation tower in the Nordic countries, rising to the height of 168 m.
  • Moomin Museum: The world’s only Moomin Museum

Later on, drive from Tampere to Rauma (about 140 km). Overnight for two nights in centrally located hotel.

DAY 7: RAUMA, THE TOWN WITH TWO UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Rauma, Finland’s third oldest town, has two of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland:

Old Rauma is an extensive, uniform wood-built town district dating back to the Middle Ages. Old Rauma is a living town district where historical heritage lives in perfect harmony with modern commerce and local residents.
www.visitrauma.fi/en/see-and-experience/old-rauma/

The other World Heritage Site is the Bronze Age cairn cemetary of Sammallahdenmäki. The stone structures at Sammallahdenmäki – Bronze Age burial cairns built on rocks – bear evidence to the early settlement.
www.visitrauma.fi/en/see-and-experience/sammallahdenmaki/

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

Drive to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (about 250 km).

 

DETAILED TOUR INFORMATION:

Price: 860,00 € / adult

Price includes: Accommodation in good double/twin rooms with breakfast for seven nights (unique and centrally located hotels), 1-hour private sauna rental and welcome drink at Jyväskylä, guided tours at Suomenlinna and Verla and admission fee to Petäjävesi Old Church.

Price doesn’t include: Flights, rental car, parking fees, ferry tickets to Suomenlinna, public transportation tickets, optionals.

Group size: Min. 2 adults. Please ask an offer for bigger groups.

Duration: 8 days/7 nights Bookings: At least four weeks earlier

Availability: On request May/June-August/September. Please note that during special events etc. there is limited availability.

Please note: Changes in the programme may apply and times for guided tours may vary depending on the tour dates.

Commission for tour operators: Kindly contact the provider with regards to commission.

Please contact Visit Lahti DMC, [email protected] for detailed tour information and prices.