FINLAND
29 June - 7 July 2017
Map of our roadtrip:
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Day 1 - Helsinki
Our flight (Finnair AY082) from Singapore to Helsinki took us about 12 hours, and we arrived at Helsinki International Airport at around 0635 hours. After clearing the custom, we took two Uber cars to the city centre, costing us about 25 Euro each car. We started east along Kaivokatu street, and turn right to Keskuskatu. Follow the street to the Esplanadi park (Esplanadinpuisto). When we reached the eastern end of the park, turn north along Unioninkatu to reach the Senate Square (Senaatintori). There you can view the Lutheran Cathedral and the neoclassical old city centre. From the square, follow Aleksanterinkatu to the east turn south to Mariankatu. After one block, we were at the Eastern Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, which is worth visiting at this point. Then walk along the Pohjoisesplanadi street. Between the street and the sea lies the Market Square (Kauppatori), which is worth seeing during the market hours. However, it was too early and most of the stalls were not open. |
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Day 2 - HelsinkiThe Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli), located between the Eteläranta street and the sea, just next to the Market Square.
The blocks surrounding the Lutheran Cathedral and the Senate Square Ateneum, the museum of classical art located near the Central Railway Station. Kiasma, the museum of contemporary art, also located near the Central Railway Station. Shopping in the Stockmann department store (between the streets Pohjoisesplanadi, Keskuskatu, Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie). |
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Day 3 - Helsinki - Hameenlinn - Tampere
We had our lunch at 1-star Michelin Restaurant Art in Helsinki before leaving Helsinki in the afternoon and headed north along the expressway, E-79, following the signs to Hämeenlinna, a distance of 103km (1hr 30mins). We passed by forest-covered hills and meadows that eventually give way to open country dotted with lakes. Hämeenlinna: Finland's oldest inland town, founded in 1639, was the birthplace of Jean Sibelius. Here, we explored the old castle on the shores of Lake Vanajavesi. Hame Castle. After Hämeenlinna, we continued northwest along E-79 into Tampere, 80km (1hr). Checked into a hotel for the night in Finland's second largest city. The city is built on a narrow isthmus between two lakes, and its attractions such as the Tampere Art Museum and Tuomiokirkko, its cathedral, are easy to explore. |
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Day 4 - Tampere - Turku
In the morning, we left Tampere and followed E-80 155km (2h15m) southeast to the historic seaport of Turku, the oldest city in Finland and its former capital. Check into our Air BnB apartment for 2 nights and set out to explore the major sights, including the twin museums of Aboa Vetus ★★ and Ars Nova; Taidemuseo, the second major art museum in Finland, and Tuomiokirkko, the mother of the Lutheran Church of the country, dating from the 13th century. |
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Day 5 - Turku
On the morning of Day 5, while still based in Turku, we drove to the town of Naantali, famous for its Old Town and harbour. We like the old town here as it is less crowded with beautiful old wooden houses. We spend about 2 hours here, wandering and exploring. Thereafter, we drove to Kulturanta, the stunning summer residence of the president of Finland. Unfortunately, it was closed on Monday, and hence we can only see from a distance from the river. |
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Day 6 - Turku - Mariehamn
leave the port of Turku and take a seagoing ferry to Mariehamn (ETD0845 Viking Line, ETA1420), the capital of the Ålands, an archipelago lying off the west coast of Finland between Stockholm and Turku. The archipelago consists of 6,500 islands, islets, and skerries. After arriving in Mariehamn, the only real town, check into a hotel for 2 nights. |
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Day 7 - Åland Islands hopping
Get to Know History in Kastelholm Castle (25min drive from Mariehamm) - First mentioned in historical records dating back to 1388, Kastelholm Castle is where Swedish kings, including Gustav Vasa, spent time. For centuries, the main east-west route across the Swedish Empire passed through Åland. Now the castle, with its art collection, is open to the public from May to mid-September. Explore the Ruins of Bomarsund (10min drive from Kastelholm) - The Russian Czar’s granite fortress was destroyed by the British and the French in the Crimean War before it was even completed. Nowadays, visitors can explore the ruins for free, making for a fun family adventure. There’s also a café and restaurant at the nearby campground. |
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Day 8 - Åland Islands - Helsinki
After a final night in Mariehamn, return to Helsinki for your ongoing transportation. ETD2205, overnight in ferry (Viking Line), ETA0915. |
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Day 9 - Helsinki - Porvoo
Porvoo - located about 50 kilometres east of Helsinki, is the second oldest city in Finland. Its long history can still be felt on the charming cobblestone streets, past the iconic red wooden shore houses. Porvoo is full of small shops, lovely museums, galleries and cafés. The Old Town Hall Square is at the heart of the city. The selection of products at the market varies according to season. In the market café, people catch up with their friends and neighbours. The Old Railway Station is an interesting combination of old and new. The old building houses a hardware store, upholsterers and an ironmonger, as well as an art gallery and summer café |
TRIP PHOTOS - FINLAND