My wife and I are traveling to and through Finland from 6-15 through 7-16. Going to be in Helsinki for the first three days and then renting a car and going around the country for the rest. We are following my Finnish heritage and visiting relatives we have never met in Helsinki, Vimpeli, and Kemijarvi. Probably staying at Hotel Arthur in Helsinki. Any ideas for things to see, what to do, renting an inexpensive car, etc... Thank you!
Posted by
Espoo, Finland
102 posts
Wow! What a wonderful experience that will be for you to trace your roots. Besides the sights in Helsinki I would recommend Porvoo and old historic town an hour east of Helsinki. Then towards west there are Raasepori castle, Fiskars, historic old Turku with castle and Hanko, a beautiful seaside town. Towards the eastern Finland there is the lake area with Olavinlinna castle in Savonlinna among other things to see. I hope you will have a wonderful time! I will be also leaving for Finland at the end of this month. That's where my family is at.
Posted by
Kurikka, Finland
92 posts
The Tango festival is in Seinäjoki (near Vimpeli) 7-11.7. Literally dancing in the streets, and there is a Tango-free zone if your music tastes are more for rock/pop. Book a room early enough though, or find out what relatives you can stay with. In Finland it is the norm to put up relatives, friends of relatives, even friends of friends of friends if they come from as far away as the USA.
Kemijärvi is very beautiful, as is most of Finland but Lapland prob won't be like anything you've seen before.
Consider an eastern route for either your trip north to K.järvi or south from K.järvi, you might really enjoy Kuusamo (esp. at least Kuitakangas, or the whole little Bear Route), Kainuu and esp. Koli National park.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Be sure to take a sauna. Your relatives may likely host you in their own or at a sauna club. It is an experience unlike anything I've ever done. But be prepared to set aside your modesty...
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
We're planning, among other things, to visit the fortress island (Suomenlina? something like that), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a short ferry ride, 15 minutes, from downtown Helsinki.
Posted by
Espoo, Finland
102 posts
Suomenlinna, the fortress and Korkeasaari, a zoo are two nice island hopping trips to make in Helsinki. I am planning to do both with my daughter this summer also. There is also Seurasaari, a heritage museum near the city center. I would also suggest a stroll through the Kansallismuseo - the National Museum.
The Helsinki harbor is one of my favorite stops in Helsinki. There is the outdoor marketplace with touristy wares to sell and also foods and fresh fruit and vegetables. You can have a nice plate of food for a very low cost. There are nice silver jewlery made with indigenous gem stone Spectrolite. I love my necklace and wear it all the time. There is also Halli there, an old indoor market with delicious foods to try.
Don't forget to check out Stockman, the largest department store in Scandinavia. Their bakery is amazing! Try the ham and cheese croissants or the little strawberry cakes.
I can't wait to get there myself in less than two weeks!