Experiences by bike in Western Lakeland Finland
Western Lakeland area is an ideal holiday destination, whether you long for the peace of the countryside and a clean environment, an adventure amidst the lakes, rivers and forests, or want to get to know a different European culture, with its countryside traditions and lovely small towns
Day 1 & 2
Take a train or public bus from Helsinki to Hämeenlinna (apprx. 1 hour, 100 km).
As the oldest inland town in Finland, Hämeenlinna is full of things to see and experience. It offers a unique blend of new and old, nature and culture, urban sceneries and countryside landscapes
Visit Häme Castle, Prison Museum, Birthplace of Jean Sibelius
Do - bike around Hämeenlinna, admire national landscape in Aulanko Nature Reserve, join guided tours to national parks with Erärenki
Aulanko has been a popular destination with visitors for more than a hundred years. Nowadays, there is a lot to see and do in Aulanko Nature Reserve, in addition to the beautiful scenery - visit the forest park of Aulanko, enjoy the view from the scenic lookout tower of Aulangonvuori Hill over the national landscape, go berry and mushroom picking or walk on nature trails
Eat - Hungry for Häme. Häme is a region of genuine flavours and that's a great reason to take your very own tasting tour. Try some fish from Vanaja, locally farmed beef, clean vegetables, wines, home-brewed Sahti beer, delicious berries, masterpieces from a confectioner, real honey, and the creations of a chocolatier. From many farms you can buy also local products
Recommended accommodation in Hämeenlinna and around
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna offers you the opportunity to relax by the Vanajavesi lake
Scandic Aulanko is located on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi, just a five-minute drive from the Hämeenlinna city centre
In Bed and Breakfast Matin ja Maijan you will be accommodated in luxurious rooms in a century-old Villa right in the center of Hämeenlinna
Day 3 & 4
Trip from Hämeenlinna continues to Iittala Village (28km)
Iittala Village
Sustainable Design
Iittala introduces a new special edition collection made entirely of waste glass from the Iittala Glass Factory. The limited edition collection will include iconic designs such as the Aalto vase, the Aalto tealight candleholder, the Kastehelmi tumbler, the Kastehelmi tealight candleholder, and the Raami tumbler. Each object is unique and as durable and high quality as those made of virgin material
From Iittala to Visavuori harbour (15 km) hop on Silverline boat (on Tuesdays), take the train or ride by bike along the Pyhä Trail to Tampere.
Tampere is known for it's stunning views, public saunas, quirky museums and family fun. Tampere is "The Sauna Capital of the World" with over 30 public saunas in the region for anyone to relax in, throughout the year
Visit
World´s only Moomin Museum - Moomin Museum offers a chance to vividly experience the whole story of the Moomins, from the great flood to the floating midsummer theatre and from the mystery of the lighthouse island to the disappearance in November. The narration follows the twelve Moomin books, written and illustrated by Tove Jansson
Spy Museum - here you will learn about the methods and techniques the legendary spies used. Here you can examine real bugs, cipher machines, spy cameras, CIA’s radio sets suitable for intercontinental traffic, rare ground listening devices and over 400 other espionage gadgets
Do - Enjoy an authentic sauna experience with guides, get lost in the woods, find countless adventures,
Eat - The food culture of Tampere
Recommended accommodation in Tampere
3 Sokos Hotels- Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere, Original Sokos Hotel Villa and Original Sokos Hotel Ilves
Courtyard by Marriott Tampere City
5 Scandic Hotels - Scandic Tampere City, Scandic Tampere Station, Scandic Tampere Koskipuisto, Scandic Tampere Hämeenpuisto and Scandic Rosendahl
Day 5 & 6
Explore the northern Näsi Lake Trail! On the route, you will get to see amazing scenery, taste locally grown food, enjoy culture and the peace of nature. You can make your trip easier by cruising some of the way with s/s Tarjanne or by using the local trains
From Tampere to Helsinki/Turku
Trip towards home is easily reached from Tampere both by bus, by train and by air. There are several daily train connections both to Helsinki and Turku. There are even direct buses from Tampere to Helsinki airport. Tampere (TMP) also has an international airport with direct flights and onward connections to a wide variety of destinations.
