"Small and idyllic, old towns along Finnish coastal line are located on the edge between East and West - in all senses"
Get to know charm and history of Finnish south-east coastal towns. During the trip, you'll visit three Finnish towns, where atmosphere of East and West is almost tangible. Learn about the history, meet the locals, enjoy unspoiled Finnish nature and explore the biggest Archipelago in the world - not to forget about genuine Finnish sauna experience and delicious local food, that is, in fact, the cleanest in the whole Europe
Arrival in Helsinki. Transfer to Porvoo, for example by Åbergin linjat or by Helsinki Taksi or by public transport, link to bus timetables, departures roughly once in 15 minutes. By car approx. 50 minutes
TIP! In summer time, we suggest you go to Porvoo by cruise by old steamship named after famous Finnish writer J. L. Runeberg. Ship leaves daily from Helsinki Market Square at 10.00 AM. Trip takes about 3 hours
Welcome to Porvoo
Porvoo is an idyllic town that is located about 1h drive from Helsinki to east direction. Old Porvoo, with its red-ochre painted riverside warehouses, is one of the most photographed national landscapes in Finland and a steady favorite among travelers. Here you can admire the colorful wooden houses and stroll the winding cobbled streets - as if in a children's story book. Old Porvoo's numerous award-winning restaurants, romantic hotels and B&B's, cute cafes, quirky shops, chocolateries and boutiques invite you to stay for longer than just a day. Old Porvoo is also surrounded by a beautiful National Urban Park that stretches over the whole river valley. Porvoo is easy to reach from Helsinki by bus or by boat in the summer
Lunch recommendations
- Zum Beispiel A relaxed restaurant and deli, Zum Beispiel, invites you to enjoy high quality flavours from near and far. When you taste carefully prepared clean food, you can understand why you are smiling while eating
- SicaPelle As well as offering weekly changing menus that are full of surprises, SicaPelle Wining & Dining conjures up to bistro classics made from fresh ingredients of the day. On Sundays at SicaPelle you can enjoy a relaxed brunch
Explore Porvoo Old Town
Charming Old Town of Porvoo, Alleys and Riverside, with a Local Guide
Dinner recommendations
- Haikko Manor restaurant. The historic Manor House has two elegant, large dining rooms and several charming smaller rooms. Antique furniture, lovely details and historic ambiance of the Russian imperial era
- Restaurant Salt. Right in the heart of Old Porvoo, next to the Cathedral, stands an idyllic 18th century log building, where restaurant Salt has opened its doors. In the historic milieu Salt's kitchen conjures up culinary experiences based on the harvest season. From the terrace, looking over the roofs of Old Porvoo, you have a fine view to the river.
Overnight recommendations
- Boutique Hotel Onni. This is an option, if you want to dive into atmosphere of old times by spending the night in atmospheric old manor located in the heart of old Porvoo
- Haikko Manor & SPA. Haikko Manor remembers even the Tsar family. This is an alternative if you want to spend quality time in manor hotel, that breathes atmosphere of old good times. Hotel is located on picturesque sea bay about 6 km from Porvoo city center – and equipped with atmospheric spa, that has special access times for adults only
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel
Discover the morning city on your own: buy local souvenirs, taste delicious local artisan choclate from Brunberg confectionery, enjoy cup of steaming hot coffee of local coffee brewing company Porvoon Paahtimo or if you want to dig deeper, you should investigate Urban National Park –walk to admire beautiful Porvoo, its riverside and enjoy scenery views of rough, but beautiful Nordic nature
Add a bit luxury
- Enjoy the morning fishing trip to Porvoo archipelago – in a sustainable manner
OR - Relax in the Haikko SPA with their quality treatments & peaceful pool area
Lunch recommendations
- Bistro Sinne's menu is based on locally produced ingredients and follows the Finnish gastronomical calendar. Seasonal menu available. Location: about 5 minutes walk from Old Porvoo
- Haikko Bistro & Cafe is an adorable option for light soup lunch, if you are staying at Haikko Hotel
Afternoon excursion to local Malmgård brewery, that produces award-winning beers using only local ingredients. During the excursion you will get more how beer is produced, and of course, will get chance to taste the best local specialties
After busy day, we suggest you to relax in steaming hot sauna and try the dip in the lake afterwards at Råmossa lodge. At this sustainability-certificated lodge, you’ll get familiar with Finnish sauna traditions – as well as delicious dinner spiced with interesting stories about local history, community and lifestyle
Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure to Kotka by transfer, for example by Kaj Forsblom or Jyrkilä OR by public transport, link to the bus timetables, about dozen of departures per day OR by rented car
Explore Kotka, guided tour around the city
Kotka is a beautiful port city, that heart was build in late 19th – early 20th century. The city center, Kotkansaari, is liveable and visually interesting area – the island is full of jugend architecture and breathe of history! Another name of Kotka is the city of parks. On the tour, it is absolutely must to visit some of city’s park, for example beautiful park Sapokan vesipuisto, rough, but ideal for families Katariinan meripuisto, park Jokipuisto that is just like live impressionist drawing, or herb garden made inside the fortress construction just to name a few
Ask for a professional guide from Kymenmatkat travel agency. During the tour, don’t forget to visit beautiful Langinkoski imperial fishing lodge museum , the “summer cottage” of Russian Emperor Alexander III
Lunch recommendations
- Laakonki – near Vellamo. Restaurant Laakonki serves a daily changing lunch on weekdays, including both meat and vegetarian dishes and portions of different sizes. On weekends, Laakonki offers a hearty and delicious brunch buffet. Eat as much as you want, but be sure to leave room for our scrumptiously delicious desserts!
- Kotkan Klubi – in city center of Kotka. The roots of Kotkan Klubi ry go back to 1875, when this politically independent non-profit association was founded to provide members with the opportunity to discuss social and financial issues. The Kotkan Klubi lunch menu is based on carefully selected raw materials, and the historic setting creates a distinguished atmosphere
After lunch, there are some options to choose how to continue your day
- Visit to Maretarium
In Maretarium you will meet the most of the Finnish fish species. Some species you may see both as small juveniles as old adults. Fish in Maretarium live according to the Finnish four seasons. If you are lucky enough, you may see spawnings. From the cash desk you will get a list of Finnish fish species and a pencil and so you can mark those species you will see during your aquarium tour. Lists of the fish species are available with 19 different languages! Admiring some lake fishes may sound boring at the first encounter, but visiting the Maretarium is a real experience!
OR / AND - Visit to Vellamo
Come and learn the stories of the sea and the Kymenlaakso region. Let our exhibitions take you by surprise, dive deeper into the history of seafaring on a guided tour or examine history independently
OR / AND - Just free time to enjoy the Kotka’s city center
OR - Visit to Valkmusa national park and try a canoe tour or rafting (ca. 20 km from Kotka). // A guided trip to Valkmusa national park
Valkmusa's extensive natural open bogs give visitors a chance to wind down and see, hear, smell and even taste nature all around. Look out for wetland birds and fluttering marshland butterflies, especially in spring and summer when the air is filled with birdsong. Find tasty cranberries growing among the bog moss
Overnight recommendations
- Cottage accommodation at Santalahti resort
This cottage & camping resort is located 10 min drive from Kotka city center and is a five-star resort surrounded by sea and nature. At Santalahti, accommodation options are offered for every taste, from campsites to cosy cottages to luxury villas.
TIP! For the total relaxation, visit one of Santalahti’s saunas. Especially we recommend famous unique cave sauna, that is located underground, is equipped with own pool and beautiful views to the sea straight from the pool. - Sokos Hotel Kotka – Green key hotel. At Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone, located right in city center, on Kotkansaari island, you can sense the vicinity of the sea all year round. At Seurahuone, you can enjoy wonderful sauna moments over the city rooftops because the roof terraces of all three saunas provide magnificent views over the city
Day 4
Breakfast at the hotel
Guided tour in Hamina by foot
The vivid history of the fortress town and the past of the countryside dating back to the Middle Ages tells many stories. Hamina Tourist and Event Service provides guides for conventional tours of the centre of Hamina or farther into the countryside. There are also walking tours that present the history of Hamina and many interesting details. The history of the circular town is full of colourful characters and stories. On a time travel to 19th century Hamina, characters such as the pharmacist’s wife or a widow enliven the tour with their fascinating stories. History is also brought to life by drama performances by the historical characters of the local association Haminan Hywät Asukkaat, presented primarily in the Shopkeeper’s Museum setting
Lunch recommendations
- Lounashuone Kerho offers a historical setting for a buffet lunch and as a banquet restaurant for a variety of events and meetings. The restaurant operates in the historical setting of the Hamina Garrison Club building, completed in 1863. The building has served as the residence of the head of the cadet school, as the headquarters and officer club of the Russian Regiment in the early 20th century, and from the 1920s to the 2000s as the Hamina Officers’ Club
- Rampsi kitchen & lounge is located on the seashore, on Tervasaari island of Hamina. Here you can enjoy the food with amazing views. In the same area just few steps away is located also another restaurant, Taverna Tervanaru
Overnight recommendation
- Spa Hotel Hamina. Historical Hamina is a city of encounters. The beautiful, historic center of the city is located only a few minutes walk from SpaHotel Hamina. The hotel room rates include breakfast, free access to the pool area and gym, parking, saunas and wireless internet access
Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure to Helsinki by transfer for example by Åbergin linjat or by Helsinki Taksi or by public transport, 1-4 daily departures except Saturday
or …why not to continue the holidays by renting a traditional Finnish cottage by the lake, for the night or two?
THANK YOU AND WISH YOU A SAFE TRIP HOME!
