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Vagabond Press Trip

Credits: VR, Janne Mikkilä

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A train journey through Finland

During this press trip you will get to experience travelling by train from the coastal city Turku to the lakeside Tampere, all the way to Rovaniemi in Lapland and to the capital city Helsinki in Southern Finland. By invitation only, updated 20 May 2024.
Credits: VR, Janne Mikkilä

Quick facts

Ferries and train connections

Stockholm-Turku / Viking Glory
25 May 20:00 - 26 May 07:35

Turku-Tampere / Intercity 909
27 May 09:05-10:47

Tampere-Rovaniemi / Night train 273
28 May 02:37-11:03

Rovaniemi-Helsinki / Night train 274
29 May 20:57 - 30 May 09:15

Helsinki-Stockholm / Silja Symphony
30 May 17:00 - 31 May 10:00

Bring along

Umbrella

Swimwear

Comfortable clothes and shoes

Preliminary program

Credits : Timo Oksanen
Credits: Visit Rovaniemi

Saturday 25.05.2024

20:00  Viking Glory to Turku

Sunday 26.05.2024

07:35  Arrival in Turku

Your local hostess from Visit Turku Archipelago will meet you at the Viking Line terminal. Transfer with taxi to the hotel.

Breakfast and possibly early check-in at  Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, which is iconic Turku hotel on the banks of Aura river. (If the rooms aren’t ready, we can leave the luggages in the storage, and check-in later)

10:00  Visit to Åbo Svenska Teater

This Swedish speaking theatre is Finland’s oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre building is a genuine pearl at the heart of Turku. Guidance in Swedish.

11:00  Visit to Turku Art Museum

The granite museum building of Turku Art Museum is one of the most prominent landmarks in Turku and an attraction in its own right. The guidance to Handle with Care exhibition is in Swedish.

12:00  Afternoon Tea in Turku Art Museum’s lovely Café Victor

13:30  Visit to Villa Järvelä

Villa Järvelä is Finland's top destination for ice swimming and sauna. Järvelä has two wood burning saunas, one of the best electric saunas in the country - and a sauna tent for softer warmth.

16:30  Back to the City of Turku

Walk by the River Aura, visiting Cathedral Park Terrace for delicious food & drinks, possibly also other program - depending on the weather!

18:00  Dinner at Tintå

 

Monday 27.05.2024

09:05-10:47    Train to Tampere (Intercity 909)

Luggage drop to Lapland Hotels Arena 
Ratapihankatu 54, Tampere. 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @laplandhotelsarena 

Lapland Hotels Arena in the heart of Tampere is part of Nokia Arena's events, action and modern atmosphere. The modern and relaxed style and rugged elegance of the rooms draws inspiration from the Artic stone cracked open by the harsh winter and birch tree forests decorated by frost. The hotel is located at the heart of a new entertainment centre.  

The room might not be ready yet, but you can leave your luggage at the reception. The hotel is only 5–10 minute walk away from the train station.

12:00 Guided tour at the Tampere Market Hall 
Hallituskatu 10, Tampere 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @tampereenkauppahalli 
You will meet your guide at the Hallituskatu entrance.

Tampere Market Hall is a historic and vibrant indoor market located in the heart of Tampere. The hall dates back to 1901 and is a cherished landmark in the city. Inside, visitors can explore a wide range of stalls and vendors offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products. It's a fantastic place to sample traditional Finnish foods, such as the traditional black sausage, Finnish cheese, chocolate, and to experience the local culinary culture.  

Today, you will hear stories of the Market Hall and see its beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere. You will also have some small snacks while touring in the Market Hall. 

13:00 Lunch at Tampere Market Hall 
Hämeenkatu 19, Tampere 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @4vuodenaikaakauppahalli 

Restaurant 4 Seasons is an idyllic, authentic French restaurant in the old market hall. It is utilizing the finest of ingredients from Finland and abroad. The restaurant has a rotating lunch list, but some classics are there to stay. 
Go ahead and have a taste of 4 Seasons’ highly raised lunch special – the French fish soup, Bouillabaisse! Please mention your name at the cashier, the lunch is covered by Visit Tampere.  

14:00-15:30 Canoeing on Lake Pyhäjärvi 
You will meet your guide in front of Sauna Restaurant Kuuma 
Laukontori (Laukontori Market Square) Laukontori 21, Tampere. 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @treshombresadventure 

Lake nature and urban city life come together in Tampere. Nature is always close and easily accessible. Tampere offers a plethora of outdoor activities to embrace the summer season amidst nature's embrace. For a refreshing escape, head to one of the many lakes surrounding the city, such as Näsijärvi or Pyhäjärvi, where you can indulge in swimming, kayaking, lake cruise or simply basking in the sun on sandy shores.  

If you're seeking a bit of adrenaline, don't miss out on the opportunity to try out some water sports like paddleboarding or river floating. Additionally, Tampere's vast network of parks and green spaces, provide ideal settings for picnics and leisurely strolls. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking to unwind under the open sky, Tampere's summer offerings promise endless opportunities to connect with the great outdoors. In winter, choose from cross country skiing, ice skating, dreamy walks in scenic forests - that’s sure to freshen you up.  

Today, you’re heading on the lake canoeing trip together with Tres Hombres. If the weather looks bad, the excursion is not possible. The decision is made on the day of the activity. Remember to wear weather-appropriate clothing & good outdoor shoes to this tour. 

15:50-17:00 Roof Walk Finlayson 
Media 54 building in the Finlayson area, Satakunnankatu 18A, 5th floor. Follow the signs from the entrances of the Media 54 building or from the Siperia center. 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @roofwalkfinlayson; @amazingcityoy 

Roof Walk is a unique experience that showcases Tampere from a new perspective! A unique route on top of the city includes stunning sights and historical stories. The rooftop walkway is built on the roofs of the historical buildings in the Finlayson area. It offers magnificent views and a touch of history. On the City View route the participants will travel with a guide, and they’re attached to a safety harness that connects to a wire. The walk takes an hour (16-17). Please arrive at the location by 15.50. 

17:30 Sauna & Dinner at Sauna Restaurant Kuuma  
Laukontori (Laukontori Market Square) Laukontori 21, Tampere. 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @saunaravintolakuuma 

Saunaravintola Kuuma is a public sauna but also an idyllic restaurant, right in the middle of the city. Kuuma offers a social, cozy “living room for everybody” in a New-Nordic style. There are two mixed saunas - wood-heated sauna and a modern smoke sauna. The wood-heated sauna might be more of a traditional type of experience for the first-time sauna-goers, whereas the smoke sauna can give the experienced sauna enthusiasts a chance to step up a notch.  

Today, you will meet the sauna guide & sauna heater Alexander Lembke. Working as a sauna guide and a heater at the oldest public bath in Finland, Alex takes a steam every single day, and knows the sauna habits, history of sauna in Finland & health effects. You will hear more about the public sauna culture & the Sauna Capital of the World. You will have a sauna after you meet Alexander at the front of the restaurant outside. Please bring your bathing suits & flip flops / sandals with you. Towels are provided. You will have time to bathe in the saunas first. Your 
table reservation is at the same building after sauna. 

Resting at the hotel after dinner 

02:37-11:03 Overnight train to Rovaniemi (Night train 273)

Tuesday 28.05.2024

02:37-11:03  Overnight train to Rovaniemi (Night train 273)

11:03  Arrival to Rovaniemi (Night train 273) & Taxi transfer to hotel 
Taxi is waiting for you with your name.

Check-in to Arctic Light hotel

Arctic Light hotel is an essential part of Rovaniemi’s history – it used to be the city hall of Rovaniemi after the war times. Nowadays the building features little hints and tips from the past but provides the most comfort of modern way of accommodate in the heart of Rovaniemi. @arctic_light_hotel

12:00 Short walk to Arktikum (Address: Pohjoisranta 4)

12:30 Lunch at Arktikum Café 

13:30 Guided tour in Arktikum

Arktikum highlights the most important facts about Lapland and the Arctic area. As Lapland’s capital city, Rovaniemi is a fantastic hub for the arts, science, and culture. To get a grasp of local and regional history and culture, the definite place to start is museum and arctic science centre Arktikum. @arktikumofficial

14:30 Short walk from Arktikum to Korundi.

Korundi is located 1 km from Arktikum. Address: Lapinkävijäntie 4.

15:00 Guided tour in Korundi exhibition

Lapland has a vibrant art scene, and Korundi The house of culture houses the inspiring collection of the most influential Finnish contemporary art in the old post bus deposit building. Korundi is home to Rovaniemi Art Museum and world-class Lapland Chamber Orchestra. @korundihouse

16.30 Transfer to local farm Kotatuli (Pick-up from your hotel lobby)

Sauna at local farm Kotatuli

Kotatuli is a small family business run by family and friends together. Our values include nature and the well-being of people and animals. The traditional Finnish log house milieu is located 57 km from the center of Rovaniemi, by the lake and in the middle of the forest, in a beautiful natural location. Enjoy traditional sauna evening and home-made dinner during your experience.

20:30 Return transfer to hotel

Wednesday 29.05.2024

8:30 Pick-up from in front of Hostel Café Koti (opposite your hotel) Booking ref: 57520 
Life of the husky at Bearhill Husky Kennel –summer experience
A guided tour of the modern kennel facilities and a fascinating view into the daily life of huskies and their mushers. Huskies love attention and you will  get a chance to interact with them. There will be time to get to know the dogs and their unique characters, as well as a chance to see the workings of the kennel. @bearhillhusky

11:45 Return to city center 

12:15 Lunch in local Roka Street Bistro (Address: Ainonkatu 3LH2)
Roka provides a friendly, personal and intimate 25-seater, neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Rovaniemi. Originating from both near and far, Roka utilizes only the finest raw ingredients in the dishes, making the food fresh, crisp and delectably tasty. @ravintolaroka 

14.00 Pick-up from your hotel lobby by Sieriporo Safaris 

SieriPoro Safaris is an authentic and original Lappish reindeer farm. Our families have been practicing reindeer herding in Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland since at least 1800. The farm has several hundred reindeer, and visitors can experience memorable reindeer programs on the farm and learn more about the work of reindeer herders. @sieriporo_safaris

16:30 Arrival to Santa Claus Village @santsclausvillageofficial
* Meet Santa Claus in Santa Claus Village @santaclausoffice
* Visit Santa Claus’ Main Post Office
* Cross the Arctic Circle 

17:30 Transfer to city centre & Free time

20:57-09:15 Overnight train to Helsinki (Night train 274)

Thursday 30.05.2024

09:15 Arrival in Helsinki

Meet Heidi Johansson, city guide and representative of Helsinki Partners at the Central Railway station.

09:30 Visit to Oodi Central Library, Helsinki´s vibrant living room

10:30 Visit to Amos Rex Museum of Modern Art

11:45 Lunch at Restaurant Robusta

13:00-15:00  Sauna at Löyly

          Walk or tram ride to the Olympia Terminal, boarding Silja Symphony.

17:00 Silja Symphony to Stockholm

Friday 31.05.2024

10:00 Arrival in Stockholm    

Regional contacts

Visit Finland contact

Sari Hey
sari.hey@businessfinland.fi
+358 46 923 4745

Useful links

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