Gastronomy and Wellness 24.-28.4.2025

16.22-17.58 Train from Helsinki Airport to Tampere

Transportation 
You will meet Tuomas Paloniemi from Visit Tampere outside the train station main entrance. Transportation from the train station to the hotel.

Check-in to Radisson Blu Grand Hotel Tammer 
Satakunnankatu 13, Tampere. 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @grandhoteltammer

The Radisson Blu Grand Hotel Tammer, Tampere is located in a wonderful natural landscape right on the shores  of Tammerkoski, in the center of Tampere. Unwind and feel how time slows down in a hotel filled with old time romance and charm.

The comfortable rooms combine the history of the building with modern comforts. On-site bistro dining includes classic dishes with a contemporary twist, as well as a selection of excellent wines and drinks. A culinary highlight of a stay is the delicious breakfast, which is enjoyed in the impressive banquet hall.  

19.15 Lobby call & transportation

19.30 Dinner at Restaurant Nonni 
Tammelan puistokatu 35, Tampere 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @ravintolanonni

Finnish pure local food is a celebration of freshness and sustainability. It embodies the essence of Finnish nature and the dedication of local farmers. From the lush forests to the pristine lakes, Tampere offers a diverse range of ingredients that are transformed into delicious culinary delights.

"Nonni" is a traditional saying from Tampere, describing a relaxed atmosphere and state of mind with varying emphasis. In Restaurant Nonni, we are actually at the heart of Tampere culture in a similar way. It is approachable and easy to get acquainted with in a friendly manner. The restaurant has a warm and cozy ambiance.

Transportation back to the hotel 

Breakfast at the hotel
Served 6.30-10.00

9.40 Lobby call 
You will meet Tuomas in the hotel’s lobby. There is a transportation for the whole day. Take your sauna equipment with you & wear warm, outdoor clothing for outdoor activity.

10.00 Fishing tour with Kesäpäivä Rent & Adventures 
Tampere 
IG: @visittampereofficial; kesapaivarentadventures

Food in the restaurants in Tampere is very local and very fresh. The lake fish served in local restaurants comes from the big lakes around the city. Join us on a guided fishing tour on the stunning Lake Näsijärvi and experience the thrill of catching your own fish! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the lake while learning about fishing techniques and the deep connection between nature and local lifestyle. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fisher, this adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the journey from lake to plate. This tour is organized with Kesäpäivä Rent & Adventures.

12.00-14.00 Sauna & lunch at Sauna Restaurant Kuuma 
Laukontori (Laukontori Market Square) Laukontori 21, Tampere. 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @saunaravintolakuuma

Saunas are at the heart of Finnish wellness. The status as Tampere being the Sauna Capital is based on saunas being of high level and Tampere being home to most public saunas in Finland. The history of the sauna culture in the city goes back to the oldest public sauna still functioning in Finland: Rajaportti Sauna from 1906. There are also other interesting saunas, such as the Sauna Restaurant Kuuma.

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. You can also have a dip in the icy-cold water on the lake! Take your bathing suits & flip-flops / sandals with you, the towels will be provided for you from the sauna. We will enjoy a lunch after having a sauna. 
The dish today is a traditional Finnish salmon soup.

14.30-15.30 Guided tour at the Tampere Market Hall 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @tampereenkauppahalli  

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, pastries, chocolate, and to experience the local culinary culture.

Break at the hotel

17.15 Lobby call & walk to the Wine Bar Airo  

17.30-18.45 Afternoon wine & snacks at Wine Bar Airo 
Huhtimäenkatu 5, Tampere 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @viinibaariairo

Airo is a charming wine bar with a vintage touch, offering not only fine wines but also cocktails and Finnish-style tapas. Created by Juuso Ahvenainen and Tuomas Norri, Airo complements their nearby restaurant, Apaja, in perfect harmony. Airo invites you to enjoy wine, cocktails, tapas, and mellow music in a picturesque, slightly bohemian setting—just like its sister spot, Apaja. Both of the restaurants emphasize seasonal Finnish ingredients but also incorporates products from around the world.

19.00 Dinner at Restaurant Kajo with set menu Ode to Nature 
Rautatienkatu 12, Tampere 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @kajoravintola

Restaurant Kajo’s concept is strongly built on responsibility and sustainability. They let no part of the ingredient go to waste - that is what inspires the restaurant to find new ways to prepare their food and explore endless possibilities in their cooking.  

“Ode to Nature” -menu serves the best local produce the season has to offer. With the support of the network of local producers and the constant curiosity, the restaurant never stops learning from the ingredients. Pure flavours, bold combinations and warm-hearted service take guests on an unforgettable journey through the senses. You will enjoy the dinner together. 

Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel
Served 7.30-12.00

9.45 Lobby call & check-out

Wear outdoor clothing for the forest walk. Take your luggage with you, as you will continue directly to Lahti after lunch.

10.00-11.45 The basics of wild herbs & vegetables in nature  
Kauppi Forest 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @villipihlaja

The spring is here, and the nature starts to bloom. Wild vegetables & herbs are real local food, and their carbon footprint is minimal. They are also very nutritious, so why not learning more about them? After this trip, you’ll see your surroundings with fresh eyes—food is abundant in the Finnish forest and is used not only in homes but also in restaurants.

While exploring the flora & fauna of the forest, our guide Villipihlaja teaches you some effective breathing exercises with ‘mindfulness-like’ exercises of calming down, by enjoying the wild tastes of nature, and by observing and using our senses. This boosts your natural recovery. Sustainability, responsibility, and respect for the nature are the core values of the company.  

Info: You will be walking along forest trails with uphill and downhill sections as well as many roots and rocks. We recommend weather-appropriate and forest-friendly clothing, as well as dressing in layers.

12.00-13.30 Lunch at Bistro Henriks 
Satamakatu 7, Tampere.  
IG: @visittampereofficial; @bistrohenriks

The newly renovated Bistro Henriks offers French-style bistro cuisine and delightful beverages crafted from carefully selected ingredients, all served with a relaxed approach. The food is based on seasonal ingredients, and the drinks are curated with a good vibe in mind.  

13.30 Transportation to Lahti

15.00 Arrival in Lahti, Accommodation in Solo Sokos Hotel Lahden Seurahuone, loft rooms
IG: @lahdenseurahuone #Lahti #LahdenSeurahuone

The history of the Solo Sokos Hotel Lahden Seurahuone begins in the 1890’s. This centrally located hotel is constantly renewing and paying high attention to sustainability. The hotel has the Green Key certificate and was rewarded with the Sustainable Travel Finland certificate in 2020. In October 2022 the hotel was selected as the most sustainable hotel of Europe in the competition World Luxury Hotel Awards. Fifty new individually designed rooms in Seurahuone Loft House guarantee an exclusive hotel experience.

16.00 Short sightseeing in the city including the harbour area with Sibelius Hall and Sport Centre with the iconic three ski jumping towers  
IG: @Sibeliustalo @cityoflahti @SalpausselkaGeopark 
#lahdenurheilukeskus #Sibeliustalo #Lahti 

17.30 Traditional smoke sauna in Hollolan Hirvi. Possibility to taste sahti
IG: @hollolanhir_vi #HollolanHirvi #Hollola

Sahti is a real speciality worldwide, representing the oldest beer culture alive and one of the few primitive beers to survive in Western Europe. Sahti, a barley based, juniper flavoured drink, has the Traditional speciality guaranteed designation of the European Union. Lahti region belongs to one of the few sahti regions of Finland, where the tradition of sahti making by local people has always been, and still is very much alive.

20.30 Dinner and whisky tasting in the restaurant Taivaanranta (belonging to Teerenpeli concern)
IG: @teerenpelipanimotislaamo @teerenpelilahti @ravintolataivaanranta
#Teerenpeli #Lahti 

The award winning Teerenpeli was established in Lahti in 1994 first as a restaurant and later as a brewery and distillery. Teerenpeli products highlight Finnish flavours, handcraft and ecological production. The beverages are produced with over 20 years of expertise, honouring traditions and using local raw materials and clear groundwater from the Salpausselkä ridges. Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery has twice won the world’s best whisky distillery trophy (IWSC Worldwide Whiskey Producer Trophy) in 2020 and in 2024. 

Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel
Served 7.30-11.30

The breakfast concept of Solo Sokos Hotel Lahden Seurahuone has many times been chosen among the best breakfasts in Finland, so please reserve enough time for this experience.

10.00 Ainoa Winery, visit and tasting
IG: @ainoawinery #AinoaWinery #Hollola 

Ainoa Winery makes internationally recognised, award winning wines from Finnish berries and other high quality ingredients from the forest. We strive to capture the essence of the berries, and the spirit of the land where they grew in every bottle.

12.30 Lunch in Wine & Café Jokiranta in the Old Vääksy Village and canal area
IG: @winecafejokiranta @asikkalankunta

The beautiful Vääksy Canal milieu has fascinated with its beauty throughout the century. The café building was originally built in 1920 as a tanner's residence and workspace. During the lunch we enjoy pure Finnish tastes in cozy atmosphere. 

13.30 Drive to Pulkkilanharju, short photo and walking stop
IG: @asikkalankunta @salpausselkageopark @visitlakelandfinland 
#LakePaijanne #PaijannenationalPark #LakelandFinland #Pulkkilanharju 

The iconic Pulkkilanharju esker, cutting across Lake Päijänne, is one of the best known and most instagrammable sites of Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark. The narrow 8-kilometre-long esker belongs partly to Päijänne National Park, which protects the valuable archipelago nature of Finland’s second largest lake.

15.30 Visit in Heinolan Heila local food market
IG:@heinolan_heila 

Over 250 small-scale producers supply the food market with Finnish jams, preserves, cheeses, juice, vegetables, bakery products, honey, handicrafts, gifts and much more. We know each one of our producers, so you can discover the precise origin of the food. 

16.30 HouseBoat cruise on the lake
IG: @houseboatfinland #LakelandFinland 

Houseboat is a unique combination of touring and nature adventure in the middle of the most scenic Finnish Lakeland. A houseboat enables you to experience the traditional Finnish cottage holiday, lake cruise, touring and active vacation in one package. Based in Heinola, the second city of the Lahti region, the company Houseboat.fi offers 11 modern houseboats for 2–8 persons. Each houseboat also has its own sauna onboard. During the cruise we enjoy the traditional Finnish 1st of May sweet pastry “tippaleipä” (funnel cake) and drink “sima” (mead).

18.00 Back to Lahti

19.30 Dinner in Villa Rauhala
IG: @villarauhala.lahti #Lahti 

Captain and businessman August Fellman had this mansion villa built as his summer house in the late 1870s. The Rauhala estate belonged to the Lahti Manor and extended all the way to the shore of Lake Vesijärvi. Today Villa Rauhala offers accommodation and restaurant services.

Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Served 6.30-10.00

8.00 Departure to Helsinki

9.30-11.30 Design workshop at Arabia Art Department

Meet your local host Leena Karppinen (tel. + 358 40 5415 682), Senior Manager, PR & communications at Helsinki Partners in the lobby of Iittala & Arabia Design Center. 

You’ll have a workshop with Heini Riitahuhta, a ceramic artist and a designer. Her distinctive style has brought vibrant, floral patterns to Arabia products for more than 2 decades. Heini Riitahuhta is one of the artists working in the Arabia Art Deparment, that has been the home base for multiple iconic designers from Kaj Franck to Ruth Bryk. 
https://www.heiniriitahuhta.com/ 

12.00 Lunch at Demo 
In 2003, two friends came together to open a restaurant in downtown Helsinki. The idea was straight forward, offering memorable experiences and delicious food in a relaxed environment. This philosophy has remained true through the years, maintaining our reliability.

In the year 2007 the restaurants reputation surpassed itself and Demo was granted a Michelin Star which we have retained to this day. In October 2024 Demo was reopened to a new location.

Address: Itämerenkatu 25
https://www.restaurantdemo.fi/ 

14.00 Transfer to the Helsinki-Vantaa airport

16.40 Flight departures from Helsinki

Tampere is the most loved city of Finland. It’s the city with numerous events, fascinating cultural experiences, and soothing nature. This is a place, where urban city life walks hand in hand with vivid nature. The nature is close everywhere you turn your head in Tampere. The location between two big lakes brings the water element to the city and you can find parks and urban nature even right in the middle of the city – all year round.  

Tampere region is the home of happiness with welcoming, laid-back people. Culinary scene is constantly evolving. Enjoy the tasty dishes and relaxed atmosphere in the restaurants of the city! Tampere – The Sauna Capital of the World – welcomes everybody to its cosy warmth! Did you know there are almost 70 public saunas in Tampere and the surrounding region for anyone to relax in, throughout the year?  

For social media: Visit Tampere’s official account on Instagram is @visittampereofficial (tags and hashtags we use: @visittampereofficial #visittampere). Businesses’ Instagram accounts mentioned in the program. Visit Tampere’s official account on TikTok is @visittampere.

More things to do and see in our website: https://visittampere.fi/en 
Photo Bank & Materials: https://visittampere.fi/en/professionals/photo-bank-and-materials/ 

Lahti, the European Green Capital is the first real lakeside city you come to after departing from the capital Helsinki. The Lahti region offers a wide range of nature activities and urban events in the surroundings of the unique Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark area where the whole landscape is created by water. The Lahti region offers a range of unique accommodations, including lakeside cottages, wonderful nature activities and genuine tastes to make your visit unforgettable.

During the whole visit in the Lahti region, please tag:
@visitlahti_official @salpausselkageopark
#visitlahti #LakelandFinland #SalpausselkaGeopark

Designing the local gastronomy in Helsinki.
From foraged wild herbs to Michelin-starred experiences and groundbreaking innovations like Solar Foods, Helsinki’s culinary landscape is as diverse as it is forward-thinking. Discover a unique opportunity to explore the city's food culture through the lens of design and the artistry of fine dining.

During the visit in Helsinki, please tag:
@myhelsinki
#myhelsinki #visithelsinki