Chill like a Finn UK group media visit 2.-6.9.2026

Arrival to Finland with Finnair LHR-HEL flight, connecting in Helsinki-Vantaa airport for train Helsinki-Lappeenranta

10:20-15:15 LHR-HEL flight 

17:12-19:24 VR train Helsinki Airport - Lappenranta ( change of trains at Tikkurila station )

19:25 Arrival to Lappeenranta train station and transfer to Boutique Hotel Lähde  

Accommodation at Boutique Hotel Lähde, located in the harbour of Lappeenranta. The atmospheric rooms at Boutique Hotel Lähde are steeped in history and offer a unique stay. Built on the site of the more than 100-year-old Lappeenranta Spa, the rooms combine the charm of the past with modern comforts.

20:00 Dinner at restaurant Sumu ( walking distance from hotel )

Restaurant Sumu serves delicious, handcrafted food made with skill, care, and heart. Located in center of Lappeenranta, it offers a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. The cuisine blends classic Scandinavian flavors with a fresh, modern twist.

9:00 Breakfast at the hotel

10:00 Departure to Savitaipale to visit the historic manor house Olkkolan Hovi. Here, we will experience authentic Finnish sauna traditions, including a traditional smoke sauna and a relaxing peat sauna treatment. Surrounded by the beautiful historic manor grounds and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kuolimo, this is a truly unique Finnish wellness experience. 

13.00 Departure to Lappeenranta for lunch and a hands-on workshop with Arja Ylä-Outinen at the cozy Café Majurska. There, we will learn how to make Atomi and Vety, Lappeenranta’s beloved traditional meat pie specialties.

At Majurska House, we will explore local handicrafts and the unique linen boutique Galleria Kääntopoiju, all under one historic roof. We’ll then take a short walk through the historic Lappeenranta Fortress, the city’s charming old town. The Fortress is home to three museums: the Cavalry Museum, the Lappeenranta Art Museum, and the South Karelia Museum.

We’ll also discover Finland’s oldest Orthodox church, along with many other beautiful and historically significant buildings. We’ll also stop by the Fazer factory shop. Afterwards, you’ll have around two hours of free time in Lappeenranta to explore the city at your own pace. You can discover small boutiques featuring local artists and designers, such as Ideri, where you can find creations by Lappeenranta-based artist Heli Pukki.

If you’re interested in Finnish design, you can also visit Marimekko, Iittala and Pentik at the IsoKristiina shopping centre, located about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

19.30  Dinner at the Ship Restaurant Prinsessa Armaada, located in the harbour, just a short walk from the hotel. This popular spot attracts both locals and visitors and offers a great opportunity to experience the local atmosphere. 

8.00  Transfer from the hotel for breakfast at Pulsan Asema. Pulsa Railway Station is nestled in the beautiful countryside of Lappeenranta, about 20 km from the city center. The main station building was constructed in 1869, and the surrounding houses were built shortly after to serve as homes for the station staff. At Pulsa Station, we will discover the fascinating history of this unique destination and will enjoy the renowned Pulsa Brunch in this charming historic setting.

11.15  Transfer to Imatra, where we will embark on an exciting floating sauna cruise on the Vuoksi River. During the cruise, there will be an opportunity to experience the Finnish sauna while enjoying the beautiful river scenery. You may also try dry suit floating, a relaxing activity that allows you to float safely on the water while taking in the surrounding nature. Cruise will take about 2 hours.  

14.00  we will change floating sauna to old tugboat m/s Emma for the lunch cruise to one on more than 13 000 islands of Lake Saimaa. On the way to Satomosaari island we will have lunch. And at the island we will have delicious pancakes at the campfire. 

18.00  Check-in for a two-night stay at the historic castle-like Imatran Valtionhotelli. Built in 1903 in the Art Nouveau style, the hotel is one of Finland’s most iconic landmarks and has welcomed visitors from around the world for more than a century. Located next to the famous Imatrankoski Rapids and surrounded by the beautiful Kruununpuisto park, the hotel offers a unique blend of history, elegance,and natural beauty.

Free time.

20.00  Dinner at hotel's restaurant Cascade 

9:00 Breakfast at the hotel

10.00  We will have a quick visit to local design boutique VirQ by virkkukoukkunen, next to the hotel

10.45  Transfer to Ruokolahti where we will visit Kummakivi (Strange Stone). Kummakivi is a massive boulder, approximately 7 meters long, that balances oddly atop a smaller, rounded rock. It touches the lower rock with such a tiny surface area that it looks like a giant balancing on one toe. What makes it truly remarkable is that it has stayed in this precarious position for millions of years. Many have tried to move it—even with dynamite—but all efforts have failed.

On this guided tour, Creative Kaiku’s local nature guides  will introduce you to the rich mythology of the Finnish forests, teach you about Everyman’s Rights, and share fascinating stories about the local flora and fauna.

15.00  We will then enjoy lunch at Iloisen Pässin Maalaispuoti, a charming countryside restaurant famous for its delicious bison and pike burgers. After lunch, we can explore the shop and discover a selection of local products, delicacies, and handmade items from the region. 

16.30  We will enjoy a scenic walk along the Hiitolanjoki River. Once blocked by hydropower dams, the river has undergone one of Finland’s most significant river restoration projects. Following the removal of the dams, migratory fish such as landlocked salmon and trout can once again travel freely between Lake Ladoga and the river’s spawning grounds. Today, Hiitolanjoki is a remarkable example of successful ecological restoration and a beautiful destination where visitors can experience the power of free-flowing rapids and diverse river nature.

After a short and pleasant walk, we’ll take part in a hands-on traditional Karelian pie workshop with a local baker, learning the secrets of this beloved regional specialty. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a delicious local dinner at B&B Hiitolanjoki, prepared with fresh ingredients and seasonal flavours. 

After dinner we will then return to Imatra and spend a relaxing evening at the hotel.

09.00 Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, you can have a morning walk through Kruununpuisto Park, Finland’s oldest nature reserve, located alongside the scenic Imatrankoski Rapids area.

10.45 Check-out from the hotel 

11.00  Transfer from Imatra to Helsinki airport by minibus 

14.00  Arrival at Helsinki-Vantaa airport

16.00  HEL-LHR Finnair flight departure 

This action is part of Eastern Finland Sustainable Tourism Growth Program and is funded by South Savo Regional Council from Appropriation for Sustainable Growth and Vitality in Regions (Finnish AKKE funding).