GaryCA

I'm thinking of spending about five days in Finland before heading off for Germany in the summer. Of course I want to spend a couple of days in Helsinki, but also want to see some scenery and small towns.

Would it be best to stay in Helsinki a couple of days and then head north or spend the whole time in Helsinki and do a couple day trips?

I don't want the expense and time it takes to go too far north. I am thinking of going to Haemeenlinna and then taking the ferry to Tampere. From there I could get a cheap Ryanair flight to Germany. How does this sound?

elina

Sounds fine. A ferry trip on the lakes is always a summer must, and Hämeenlinna-Tampere is one of the traditional routes, has been around 100+ years.

Another boat trip (from Helsinki) is a ferry to Porvoo, about 50 kilometres east. Porvoo is a nice old town, lots of tiny, low, colourful wooden buildings. The trip takes about four hours, and you can have a leasurely lunch on boat. And then take a bus back (1 hour).

And another boat trip: a day in Tallinn. Fast catamarans go over in 1,5 hours.

And if you are into nature, Nuuksio National Park (it is wilderness, even bears live there) is just 30 kilometres from Helsinki, and reached by public transport. There are marked trails.

GaryCA

Thanks, Elina. I knew I could count on you. I've seen some of your posts. What about Aulanko Park in Haemeenlinna?

GaryCA

Oh, another question, Elina. How feasible is it to take luggage on the ferry?

elina

Aulanko is a nice place. There is a tower where you can climb to see the views. And then there is of course the medieval Häme castle. For a long time it used to serve as a prison, but I believe that nowadays it is open to the public, and prisoners have something slightly more modern. Just remember that all Finlandīs castles were garrisons, built for defence purposes, and not some fancy places where dukes and dutchesses danced and dined.

The lake boats are small, some are old steam boats (romantic). So there is not much space or luggage. But if you have only one suitcase and a flight bag, I am certain they will find you a place where to put it. After all, people cannot be expected to travel empty handed.

elina

or luggage ---> For luggage

GaryCA

Thanks again. Your earlier suggestions are good to keep in mind. Doing a day trip to Porvoo and another to Nuuksio might simplify things a lot. Sounds like either option would work out.

GaryCA

BTW, I've seen enough fairy tale castles all over. This would be a good change.

elina

Here is Nuuksio: Here is Nuuksio (less than hour from Helsinkiīs center):http://www.luontoon.fi/page.asp?Section=5131

And here you have tips on Porvoo: http://tourism.porvoo.fi/en

GaryCA

Again, thanks.