Finnish Highlights, From Helsinki to Oulu
Category
Travel period
All year
Trip type
Group
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Embark on a seven-day journey through Finland, from the vibrant capital Helsinki to the cultural hub of Oulu. Explore historic towns, serene lakes, and striking architecture. Discover Nordic design in Helsinki, stroll the cobblestone streets of Porvoo, and delve into the legacy of Alvar Aalto in Jyväskylä. Visit the UNESCO-listed Old Church of Petäjävesi before arriving in Oulu, the European Capital of Culture 2026, where art, history, and the Northern Lights await.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Arrival in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. This day is dedicated to exploring its seaside charm, Nordic design, and neoclassical architecture. On a city tour the group will learn a wealth of interesting facts about the city, see key parts of Helsinki, such as the historic centre and diplomatic quarter, the City Hall and Finlandia Hall, and stop at Senate Square and the Sibelius Monument.
Day 2: Helsinki to Lahti
In the morning, start with a drive to Porvoo, the second oldest city in Finland. The waterfront warehouses, cobblestone streets, and idyllic courtyards give the old town a unique historic atmosphere, that the group can enjoy during a walking tour. The journey of the day ends in Lahti, located in the Finnish Lakeland and a popular outdoor and sports destination. Round off the day with a visit the ski museum and learn about the history of Nordic ski sports. More active groups might choose to go for a short forest hike in the area around Lahti.
Day 3: Lahti to Jyväskylä
After breakfast, the journey continues to Jyväskylä where the group arrives around midday. In the afternoon they explore the city's main attractions on a guided tour. Jyväskylä is considered the "capital of Alvar Aalto", making it the ideal place to learn more about the world-renowned architect, and during the tour one can see some of his most famous buildings in the city centre. Afterwards learn more about Alvar Aalto, his life, and the defining characteristics of his work at the Alvar Aalto Museum, whose building and interior were designed by the man himself.
Day 4: Jyväskylä to Oulu
Before continuing the journey north, make a detour west of Jyväskylä to the Old Church of Petäjävesi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Church of Petäjävesi is an artistic masterpiece created by local farmers between 1763 and 1765, the result of remarkable Lappeenranta, Finland woodcarving skills passed down through generations.
Towards evening arrival in Oulu.
Day 5: Oulu
Start the day by getting to know Oulu on a city tour. The group will see the old town, the new town and the river, and be fascinated with stories of the past, about tar merchants, ship builders, sea farers and salmon fishers during the history of Oulu. The tour also includes a stop in the wooden old town on Pikisaari Island, an old industrial milieu that nowadays is the home and studio for many artists and artisans.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Oulu's cultural offerings. The Oulu2026 program include a new public art trail through Oulu, and a variety of art installations and exhibitions.
In the evening, head out on a Northern Lights hunt. With a bit of luck, the group will witness the mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights against the starry sky.
Day 6: Oulu
In the morning, an excursion to a reindeer farm with a centuries-old tradition. There the group can meet and feed the reindeer and hear stories from the reindeer herder family about a year on the reindeer farm and life with the animals while enjoying homemade pastries.
Free time in the afternoon to explore more of what Oulu has to offer.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant serving traditional dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients.
Day 7: Departure from Oulu
Today is the last day of this Finnish experience. A transfer will bring the group to the airport to start their homeward journey.
Tour Details
