Walking in Finland and Sweden
Walking in Finland and Sweden
Walking in Finland and Sweden
10 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting: Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park, Hanko, Turku, Mariehamn, Åland Islands, Stockholm
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WFS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
16-
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the serene landscapes of Finland and Sweden with our "Walking in Finland and Sweden" tour. Begin your journey in Helsinki, where urban culture meets coastal nature, before exploring the lush forests and sparkling lakes of Nuuksio National Park. Discover the charming town of Hanko and the vibrant cultural hub of Turku, with its medieval and modern influences. Sail to the Aland Islands, a unique blend of Finnish and Swedish heritage, and explore Mariehamn's maritime history. In Sweden, immerse yourself in Stockholm's rich history with visits to Gamla Stan and the Vasa Museum. Enjoy leisurely walks through nature reserves and indulge in local culinary delights, from Finnish saunas to Swedish Fika. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, providing an authentic Nordic experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In The Finnish Capital Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: Scandic Kallio Hotel
Our journey starts in the Finnish capital Helsinki. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, the city is a charming blend of urban culture and coastal nature.
For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards your leader will take you out on an orientation walk in the city centre and, for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for a group dinner.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Helsinki International Airport (HEL), which is a 20 minute drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Should you arrive earlier today, downtown Helsinki is easily explored on foot and also boasts the world's northernmost metro system.
Day 2: Hike In The Nuuksio National Park. Free Afternoon In Helsinki
Location: Nuuksio National Park
Accommodation Name: Scandic Kallio Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we head out of the city on a drive of around 40 minutes to the tranquil landscapes of the Nuuksio National Park. A mixture of lush forests, sparkling lakes and rugged crags, we'll head out on a leisurely walk - our first immersion into the calming wilderness of southern Finland.
If we're very lucky we might see the Park's emblem - the Siberian flying squirrel. Smaller than the common red squirrel and with a grey coat, these squirrels can glide up to 75 metres between trees. Other mammals resident here include elk, deer and myriad species of bird including woodpecker and nightjar.
Back in Helsinki this afternoon, your time is left free to explore. The Suomenlinna sea fortress is a popular spot to visit. It was built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki's harbour. You may like to wander in the waterfront market that sells local crafts alongside fresh produce and street food or head to the Design district, a must for lovers of the Scandinavian design aesthetic, its galleries and boutiques showcasing the best of Finnish creativity and design.
You might also want to experience a Finnish sauna. The tradition is a deeply ingrained part of Finnish culture and is renowned for its health benefits. There are a number of public saunas in Helsinki such as the waterfront Allas Sea Pool complex which combines the traditional Finnish sauna experience with modern amenities.
Day 3: Tullinemi Nature Trail Walk To Finland's Southernmost Point; Explore Hanko Then Drive To Turku
Location: Hanko
Accommodation Name: Hotel Helmi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing Helsinki after breakfast we drive to Hanko, a charming town located on a peninsula that juts out into the Gulf of Finland. Enjoying a mild summer climate, Hanko is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and 19th century wooden houses and villas that showcase its history as a resort. Today it's still a popular weekend getaway for Helsinki residents.
We'll head out on a walk from Hanko along the Tullinemi Peninsula to Finland's southernmost tip and back. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline with rocky shores, sandy beaches and open sea. The peninsula's pine forests, coastal heath and wetlands host a wide range of flora and fauna and it's a great spot for birdwatching.
After our walk we'll continue on to our destination for the next two nights, Turku, located on Finland's southwestern coast, alongside the Aura River. Once the capital of Finland, Turku is a vibrant cultural hub with a blend of medieval and modern influences.
Today's 6 kilometre walk is expected to take around 2 hours. The terrain is flat.
Day 4: Walking Tour In Turku; Visit Sammallahdenmaki Bronze-Age Burial Site And Historic Waterfront At Rauma
Location: Turku
Accommodation Name: Hotel Helmi
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll head out on a guided walking tour of the riverfront area and main historical sites in Turku. We'll pay a visit to the 13th century cathedral, constructed mainly from granite, it's the oldest and most significant church in Finland and is a central symbol of the city. Turku Castle is another prominent landmark from the same period. Built as a fortress to protect the southwestern coastline it houses a museum.
Later we'll drive north to visit the Sammallahdenmaki Bronze-Age burial site, one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Scandinavia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sammallahdenmaki contains 36 burial cairns spread over a rugged granite ridge, surrounded by pine forests. The cairns vary in shape and size and their arrangement is believed to have had religious significance. After time exploring this serene and atmospheric spot we'll enjoy a short walk in the forest here before heading to Rauma. Also UNESCO listed, Old Rauma has one of the best preserved examples of traditional wooden towns in the Nordic countries. The narrow cobbled streets and colourful wooden houses mostly date back to the 17th to 19th centuries. On the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, Rauma has a strong maritime heritage, its port is a critical link for shipping and the town still has an active shipbuilding industry.
After time to explore here we'll head back to Turku for the evening and the chance to head out to enjoy some typical Finnish fare at ones of the town's many restaurants. Finnish cuisine is a blend of traditional Nordic flavours and influences from Russia, Sweden, and other European countries. It emphasizes seasonal ingredients and often incorporates foraged foods from Finland's extensive forests and lakes. Staple ingredients include, berries, root vegetables, rye, barley and oats. Fish is very popular, both from the Baltic Sea and inland lakes and rivers, popular meats include reindeer (mostly in the north) and game meats such as elk, alongside the more regularly eaten pork and poultry.
Today's 2kilometre walk is expected to take around 45 minutes. The terrain here is flat.
Day 5: Ferry To The Aland Islands; Walking Tour Of Mariehamn
Location: Mariehamn
Accommodation Name: Hotel Adlon
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave mainland Finland this morning catching a ferry to the Aland Islands, located halfway between Finland and Sweden in the Baltic Sea. The journey will take us around five and a half hours and our route takes through the beautiful Archipelago Sea, a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve containing around 50,000 islands and rocky islets of varying sizes. Formed as a result of glacial activity during the last Ice Age, the ocean floor is continuing to rise post-glacial rebound, and new islets are being created over time.
The Aland Islands, although part of Finland, are autonomous and demilitarized having their own government and unique traditions. Swedish is spoken here and the islands have a very strong maritime tradition and historical ties to Sweden. Aland's landscape features a mix of rolling meadows, pine forests, rocky coastlines, and serene blue waters.
We base ourselves in the island's capital Mariehamn and this afternoon will head out on a walking tour with our tour leader. Mariehamn has a distinctive layout, with wide avenues and tree-lined streets featuring historic wooden houses whose architecture reflects Nordic and Russian influences. giving the town a unique character. The town has two main harbours, the Western Harbour which is home to larger vessels, ferries, and cargo ships, while the Eastern Harbour is mainly for smaller boats, yachts, and local water activities. We'll see the iconic Pommern, a four-masted sailing ship which once carried grain between Australia and Europe, now a floating museum moored in the Western harbour.
Mariehamn offers a taste of Aland's distinct cuisine, which includes traditional dishes like black bread, fish dishes, and Aland pancake (flavoured with cardamom and served with jam) which we'll be sure to try during our time here.
Day 6: Hike The Grottstigen Cave Trail. Visit A Microbrewery And Kastelholm Castle
Location: Åland Islands
Accommodation Name: Hotel Adlon
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll drive (around 45 minutes) to the northern side of the island to set out on a hike along the Grottstigen Cave Trails, discovering a wild landscape of granite slopes, unique rock formations and caves. The trail winds through dense forests of pine and spruce, interspersed with open areas offering panoramic views of the archipelago. The coastal vistas from the higher points of the trail are stunning, with views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding islands.
After our hike we head to the popular Stallhagen microbrewery for the chance to refuel at its restaurant which emphasizes local ingredients and Aland inspired dishes that pair with the craft beers produced here. There's the option to join a guided tour to learn about the brewing process, history of the brewery and of course, head to the tasting room to try a variety of Stallhagen's beers. Aland's natural environment provides fresh ingredients for Stallhagen's beers, including locally grown hops, Aland honey, wild berries, and herbs, giving its beers a distinctly local flavour.
On our way back to Mariehamn we'll also stop at one of the most iconic buildings in Aland, Kastelholm. the Castle is a 14th century medieval fortress that served over the years as a residence for nobility, royalty and even prisoners.
Today's 5 kilometre walk is expected to take around 2 hours. The terrain is is rocky with undulating hills and some steeper sections.
Day 7: Free Morning In Mariehamn; Afternoon Ferry To Stockholm
Location: Mariehamn
Accommodation Name: Elite Hotel Carolina Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast
The time today has been left free before we depart for the ferry to Sweden which departs at 2.25 PM. Mariehamn is a lovely place to wander around and visit the shops and museums, but, if you're feeling active, its also possible to head out on the marked trails on the Mariehamn Peninsula either on foot or you can also hire a bike.
This afternoon's ferry to the Swedish capital Stockholm takes around four and a half hours. The final part of the journey weaves its way to the city's ferry dock among the myriad islands of the Stockholm Archipelago, a stunning and archetypal Nordic landscape of rocky outcrops, lush forests, and charming coastal villages.
Day 8: Stockholm City Tour Including City Hall; Visit To The Vasa Museum
Location: Stockholm
Accommodation Name: Elite Hotel Carolina Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll enjoy a guided tour of Stockholm both on foot and by bus. Our walking tour will include the narrow streets and alleys of Gamla Stan (the Old Town). The historic heart of the city, Gamla Stan was founded in the 13th century although many of its colourful buildings date to the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting various architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.
Next we head to Kungsholmen and the iconic Stockholm City Hall whose 106 metre tower topped by golden globe is a prominent feature on the Stockholm skyline. We'll pay a visit inside where we can see the Blue Hall, famous for hosting the annual Nobel Prize banquet and Golden Hall known for its stunning mosaics depicting scenes from Swedish history and culture, with over 18 million pieces of glass and gold leaf.
This afternoon, another treat is in store - a visit to the impressive Vasa Museum, built to accommodate the salvaged 17th century warship that sank just 1300 metres into its maiden voyage and which was raised from the sea bed in 1961.
Day 9: Walk In The Bjorno Nature Reserve; Free In Stockholm
Location: Stockholm
Accommodation Name: Elite Hotel Carolina Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we drive out to the island of Bjoro and enjoy a hike in the Bjorno Nature Reserve. Showcasing the tranquil beauty of the Archipelago. our walk takes us on a trail along rocky coastlines, through forest and open meadow. In the warmer months we can take a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea. On our way back we might stop to enjoy the Swedish tradition of 'Fika' - enjoying a coffee and sweet treat such as cinnamon buns or cookies.
Back in Stockholm this afternoon, your time is free to explore more of this splendid city.
Today's 8 kilometre walk is expected to take around 2 hours. The terrain here is flat.
Day 10: Trips Ends In Stockholm
Location: Stockholm
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Stockholm.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) which is around 40/60 minutes' drive from our hotel depending on traffic.
What's Included
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Guided Tours
Enjoy guided tours in Helsinki, Turku, Mariehamn, and Stockholm, including visits to historical sites and nature reserves.
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Ferry Transfers
Ferry transfers between mainland Finland, the Aland Islands, and Sweden are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels throughout the tour, including Scandic Kallio Hotel, Hotel Helmi, Hotel Adlon, and Elite Hotel Carolina Tower.
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Meals
Breakfast is included for 9 days of the tour.
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Walking and Hiking Activities
Participate in various walking and hiking activities in national parks, nature reserves, and scenic trails.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included unless specified for arrivals at Helsinki International Airport and departures from Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
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Lunches and Dinners
Lunches and dinners are not included in the tour package.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as Finnish sauna experiences, brewery tours, and bike rentals are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not covered.
Meals
Breakfasts: 9
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with a mix of scenic drives, ferry rides across the Baltic Sea, and guided walking tours, ensuring a seamless exploration of Finland and Sweden's captivating landscapes and cities.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Scandic Kallio Hotel in Helsinki, Hotel Helmi in Turku, Hotel Adlon in Mariehamn, and Elite Hotel Carolina Tower in Stockholm, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What wildlife might we encounter during the hikes in Finland?
During the hikes in Finland, particularly in Nuuksio National Park, you might encounter wildlife such as the Siberian flying squirrel, elk, deer, and various bird species including woodpeckers and nightjars.
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What is unique about the Aland Islands?
The Aland Islands are unique because they are an autonomous and demilitarized region of Finland with their own government and traditions. Swedish is the spoken language, and the islands have a strong maritime tradition and historical ties to Sweden.
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What can we expect from the ferry journey to the Aland Islands?
The ferry journey to the Aland Islands takes around five and a half hours and passes through the beautiful Archipelago Sea, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with around 50,000 islands and rocky islets. The journey offers stunning views of the archipelago's natural beauty.
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What are some of the cultural highlights in Stockholm included in the tour?
In Stockholm, the tour includes a visit to the historic Gamla Stan, Stockholm City Hall with its Blue and Golden Halls, and the Vasa Museum, which houses a salvaged 17th-century warship.
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What is the significance of the Sammallahdenmaki site visited during the tour?
Sammallahdenmaki is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Scandinavia. It contains 36 Bronze-Age burial cairns believed to have had religious significance, set in a serene and atmospheric landscape.
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What kind of landscapes will we explore on the Grottstigen Cave Trail?
The Grottstigen Cave Trail features a wild landscape of granite slopes, unique rock formations, caves, dense forests of pine and spruce, and offers panoramic views of the archipelago and the Baltic Sea.
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.