Helsinki to VantaaCentral Finland Drive (Approx. 200 miles /322km total length)
Helsinki > Via Vantaa> Lake Tuusula area incl Järvenpää > Mäntsälä > Pukkila > Orimattila > Lahti > Asikkala > Sysmä > Luhanka > Kärkistensalmi Bridge > Korpilahti > Jyväskylä
Helsinki to Vantaa
Vantaa
Vantaa is best known for the international airport, but it also has historic sites such as the Old Sotunki Village, which shows the peaceful Finnish countryside as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries. Vantaa also has the Heureka Science Center, an exhibition and action center for all ages, Katrineberg Manor and the Nissbacka Manor Art Exhibition.
Vantaa to Lake Tuusula area incl Järvenpää
The Lake Tuusula area is famed for it’s artist community. The beautiful wooded lakeside has been home to artists, writers and composers such as Aleksis Kivi, Juhani Aho, Venny Soldan-Brofelt, Pekka Halonen, Eero Järnefelt, J.H.Erkko, Eino Leino and most famously Jean Sibelius. The Tuusula shore road has been designated a Historic museum road. In this area are two famous museums; Art Nouveau style Hvitträsk, the former studio and home of the architects Eliel Saarinen, Armas Lindgren and Herman Gesellius., and Ainola, the former home of the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius.
Also in Tuusula area are the Kellokoski Manor and Kellokoski Ironworks (or Mariefors Ironworks) The Ironworks were built in 1884-1889, and was designed in the style of Renaissance Palaces of Italy. It was enlarged in 1914-1915 to serve as a hospital.
Järvenpää to Mäntsälä
Mäntsälä
Mäntsälä is an up and coming town with a newly redesigned town centre. Places to visit here include the red tiled Mäntsälä Church and any of the 15 beautiful manor houses in the surrounding area.
Mäntsälä to Pukkila
Pukkila
Pukkila Church was built in 1814, but the pulpit is from 1689 and is one of the oldest and most beautiful Baroque-style pulpits in Finland. Pukkila Manor was built in 1762 by Christoffer Rappe in the rococo style. Parts of the manor’s original interior from has remained; however, most of the rooms have been redesigned in the neo-classical style by a later owner. The herb garden features herbs and plants which were typical to the 18th century.
Tourist Office, Pulkkila Municipality, PL 14 , 92601 Pulkkila Tel +358 8 811 8411
Pukkila to Orimattila
Orimattila
Orimattila Church dates back to the 17th century. The current church was built in 1862-1866 in the Empire style and was designed by Jean Wik. The bell-tower was built in 1851, and it has been heightened during the reconstruction in 1932. Ormatilla also has an art museum.
Orimattila to Lahti
Lahti
Lahti is a vibrant and modern lakeside city amidst the Salpausselkä ridge landscape. It is a good centre for sporting activities including climbing, horse-riding, skiing and skating. In the centre of the city is the market square with its cheerful stalls, cafes and bars. On one side of the square is the Kauppahalli or shopping arcade.
The harbour area of Lahti has been recently redeveloped and offers beautiful views from the many lake side terraces. In this area are the Lanu Sculpture park, The Sibelius Hall, Musical fountains, Vonkale Fishing Park, and the summer theatre. For families there are the Laune Family Park, the Laune Domestic animal park and the little Pusku train.
Lahti to Asikkala
Asikkala
Asikkala is a charming town on the shores of Lake Paijanne. Set in forest on a ridge overlooking the lake, this is a place enormously proud of it’s heritage, both historical and natural. Asikkala Church sits on top of a hill and can be seen for miles around. The construction of the Vääksy canal encourged the growth of Asikkala as a Finnish summer resort. The Päijänne House is the local fishing and nature museum. There is also a working Water-Mill that you can visit where corn is milled and electricity generated.
Asikkala Travel Info , Päijännetalo, Meijeritie 1, Tel. 8886800, Fax 8886801
From Asikkala take 314 Road and slow down. You are in Pulkkilan-harju, one of Finland's most beautiful ridge areas created by glaciers moving in the Ice Age and forming narrow ridges between waters. Pulkkilanharju is a good place to stop for a cup of coffee.
Asikkala to Sysmä
Sysmä
There is much to see and do in the Sysmä area. The Church of St. Olav was built in 1398 and has been changed over the centuries to suit the style of the era. Much of the exhibits in the Museum of local history and culture date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but there are some artifacts from the Iron Age, Viking era and the Crusades.
The Finnish Accordian museum is located in Sysmä. It was originally a hobby collection of a local resident. The collection now includes over 100 examples of the instruments. Live music is often on offer in the museum.
Sauvi-Pinx Art Gallery holds a summer art exhibition each year. The Gallery is housed in the Old Suopelto School and it’s surrounding buildings.
The Black and White Horse Puppet Theatre and Museum is located in Onkiniemi. The museum houses more than 400 puppets and puppet making workshops are regularly held here.
Sysmä to Luhanka
Luhanka
Luhanka village is a small and peaceful place with less than 1000 inhabitants. Despite it’s small size, Luhanka's old church (built in 1893) is one of the biggest in Finland and can seat 2000 people. Set on the lakeside and surrounded by forest it is a charming place to stop on your trip.
There is a farming museum just 5 km outside of the village (on the road to Joutsa) . It is called the Peltolan Mäkitupalaismuseo and features a collection of different styles of wooden farmhouse buildings, and old farm implements.
Tourist Office, Luhanka Municipal Office, 19950 Luhanka Tel +358 14 879 221 fax +358 14 879 321
Luhanka to Korpilahti via Kärkistensalmi Bridge
Kärkistensalmi Bridge
At the narrowest point of Lake Päijänne you can cross at Kärkistensalmi Bridge. It is a cable-stayed bridge with a span of 240m. The view over the lake from the bridge is spectacular and well worth a stop to take it in.
Korpilahti
This little tourist spot has all the facilities you could want. The blue flag harbour offers lake cruises and access to water sports. With a campground, café, restaurants and a local market selling fresh produce and local crafts it is an ideal place to visit.
Korpilahti to Jyväskylä
In Muurame, the Muurame Sauna Museum is fascinating with 30 different old saunas as well as magnificent exhibition of sauna culture.
Jyväskylä
The university city of Jyväskylä is a lively and modern city set on the lakeside and surrounded by hills and forests. This area is known for it’s music and culture but also offers easy access to the wonderful countryside.
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