Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Savonlinna

Lohionginta Korpikeidas is a fishing place with a guaranteed catch! You can take your freshly caught fish with you or have it smoked. A domestic animal park is an excellent destination for family trips. Sheep, rabbits, chickens and roosters, guinea pigs, chipmunks, turkeys, pigeons, emus, a miniature pig and pony riding. Open also during winter time for fishing. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/korpikeidas/

Two excellent museums, the Kuopio Cultural History Museum and the Kuopio Natural History Museum in an over 100-year-old building. From the enigmatic mammoth to the idyllic black cottage! The permanent exhibitions of the Natural History Museum rich in experiences, including a woolly mammoth interior, offer a possibility to experience Finnish environment and natural phenomena in an ecological setting. The permanent exhibitions of the Cultural History Museum provide information on the prehistory, settlement, local livelihoods, industry and the ways of life in Northern Savo. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/kuopio-museum/

There are 23 slopes at Tahko, the biggest ones 1200 meters long and as much as 200 meters high. At Tahko, you can find speedy slopes for active skiers, but the kids and beginners have their own slope, too. Snowboarders will enjoy the proper pipe and the boxes and rails of the street. There are 13 T-bar lifts and two four-person chair lifts taking skiers to the top of Tahko. In addition, there is a lift connection from the slope area to the parking lot, and a safe carpet lift for the youngest skiers. At Tahko, you do not have to leave the slopes when you get hungry. There are five slope restaurants ready to fill your stomach and quench your thirst. Additional slope services include two equipment rental shops and a ski school. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/tahko-ski-resort/

Oravivuori arc point is a part of Struve Geodetic Arc. The Struve Geodetic Arc was accepted into the Unesco World Heritage List in 2005. It represents the cultural heritage of science and technology. The Struve Geodetic Arc was laid out and measured in 1816-1855 with the aim of determining the size and shape of the Earth. The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey triangulation measurements stretching from the Arctic Sea to the Black Sea, through ten countries and over 2,820km. Six stations points are located in Finland. The point of the Struve Arc Puolakka is located at the top of Oravivuori in Korpilahti. It is the most famous of the Finnish Struve Geodetic arc points, because it is located at the top of a hill and there are beautiful views to the lake Päijänne. On this spot a triangulation tower has been erected to commemorate the importance of the Oravivuori (or Puolakka) measuring station to the mapping of Finland. https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/palveluhakemisto/6656/oravivuori_triangulation_tower_-_19th_century_research_station

This private collection is open to the public during the summer months and to groups by arrangement throughout the year. One of the best toy museums in the country, exhibiting a large number of toys, all of which children have played with at some point in time. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/porvoo-doll-and-toy-museum/

Kokonniemi is a ski center located next to downtown Porvoo (under 50 km from Helsinki). The ski area consists of six very different slopes, a ski rental where you can rent both snowboards and skis as well as buy the ski passes required for the lifts. Next to the ski rental, you will find the restaurant Hölmöpulu where you can both dine or simply relax with a cup of hot chocolate. If you prefer cross country skiing there are many different tracks to choose from around the downhill area, we also rent cross country packages in case you do not have your own gear with you. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/kokonniemi-ski-centre/

Särkänniemi Adventure Park combines six very different experiences that together create a quality destination for all the family! There are some 34 different rides in Särkänniemi, offering wild whirls, gentle swaying or other fun experiences spiced with sprays of water, for example. This summer’s newest ride spins its passengers around like a tornado. The ride reaches a height of 15.6m when spinning. The upper part of the ride undergoes a maximum of 12 revolutions per minute with the arms spinning at 4 revolutions per minute. The ride features 24 seats, which spin freely, making each ride feel different. The height restriction for High Voltage is 130cm. The ride was manufactured by Italian company Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/saerkaenniemi-amusement-park/

This is Narva’s oldest park, an example of park architecture from the end of the 19th century. Located on the Bastions. There are two memorials in the park and its environs. The first is the iron cross erected on the Victoria Basion in 1853 in memory of the Russian soldiers that died during the Siege of Narva in the Great Northern War. The second memorial marks the graves of soldiers that died in the War of Independence in November 1918. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/dark-garden-in-narva

Narva Museum today – it is the Narva stronghold, the Northern Courtyard, and the Art Gallery. These are more than architectural monuments, as the castle and the gallery also have exhibition halls. The exhibition of Narva castle talks about the history of Narva from the 13th century until the beginning of the 20th century. In 1991, the Art Gallery was opened. This allowed the museum to host Estonian and foreign art exhibitions in addition to displaying its own art collection. In 2007, Põhjaõu was opened as a new tourist attraction in the Northern Courtyard of the castle; this is how Narva Museum interprets the district of artisans dating from the 17th century. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/narva-museum-1

Helsinki Zoo is home to 150 animal species and almost 1000 plant species that show the diversity of nature. Helsinki Zoo is one of the few zoos located on an island, in the Baltic Sea. It is the perfect place to visit due to its natural environment, animals and history. The zoo was established already in 1889 and this makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world. Helsinki Zoo also participates in the work to protect the habitats in the original homes of the various species. Helsinki Zoo´s mission is to work towards preserving biodiversity. Meet the large Amur tigers, tiny pygmy marmosets, agile snow leopards, impressive wisents and dazzling, free roaming peafowls alongside indigenous Finnish species such as the elk, bear, wolverine and forest reindeer. All this while enjoying the silence and peace of the Finnish nature surrounding you. https://www.korkeasaari.fi/helsinki-zoo/

Linnanmäki is the most beloved amusement park in Finland and has the widest selection of rides in the Nordic countries. Helsinki's most entertaining district offers also top-quality food and program for all tastes. Linnanmäki is easy to reach from the centre of Helsinki. The admission to the amusement park is free of charge. There are plenty of rides available for children free of charge including the Panorama tower. https://www.visitfinland.com/mystay/product/linnanmaeki-amusement-park/48355/

This tiny island, just 150 m long, is part of the Suomenlinna district, located between Helsinki’s bustling market square and the Suomenlinna fortress island. The island is only 1.5 km from the mainland, so the journey takes just under ten minutes on the JT-Line ferry, which departs from the market square dock. The island of Lonna is a place where we create good moments. Spending the day at Lonna will make you smile and relax, that’s a guarantee. The Lonna island warmly welcoming everybody with an open mind regardless of age, gender or origin. Especially you, are extremely welcome! Every island guest is worth gold and dogs are also welcome to the island to its terraces and coffee shop. Located only a 10-minute ferry ride away from Helsinki’s Market Square, you’ll experience Finnish hospitality at its best here at Lonna. Enjoy locally sourced, organic tasty delicacies at Lonna restaurant or spend your time relaxing at our 5 star, critically acclaimed public sauna. You might find yourself at the beach cliff gazing the most gorgeous sunset in Helsinki or spending time at our coffee shop’s terrace sipping your favorite drink. http://www.lonna.fi/en/

Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are enchanting destinations for outings, next to the Suomenlinna fortress, just 20 minutes by boat from the Market Square in Helsinki. These two islands have served as the home and workplace of hundreds of people and as the place of military service for thousands of soldiers. Fortifications, buildings, and a record-breaking range of species tell a tale of coexistence between humans and wild nature. Just take a trip to these mysterious islands on which time seems to stand still. http://www.nationalparks.fi/Vallisaari

The City of Espoo is unique in not having a single centre, but instead have a number of major urban centres. One of these is Tapiola, which can lay claim to being the cultural heart of the city, as it features the Espoo Cultural Centre, home to the Tapiola Sinfonietta, Espoo City Theatre, and two concert spaces in Louhisali and Tapiolasali. Tapiola is also home to the nearby WeeGee Exhibition Centre, which consists of four very different museums: EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, KAMU – Espoo City Museum, the Finnish Toy Museum Hevosenkenkä and the Finnish Museum of Horology. WeeGee Exhibition Centre provides a wide range of experiences for visitors of all ages. There are numerous temporary exhibitions in the museums to complement their permanent collections, and guided tours, workshops and themed events are held throughout the year. The centre also houses the museum shop, perfect for picking up souvenirs, and the Cafe WeeGee. Behind the main building visitors will find the visionary Futuro House, while the Studio Suuronen exhibitions are always interesting. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/exhibition-centre-weegee/

Experience a touch of the Lappish exotic with reindeer in Nuuksio reindeer park which is the southernmost place in Finland where you can see and feed reindeer. You can also enjoy brewed coffee with Lappish cheese bread, grilling sausages or stick bun on an open fire or delicious glow fried salmon or game dishes in an atmospheric wilderness style of tepee restaurant "White Reindeer”. The tepee has a capacity of about 40 persons + outdoor terrace from where you can admire the reindeer at close range. "White Reindeer” Kota restaurant is fully licenced and it is open for groups on a reservation basis. Nuuksio reindeer park also offers nature program services to an additional request such as Guided nature trail from the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia or from Haukkalampi to reindeer park, either on foot, Nordic walking style with poles, skis, snowshoes or kick sledges; transportation by two 8 person minibuses is also possible. https://www.visitespoo.fi/en/service/nuuksio-reindeer-park-and-white-reindeer-kotarestaurant/

Nuuksio National Park – fresh air, nature, tranquillity. Away from the hectic city life but still next door. Nuuksio National Park is only 40 minutes from Helsinki. Within easy reach of Helsinki, you can escape into wild natural settings and experience nature, lovely lakes, green forests and clean air. With its marked trails, cooking shelters and camping sites Nuuksio is ideal for short hiking trips lasting one or two days. Nuuksio National Park forms the western part of the so-called Nuuksio lake uplands, the most extensive and ecologically important continuous backwoods area in the Uusimaa Region. Because it is located in southern Finland and affected by broken bedrock, the park consists of an intricate mosaic of habitats, where dozens of threatened and near-threatened species live. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/nuuksio-national-park/

The House of Mr Clutterbuck is based on the beloved books by Mauri Kunnas. Mr Clutterbuck’s house is located in Vammala, which is the town center of Sastamala, from where Mauri Kunnas is also from. The stories in Kunnas’ books bring to life a diverse world, and the House of Mr Clutterbuck brings those stories even more to life. So alive, in fact, that you can take part in them yourself! Mr Clutterbuck’s house has five different areas, where you can experience the world of Mauri Kunnas’ stories. During the summer season from May until the end of October Mr. Clutterbuck’s Fun on Wheels Yard is also open. The Home of Mr Clutterbuck invites you to play in Mr Clutterbuck’s kitchen, to get to know the ghosts of the haunted clock in the attic and to try out how it feels to descend from the lighthouse down the fireman’s pole. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/the-house-of-mr-clutterbuck/

Adventure and lively activities, tranquillity, unspoilt nature, and a unique landscape carved out by the last ice age. The Rokua Geopark is part of the Global Geopark Network, a UNESCO-supported conservation group. It comprises Rokua, Lake Oulu, and the River Oulu Valley. A geopark is a geologically unique area. Rokua Geopark is the world’s northernmost and Finland’s only Geopark. In the summer, the park offers fantastic opportunities for trekking, kayaking, mountain biking, and fishing. In the winter, you can ski, snowshoe, go on a brisk husky safari, or enjoy a starlit sleigh ride through the winter night. Be part of the Arctic miracle at Rokua Geopark! https://visitoulu.fi/en/rokua-geopark-2/

The Puurijärvi and Isosuo National Park, like other national parks, is a very exceptional and important pearl in Finnish nature. There are already 1500-1200 inhabited areas before the start of the time, and village communities around the park were born in the 13th century. https://retkipaikka.fi/vapaa/puurijarven-ja-isosuon-kansallispuisto-suota-lintuja-ja-pohjoismaiden-suurimpiin-kuuluva-lintutorni/

Kadriorg Park is the most outstanding palatial and urban park in Estonia, covering around 70 hectares. Its construction began in 1718 on the orders of Russian tsar Peter I. Elements of park design from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries can be seen here. The most popular places for a stroll in the park are the flower beds surrounding the Swan Pond and the promenade leading from there to the president's palace. There are a number of museums in the park, including KUMU (the Estonian Art Museum), Kadriorg Art Museum and the Mikkeli Museum, as well as monuments to such cultural figures as sculptor Amandus Adamson, author F. R. Kreutzwald and artist Jaan Koort. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/kadriorg-park

Listed in UNESCO heritage, the complex provides an overview of maritime trade, agencies, and navigation in the Middle Ages, as well as in the era of sailing, steam, and motor ships. There is a total of 1,000 m² of exhibition space. The star exhibit is the 700-year-old Koge wreck found in Kadriorg in 2015. There are about 70 ship models out of which 17 have been created specifically for the exhibition, nearly 700 items, and 50 digital and hands-on solutions. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/fat-margaret-museum-and-visitor-centre#

The Tallinn Zoo is located in the naturally beautiful Veskimetsa park forest that is rich in species. Boasting the most exciting collection of wildlife in Northern Europe, it is home to more than 11,000 specimens belonging to almost 600 species or subspecies from Australia to Alaska. The Zoo has giant elephants and rhinoceros, dangerous predators, simians, polar bears, and many other exotic species. Tallinn Zoo also has the best collection of wild goats and sheep in the world, as well as a remarkable number of eagles and vultures, and an excellent selection of owl and stork species. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/tallinn-zoo-1

A museum of contemporary art built around Professor Maire Gullichsen’s collection in 1981. Pori Art Museum is a museum of contemporary art built around Professor Maire Gullichsen’s collection in 1981, showcasing the most recent trends in Finnish and international art. Constructivism, Fluxus and the trends in land and conceptual art have shown the way for exploring new phenomena. Functioning as the regional art museum of Satakunta, the collections and archives of the museum focus on modern and contemporary art. Pedagogic activities serve customers of all ages and help in finding new approaches to art and visual culture. The museum shop serves art lovers and professionals. The range of art literature related to the exhibitions and collections includes publications of international museums and artists, art magazines and art theory literature. The museum’s own series of exhibition and research publications cover phenomena in art from modernism to contemporary art. At the museum shop, you can also find gifts, cards and accessories connected to the exhibition themes, as well as high-quality art supplies. The museum is located in the lobby of the Art Museum, and it is open when the museum is. You can also pop in the shop without a museum ticket. https://www.visitpori.fi/en/pori-art-museum-2529

Presents Neoclassicism and it is one of the few buildings that survived the 1852 fire. One of the most valued buildings in Pori is the Old Town Hall designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, completed in 1841. Situated in the city centre on Hallituskatu. The English-style Old Town Hall Park located in front of it is one of the oldest parks in the city, and the location was originally home to a market square until the late 19th century. The Old Town Hall originally housed the city’s administration and courts; nowadays, the premises are used for dignified occasions. There is a restaurant in the basement. https://www.visitpori.fi/en/pori-old-town-hall-2867

A history museum with exhibitions on the history of Satakunta and Pori. There are also exhibitions on other themes in the Museum’s exhibition space Sali. The Museum is also home to lectures, concerts and other events. The new, highly expected exhibition Elon merkkejä (Signs of life) offers an experience-laden journey to life in Pori and Satakunta from the Stone Age to the present day. https://www.visitpori.fi/en/satakunta-museum-2500

Hanhipuisto park was originally set up in 1988 on a dredged soil deposit site. Extensive rebuilding work has turned the former sedimentation basins into a park where horizontal dimensions are used to highlight the vegetation on display. The total area of the Hanhipuisto park is around 16 hectares, of which 8.9 hectares comprises built-up parkland. https://www.visityyteri.fi/en/palvelut/hanhipuisto-park/

Kylämäki Village in Kurala is made up of four farms with buildings still standing at their original sites. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. Nowadays, Kurala is a village of living history where visitors can travel back in time to a typical Southwest Finnish farm of the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. During summer in the Iso-Kohmo kitchen, oven-baked treats prepared to Grandma’s recipes are warming on the wood-burning stove. The farmer’s wife tells of everyday activities from the old days, whilst also giving handy tips on things such as making juice. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/kylamaki-village-of-living-history_

Venture only a few kilometres from Turku centre up a stream of the River Aura, and you will come to the splendid Halistenkoski Rapids. The Halistenkoski Rapids is a popular fishing spot from which fly-fishermen are able to snare Trout, Rainbow Trout or Atlantic Salmon. Here you can also begin a canoe ride and see the cultural landscape of the River Aura, a highly recommended activity. Close to the Halinen bridge is the Miller's House where you’ll find the River Aura Information Centre. Here you can rent a canoe, collect brochures, buy a fishing license and souvenirs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee and explore the river environment. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/halistenkoski-rapids_en

Feel the surf and spindrift of the sea, listen to the ripple of the waves and look far to the open sea! Established in 2011, the Bothnian Sea National Park comprises approximately 160 km of the coast of Satakunta and Southwest Finland. The National Park extends from Luvia to Merikarvia in the Pori region, and it is mainly located in the outer archipelago. 98% of the area of the Bothnian Sea National Park is water, so the park offers a magnificent open landscape for even several days’ trips by sail or motorboat. See and experience the rugged and rocky outer archipelago with its sea-buckthorn bushes and blooming shore meadows. You can berth at the park’s islands and camp for short periods. There are resting and campfire places on the islands. There are also several excursion harbours in the National Park area to visit, such as Munakari, Iso-Enskeri and Seliskeri, Säppi in Luvia and Ouraluoto in Merikarvia. The lighthouse on the island of Säppi in Luvia was built in the 19th century. In addition, you can admire the heritage landscape, rare mouflon and migratory birds on the island. https://www.visitpori.fi/en/bothnian-sea-national-park-2854

Science Centre Tietomaa has given unforgettable experiences to visitors since 1988. Finland’s first science centre is the perfect place for learning, enjoying yourself, putting your brain and body at test or simply spending some time engaging in entertaining exploration. Science Centre Tietomaa is a household name in Oulu and the entire Northern Finland. It has been one of the best-known attractions in Oulu for years. Many generations have visited it with school groups or their families with more than one million total visits to date – and many come back year after year. The themed exhibitions of the Science Centre Tietomaa feature more than 150 hands-on attractions and demonstrations. New exhibitions are opened every year, and the highlights of past exhibitions become part of the permanent exhibition. Our exhibitions explore different fields of science and technology and give food for thought for all audiences. The sea-themed exhibition called M.O.B. gives you a taste of saltwater and breathtaking speed. Try out hand in magic sand landscapes, test your skill in a sailing competition and try the speedboat simulator – but do not make yourself seasick! http://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/tietomaa-science-centre/

Koitelinkoski is a beautiful place for nature lovers, both local daytrippers and visiting tourists. The Koiteli region is surrounded by rolling forested hills and rich vegetation, and its many islands provide excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and trekking. The Koitelinkoski rapids are part of the free-flowing River Kiiminki. The rapids are about four kilometres from downtown Kiiminki and a quick 24-kilometre drive from Oulu. It’s easy to explore the area on foot, following marked paths that wind along the mainland and across the islands. You can reach several of Koiteli’s islands (Pikkusaari, Sahasaari and Pikniksaari) with suspension bridges – an adventure that sticks in children and young people’s minds in particular. The rocky cliffs on the shore are comfortable places to sit and observe the natural world. There are also several campfire sites where you can prepare your food and enjoy some refreshments. https://visitoulu.fi/en/tuote/koiteli-2/

The Turku University Botanical Garden operating on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Flourishing in the outdoor garden are rhododendrons, peonies, annuals, economic plants, meadow flowers, exotic trees and shrubs, to name a few. A distinguishing feature of the new landscape is the three ponds containing colourful water lilies and other wetland plants. Here it is possible to hold meetings, training sessions and private events held in the outdoor gardens, greenhouses, seminar hall and cafeteria (which is also available for dining). http://www.visitturku.fi/en/botanical-garden_en

In Terranova you can explore and experience the beautiful archipelago of the Kvarken area with all your senses. You can admire and listen to the sounds of all common birds singing, tap a seal and have a peek at our virtual aquarium, where you will see fishes of all sizes. The mosquitoes are buzzing in the insect room, where you will also find all the beautiful butterflies of the area. All the birds and mammals of the Kvarken area are found in the scientific collections of the nature centre. In the auditorium, you may look at nature films, including a film about the Ice Age and the local phenomenon of rising land, explained to you in a clear and fascinating way. Terranova also provides information about nature tourism and special interest activities in this unique landscape. You can look around by yourself or make a reservation for a guided tour beforehand. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/terranova-kvarken-nature-centre/