FINLAND
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APPLE SAFARI ON ÖFVERGÅRDS APPLE FARM PACKAGE TYPE: half day SEASON: May – August FOR WHOM: individuals / groups (min. 2–max. 9 pers.) SERVICES INCLUDED: a guided walk in the garden, tasting farm produce DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME: 1.5 hours + optional picnic lunch THE FARM SHOP IS OPEN: June–August, Thursday–Sunday 12:00–16:00 July, Tuesday–Sunday 12:00–16:00TYPE OF TRANSPORT: individual transfer / tour bus LOCATION ADDRESS: Vesterbacken 76, 22330 Tjudö, Åland DISTANCE FROM THE CAPITAL: Mariehamn 35 km HOSTS: Anna and Jan Malm CONTACT DETAIL: E-mail: info@ofvergards.ax |
INTRODUCTION
Öfvergårds is a family-run apple farm in Tjudö, in the area called Åland’s apple kingdom. Tjudö is located on the mainland of Åland, in a 30min drive by car from Mariehamn.
Anna and Jan grow and process their own apples. They took over the farm from Anna’s parents who planted the orchard in the 1980ies. Through hard work, continuous learning and innovations they have developed the farm from a traditional apple orchard into an innovative food craft company. The farm produces apple juice, squeezing apples of each variety separately, as they are at their best, to highlight the colour, taste and character of each apple variety.
On the Apple Safari programme, visitors will follow Anna and Jan on an exciting taste journey to see, experience and learn more about apples and to learn a little about the farm’s history. An optional extra is a picnic with packed lunch amidst apple trees, especially beautiful when in blossom. It is called “AX-picking in the apple orchard”. AX is the postal code for the Åland Islands and it has now become a signature that products are made and are from the Åland Islands. Guests can pick up their meals and picnic tables on wheels from the farm and choose a place in the apple orchard to roll out the cart and enjoy their picnic meal in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
PROGRAMME
- Meeting the hosts. Introduction of the family business and lifestyle.
- Apple orchard. A guided walk through the apple orchard, stories about apple varieties and apple farming.
- Apple juice tasting. Visitors can taste a selection of apple juices produced from the farm’s apples with special Åland flavours.
- Optional – picnic lunch in the orchard.
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DESTINATION ARCHIPELAGO OF KÖKAR IN ÅLAND
In the outermost southern part of Åland lies the archipelago of Kökar, consisting of one larger island surrounded by thousands of smaller ones. What most attracts visitors to Kökar today is the stunning nature, composed of barren rocks with pockets of lush forests, wild fields and protected bays for swimming. At Kökar guests can visit the local history museum (hembygd museum), take a boat trip to Källskär, bike around and take a picnic in Hamnö near the church. Kökar is also known for the Franciscus monastery that stood here during the medieval times and “Franciscan days” are held every July to celebrate the Saint. Peders Aplagård is also an excellent place to visit by bike, where they bottle spring water “oppsjöbrus” and sell apple products. Visitors can also take a guided tour in their apple tree garden.
Stay at Hotel Brudhäll, Skinnars cottages or Antons B&B where they have sheep that guests can see and pet. Visitors are welcome at Kökar to experience a long walk along the nature trails, watch birds from bird-watching platforms and take a picnic in the sunset.
How to get there:
From Finland Pargas (2.5h), or Långnäs mainland Åland (2.5h).
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PEDERS APLAGÅRD PACKAGE TYPE: half day SEASON: March–November FOR WHOM: individuals or groups up to 20 people SERVICES INCLUDED: guided tour in the apple orchard DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME: 3 hours TYPE OF TRANSPORT: own car or hire a bike from hotel Brudhäll LOCATION ADDRESS: Österbygge, 22730 Kökar, Åland, Finland DISTANCE FROM THE CAPITAL: Mariehamn 83 km, Helsinki 281 km HOW TO GET THERE: Ferry from Finland Pargas (2.5h) or Långnäs mainland Åland (2.5h) HOSTS: Siv and Peder Blomsterlund CONTACT DETAIL: T.: +358 407 362 498 (Siv) E-mail: aplaboden@gmail.com |
INTRODUCTION
Finland’s southernmost apple orchard with about 1200 trees is at Kökar in the Åland archipelago. The farm is located in Österbygge, about 2 km from the main road.
Peders Aplagård is today a two-family company, started in 2006, but Peder has grown apples on the farm since 1985. The many hours of sunshine on the beautiful island produce sweet and tasty apples.
A farm shop with a café, Aplaboden sells the farm’s apple-based products, locally produced honey, handicrafts and other small and good things from various food craftsmen. The café recommends the Åland pancake à la Aplaboden and other good homemade cakes with coffee. The visit can be combined with an overnight stay at Brudhäll hotel in Karlby village www.brudhall.com.
PROGRAMME
- The host will guide visitors around the apple orchard.
- After the orchard tour:
- guests can enjoy products from local farms in the café,
- guests can also play disc golf at the apple farm https://www.discgolf.ax/
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ANTONS B&B PACKAGE TYPE: 2 days SEASON: May–September FOR WHOM: individuals / groups (min. 1–max. 11 pers.) SERVICES INCLUDED: participation in sheep farm work, overnight with breakfast TYPE OF TRANSPORT: individual transfer / own car, bike, ferry Brudhäll LOCATION ADDRESS: Munkvervan 22730, Kökar Åland DISTANCE FROM THE CAPITAL: Mariehamn 83 km, Helsinki 281 km HOW TO GET THERE: Ferry from Finland Pargas (2.5h) or Långnäs mainland Åland (2.5h) HOSTS: Joel Sundström CONTACT DETAILS: T.: +358 40 7352858 E-mail: antons.gasthem@gmail.com |
INTRODUCTION
“Antons” is a sheep farm and a B&B on Kökar island. The name “Antons” comes from the farm’s founder Anton Fagerström who was a fisherman and built a home for his family back in 1920. Now the third generation, Anton’s grandchildren, live here. The little guest house with cosy rooms is situated in an old village not far from the sea.
Joel Sundström took over the family business, running the B&B and now he is also a sheep farmer. The family has two holiday apartments for rent, a total of 5 rooms with 11 beds that they rent out all year round. All rooms have access to the kitchen, WC, shower and sauna and are non-smoking. Visitors are attracted by the changes of nature, the starry sky and the silence. From the balcony, guests can watch the sheep and listen to the birds during the summer months.
PROGRAMME
The hosts Daniela Hellström and Joel Sundström welcome guests with open arms to show around their sheep farm and let them try out some simple farm tasks. Guests can spend two days with an overnight at the farm’s guest house enjoying the rural lifestyle by choosing activities they like including (when available):
- Visit Åland sheep, cats and dogs on the farm, help out with some farm work.
- Visit grandmother Sylvia’s herb garden.
- Go bird watching, guests can even start their bird watching from the steps of the guest house since the most valuable places to observe the bird migration are actually close by.
- Sail to the hard-to-reach skerries in Kökar’s outermost archipelago in a rough-sailing rigged boat called “Tjutt-tjutt”. The captain is an experienced sailor with good knowledge of the archipelago, its history and nature.
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BOAT TRIP TO KÄLLSKÄR ISLAND PACKAGE TYPE: 3 h SEASON: May to September FOR WHOM: 1-48 pers. SERVICES INCLUDED: boat ride to Källskär from outside the Brudhäll Hotell in Kökar TYPE OF TRANSPORT: boat LOCATION Island of Källskär in Kökar archipelago ADDRESS: sea chart 59.87396334016932, 20.90327160060983 DISTANCE FROM THE CAPITAL: Mariehamn 83 km, Helsinki 281km HOW TO GET THERE: Mariehamn 83 km, Helsinki 281km CONTACT DETAILS: Brudhäll Hotel T.: + 358 01855955 E-mail: info@brudhall.com |
INTRODUCTION
Located in the Kökar archipelago Kälskär – called the baron’s paradise in English, is a small, almost mythical island, far out at sea, off mainland Kökar. The island is one of the most popular destinations for excursions from Kökar and what has attracted visitors for a long time is the so-called “Källskärskannan”, a unique rock formation created during the ice age. The formation stretching about 3 m up from the surrounding rock is smooth and round. There are also other amazing natural phenomena created throughout history.
What has recently contributed to the legends of Källskär is the oasis created by the Swedish baron Göran Åkerhielm. Despite the rough ground and the exposed situation of the island, a harbour, several houses and a magnificent garden have been constructed here.
PROGRAMME
The boat trip usually starts from Brudhäll at 1pm. (13:00). Visitors will be back at the hotel in 3–4 hours. A guide will show visitors around the island.
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DESTINATION BRÄNDÖ ISLAND IN ÅLAND
www.brando.ax/en
Brändö is the northernmost of the Åland archipelago municipalities and closest to the mainland of Finland. Brändö consists of over one thousand islands, ten of them are inhabited, among them Lappo and Jurmo. The islands are connected to each other by bridges, causeways and small ferries. There are many islets and skerries, small archipelago villages, sights and other places which can be explored by e.g., kayaking amidst the islands or cycling along the roads.. The varied landscape offers everything from deciduous forests to barren cliffs and the ever-present sea. There are great public bathing beaches, e.g. Korsklobbsrevet south of Brändöby village has a diving board and a beach volleyball court.
How to get there:
Brändö is situated 2.5 hours from mainland Åland, 2 hours from Turku, Finland. If travelling from the Turku archipelago it is easy to catch the ferry from Houtskär in Pargas to Torsholma in Brändö, or from Osnäs to Åva.
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GULLVIVA BRÄNDÖ PACKAGE TYPE: 2 day trip SEASON: January–December FOR WHOM: individuals SERVICES INCLUDED: hotel accommodation and breakfast. Other services – optional. TYPE OF TRANSPORT: individual transport + public ferry LOCATION ADDRESS: Hotell Gullvivan, Björnholma, Brändö 22920, Åland DISTANCE FROM THE CAPITAL: 2,5 hours from mainland Åland, 2 hours from Turku, Finland. Tickets for cars, motorcycles, caravans and other motorized vehicles can be purchased onboard the ferries. HOSTESS: Eva Nordlund CONTACT DETAILS: T.: +358405371777 E-mail: gullvivan@aland.net |
INTRODUCTION
The hotel is located in Björnholm, one of the islands in Brändö municipality. The hotel and restaurant Gullvivan is located on its own small grounds, yet close to the road network in the Åland Northeast Archipelago municipality Brändö. The hotel has 31 rooms, is open all year round and has a beautiful lake view from every room. For guests arriving by their own boats, Gullvivan’s guest harbour has room for 25 boats, and has all the services of the main hotel. Gullvivan’s customers can use their electric car charger for free.
PROGRAMME
There is no scheduled activity programme. Guests can enjoy the rural lifestyle by creating their own programme from the many options available:
● Miniature golf at the sea. Gullviva’s 12-hole mini golf course is just 50 meters from the main building.
● The hotel rents out boats with or without a motor. On the lake the visitors can enjoy the archipelago’s outstanding nature. The hotel chef will prepare a takeaway lunch for the outing upon request.
● Guided fishing trip. The fish guide knows the perfect spots – the visitors will be guided to get a good catch.
● Sport fishing cards can be bought for 3 days or for one week. The area is Brändö, Torsholma and Åva. Visitors can also buy a fishing card around Gullvia hotell, Björnholma.
● A relaxing sauna bath is available in the hotel sauna or at the beach.
● Guests can enjoy the fresh air and look at the stars at night, while barbecuing in the hotel’s BBQ-hut.
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DESTINATION LAPPO ISLAND IN ÅLAND
Lappo island is situated between Torsholm and Kumlinge. Lappo covers an area of 8 km2, measuring 4.3 km from north to south. The island has around 30 permanent inhabitants and many more in the summer. Lappo has a store with a post office, library, guest harbour, museum, summer restaurant, pension, frisbeegolf course and hiking trail.
How to get there:
There is a ferry connection from the Finnish harbour of Osnäs or the ferry from Hummelvik. From the village harbour Finvik there is a connection with M/S Frida II to neighbouring island Asterholma and Asterholma holiday village.
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PELLAS GUEST HOUSE ON LAPPO ISLAND PACKAGE TYPE: 2 days |
INTRODUCTION:
Lappo is a holiday option for visitors looking forward to spending time in peace and quiet. The place is never crowded.
Tiina Thörnroos and her family run a cosy guesthouse in a converted former village school which is inland from the sea, and also offer self-catering cottages Pellas Marina No. 1 or No. 3 near the island’s harbour.
PROGRAMME
There is no scheduled activity programme. The island stay offers a relaxed holiday in a peaceful environment admiring the local landscapes and life. Guests can spend a peaceful weekend walking, fishing, rowing, going on a picnic, and playing Frisbee golf. One can pick a rock on the shore to sit upon and just gaze at the horizon feeling one’s heart and mind coming down. In summer a day can be finished with an al fresco dinner in the garden. Tiina and her family will help in finding the way around the island.
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DESTINATION – JURMO ISLAND IN ÅLAND
www.jurmo.ax
www.facebook.com/jurmoaland
The small island of Jurmo in Åland’s north-eastern archipelago is a place for any visitor who wants to take it easy. The length of the island is about 3.5 km and it boasts a marina, hostel, shop, café and restaurant. This is a rural destination where the visitors can relax and enjoy the maritime lifestyle.
How to get there:
Jurmo in Brändö municipality is only a short step from the mainland. From Osnäs in Gustavs on the mainland, it is just over half an hour’s journey by car ferry Viggen to Åva. From Åva, the small ferry Doppingen often travels to Jurmo and it takes only ten minutes. From Mariehamn, the journey to Jurmo is about four hours and the easiest way is by car and archipelago ferry from Hummelvik on Vårdö.
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JURMO – THE ISLAND OF COWS AND SEA BIRDS PACKAGE TYPE: 2 days |
INTRODUCTION
The small island Jurmo in Åland’s north-eastern archipelago has 44 inhabitants and is a place for relaxed holidays. Jurmo’s specialty is the long-haired and handsome horned Highland cattle from Scotland, which by grazing on the island, help in keeping the landscape open and beautiful. The animals are kept outdoors all year round and the beef meat can be bought at the Butik Kvarnen summer store and can also be ordered in advance.
Marieanne Karlström and Leif Lundberg will host visitors arriving in Jurmo and will talk about living and working on the island, while local nature guide Jukka will talk about the sea.
PROGRAMME
There is no scheduled programme for activities on the island. The island stay offers a relaxed 2-day holiday in a peaceful environment admiring the local landscapes and life. Guests can enjoy the pure archipelago food, stay in a quiet hostel, walk in the open air and enjoy the surroundings, watch seabirds with local nature guide Jukka, take a boat out on the sea and watch the sunset or fish, go on a picnic, relax, take in the sounds from the sea and enjoy the maritime lifestyle.
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DESTINATION LOHJA
Lohja – a cosy lake town in South Coast Finland
Lohja is a beautiful region in the midst of unspoiled, true Finnish nature, only a one-hour drive west from Helsinki. Enjoy the peacefulness of Lake Lohjanjärvi, the largest lake in Southern Finland. Be amazed by the same landscape, lakes, and forests that inspired the creator of the Finnish national epic, The Kalevala. Explore the myths and mythology of the Kalevala and learn healing methods from the old Finnish way of life.
Lohja is a traditional region with well-established roots. At the heart of the cosy town is the 500-year old church site where people gathered and traded long before the church was built. Later fine manors and industrial plants were erected, helping Lohja grow even bigger and more prosperous. Municipal mergers have enriched the Lohja area with new and charming villages, fertile countryside, and beautiful cultural landscapes. The area’s unique specialty are apples and the many sweet delicacies made from them. In Lohja region there are more than 200 000 apple trees which ripen during August–September and, of course, charming hanami – flowers in May.
What is the enchantment of the lake and forests? It is a moment spent with loved ones in the peace of your own cottage, hiking in the lush groves of the shores of Lake Lohjanjärvi or skating on the ice of a frozen lake in winter. The enchantment of the lake is relaxing by the water, sunny summer events and local delicacies on the terrace of the summer café.
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TRADITIONAL FINNISH TEXTILE ART WORKSHOP www.iltamaa.fi PACKAGE TYPE: half day |
INTRODUCTION
This workshop will take place at the Kettukallio Experience farm situated in the Finnish countryside, some 20 minutes’ drive from the city of Lohja and surrounded by a beautiful Finnish forest. An alternative option is to have this Textile Art workshop at a local Yarn Shop Vaudevilla in the heart of Lohja. The shop is full of colourful textile materials to see and buy.
Traditional Finnish textile art, called Ryijy, is on the intangible cultural heritage list of Finland. Traditionally, ryijys, which are knotted-pile textiles, have been used as large blankets, wall hangings or seat covers. Ryijys were normally woven on a loom or sewn on a base fabric. Nowadays ryijys are made in a range of sizes to suit their intended purpose and a wide variety of materials can be used. The ryijy tradition is being passed on through teaching as well as by thousands of enthusiasts and techniques for making ryijys can also be learned through social media.
Finnish wool and handcraft is Jenni’s enthusiasm. She became a textile artisan when, after working as an IT engineer for over 20 years, she wanted to change her life and became inspired by Finnish nature and traditions. She was nominated as Artisan of The Year in Finland for keeping up the traditional handicraft art. Jenni speaks Finnish, English, Swedish, Italian and German. The main language during the workshop is Finnish or English.
Workshop participants will learn about real Finnish traditions and will learn how to make Finnish textile rugs.
PROGRAMME
● The story of ryijy.
● Introduction to equipment and materials.
● Selecting your design from a range of readymade designs.
● Learning how to sew a ryijy knot.
● Working on one’s own piece of material.
● Learning how to use, clean and maintain the ryijy traditional textile.
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TO THE ROOTS OF FINNISH WELLBEING – NATURE CONNECTEDNESS IN A FOREST PARK PACKAGE TYPE: half day |
INTRODUCTION
The forest park is a 3ha collection of trees located on the shore of Lohjanjärvi, in the rural Skraatila village. The collection includes more than 100 taxa and 300 varieties of trees and shrubs from three continents. In addition to the guided wellness trail there are different garden themes and site facilities include a cafeteria, several terraces, parking lot (suitable for busses), two eco toilets with running water.
The arboretum has been 18 years in the making, the host family Stenroos have been guided by biophilia their respect and love for all creatures and the arboretum is their home which they share with its numerous plants and other wildlife. The host’s wish is that visitors will find ways to connect with the Finnish natural world in this forest park by Lohja lake
The 1 km long guided wellness trail is designed for improving nature connectedness, restoration and wellbeing by introducing several garden themes. The guided themes will vary according to the seasonal interest of the park. This guided tour will briefly present the theories of biophilia and biodiversity and how they influence human wellbeing and health. It is an outdoor excursion therefore suitable clothing and footwear for walking on the forest and lawn paths is recommended.
PROGRAMME
● Arrival and short walk to the Cafeteria Terrace (10 min).
● Introduction. Welcome drinks, programme presentation (20 min). Visitors will have an opportunity to download a GLOPAS application on their phones if they wish to get more detailed information during the programme.
● Butterfly garden. Short presentation of the biophilia and biodiversity theories and how they matter to our health (15 min).
● Stream path. Option for barefoot walking on the lawn (10 min).
● Stumpery. Mystery, fairies, the significance of wood for the ecosystems (15 min).
● Valley. Rain gardens on a slope, sustainable urban drainage systems for saving water are important globally (10 min).
● Japanese garden. Symbolism, simplicity, old traditions, respect (10min).
● Beach Terrace. Connecting with nature, restoration on the beach terrace (15 min).
● Silver Birch Forest and Forest path Connecting with nature on rocks with lichen and moss, berry tasting in July and August (15 min).
● Café terrace. Café, tea, soft drinks, a variety of bakery products on the buffet. Opportunity to buy small gift items (30 min).
● Departure. A small gift for improving personal nature, connectedness and restoration.
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GUIDED WALK TO PAAVOLA OLD OAK ADDRESS: Starting point Lohja City centre, Lohja Church parking place DISTANCE: Helsinki 60 km PACKAGE TYPE: 2 hours tour (4 hours from Helsinki with transport) SEASON: January – December FOR WHOM: individuals (1-3 pers.) PACKAGE INCLUDES: transport from Lohja city centre to the destination and back, guiding, coffee and bread roll DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: easy DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME: 2 hours TYPE OF TRANSPORT: public bus / tour bus / private transport PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: bus from Helsinki Kamppi bus station to Lohja bus station (1 h). Walk from Lohja bus station to the starting point (~850 m / 10 minutes). HOSTS: Virve Haahti, the guide WEBSITE: www.bit.ly/2QJtxxT |
Let’s go to meet Paavolan Tammi. This old oak tree became grand celebrity in social media after Mr. Antti Huttunen wrote a Retkipaikka blog. This old mystic tree is in the middle of deep forest. This tree is also among TOP10 most instragammable places to visit in Finland by Visitfinland.
PROGRAMME
- Arrival to Lohja. You will arrive direct to the old medieval Lohja Church parking place or walk short distance 400 m from the main bus station to the Church.
- The guide will meet you at the Church and you start your journey to Paavola Oak tree.
- You drive through beautiful landscape to Lohja Island, you will see Lake Lohja, Finnish forests and apple gardens.
- When you arrive to Lohja Island, we will leave our car and start our walk to the forest.
- The guide will tell you about the history and surroundings of Lohja and Lohja Island.
- You arrive to the mystic old oak tree and you have your own peaceful time to take pictures and relax in the forest.
- You will enjoy our picnic coffee/tea and bread roll nearby the oak tree.
- Journey back to Lohja city centre.
- Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing according to the weather conditions.
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DAY OFFLINE AND FINNISH LAKE VIEW, FOREST AND FISHING ADDRESS: Starting point, Liessaarenkatu, FIN-08100 Lohja DISTANCE: Helsinki 60 km / 1 hour PACKAGE TYPE: half day outdoor programme SEASON: May – September FOR WHOM: groups (min. 2 – max. 10 pers.) / Sun Tracker Fishing Bargeholds 8–10 people (plus guides) / It is possible to arrange several 4–10 person boats and fishing guides for bigger groups. PACKAGE INCLUDES: 2-hour fishing experience + lunch + 1–1.5 hours trekking in forest wilderness + 1 hour coffee making experience on a campfire DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: easy DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME: 6 hours TYPE OF TRANSPORT: public bus / tour bus / private transport PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: bus from Helsinki Kamppi bus station to Lohja bus station (1 h). Walk from Lohja bus station to the starting point (~850 m / 10 minutes). WEBSITE: www.therafish.fi www.johku.com/therafish/fi_FI/catalog/#!/3 |
INTRODUCTION
The day will be spent outdoors, on Lake Lohja and in the surrounding forest. Lake Lohja is the biggest lake in the Uusimaa region of Southern Finland. The area is unique and well known for its fish, birds and forest groves. Finnish people call forests their churches and visit them for peace, quiet and recreation. Making coffee on a bonfire is a hundred-year- old tradition in Finland. Finnish people love their coffee and it is a luxury to make it on the campfire in this busy world. The aim of this day is to relax in nature – therefore on this trip you make a promise to stay offline.
N.B.! Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and hiking boots.
PROGRAMME
- Arrive from Helsinki by public bus, private transfer or by tourist bus. Meet the fishing guides.
- 2 hours fishing experience on the Lake Lohja.
- Lunch in Villa Lake Café serving Finnish specialties.
- Guided 1-1.5 hour trekking in the forest.
- Guides will teach the traditional Finnish way to boil coffee at the campfire.
- End of tour in Lohja.
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TAMMISAARI / EKENÄS OLD TOWN ADDRESS:Kustaa Vaasan katu 11, FIN- 10600 Tammisaari DISTANCE: Helsinki 93 km SEASON:All year round, peaceful September-May, busy June- August FOR WHOM: groups and individuals PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: train from Helsinki railway station to Tammisaari station (1 h 15 min) HOSTS: Raasepori Tourist Office or reserved guide WEBSITE: www.visitraseborg.com |
Tammisaari (Finnish name) or Ekenäs (Swedish name) Old Town with its wooden houses spreads out to the seashore. The street names tell the story of the life of the townspeople and how they got along hundreds of years ago. Here, the streets have stayed the same since the 16th century. Street names such as the Hatter’s Street (Hattma- karegatan), Linen Weaver’s Street (Linvävaregatan), Cloth Weaver’s Street (Handskmakaregatan), Smith’s Street (Smedsgatan) and Tan- ner’s Street (Garvaregatan) reveal that Barcken’s peninsula in Ekenäs once was populated by skilled craftsmen.
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KISAKALLIO SPORT INSTITUTE AND CAMP SCHOOL ADDRESS: Kisakalliontie 284, FIN-08360, Lohja DISTANCE: Helsinki 60 km / 1 hour by bus / 45 minutes from the Airport SEASON: January – December FOR WHOM: Camp school groups PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: bus from Helsinki Kammpi bus station – Lohja bus station (1 h). The rest of the trip by taxi (~10 min / 12 km). HOSTS: Mr. Harri Hollo WEBSITE: www.kisakallio.fi |
Kisakallio Sports Institute is an innovative education, coaching and recreational centre by the Lake Lohja in a middle of the beautiful nature. We provide the joy of doing and being together to children, teens, adults and families. Sports clubs, federations and associations will enjoy our excellent training environment and coaching know-how in their goal- directed practices while educational groups and businesses can enjoy various sports activities as a break from their routines.
Kisakallio is an ideal venue for sport orientated camps and field trips. At Kisakallio, you can do both indoor and outdoor sports as well as be introduced to new and exciting forms of sport. From different ball games to nature trips and adventure treks and from swimming to curling, Kisakallio has a huge variety of activities to offer.
SOME QA FOR CAMP:
• There will be lots of sports, so you need to rest well at night.
• There will be lot of food, so you don’t need to be hungry.
• Every activities will be instructed by professional Kisakallio instructors.
• Kisakallio staff is educated for emergencies.
• You need open mind and positive attitude and behave well.
KISAKALLIO IS WORKING WITH:
Finnish Olympic Committee, Finnish Gymnastic Association, Finnish Basketball Association, Finnish Football Association, Finnish Volleyball Association, Finnish Handball Association, Finnish Ice hockey Federation, Finnish Curling Association, Finnish Paralympic committee, University of Jyväskylä, City of Lohja, Muijala Primary School, Mäntynummi Junior High School and many more.
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HANKO ADDRESS: Raatihuoneentori 5, FIN-10900 Hanko DISTANCE: Helsinki 127 km / 1 hour by train / 1.5 hours by bus SEASON: All year round. Really peaceful during September-May, busy June- August FOR WHOM: groups and individuals PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: train from Helsinki railway station to Hanko station HOSTS: Hanko Tourist Office WEBSITE: www.visithanko.fi |
Hanko is a wellness paradise bathing in light and surrounded by sea, a charming small town with a vibrant local culture and a diverse choice of restaurants, accommodation and services. Make a day cruise to a nearby lighthouse, choose from a variety of sea and outdoor activities or find a secret place of your own to enjoy the outer archipelago seaside nature – be it bathing in infinite calm waters or standing next to rough seas smashing to the cliffs.
Hanko Spa Park forms a unique villa area that grew up right after the establish- ment of the city in 1874. Most of the villas are still preserved with their grand towers, verandas and balconies in a scenic postcard environment, a sight to be admired and experienced. Few small towns in Finland can offer such a broad selection of restaurants as Hanko and each individual restaurant has its own story. Choose to dine with open sea views, in a courtyard brasserie or in the atmospheric old storehouses of the Eastern Harbour. Tempting seafood and locally sourced ingredients play an important role in Hanko’s kitchens; fried flounder, perch and lamb. Or maybe you’d prefer to enjoy the crayfish or the bountiful archipelago buffet?
Hanko provides many seaside walking trails and numerous outdoor activities to provide a complete refreshment for both body and soul, including sea kayaking, SUP boarding, winter swimming, sea yoga, surfing, horseback riding, tennis and Frisbee golf. Pamper yourself with a horizon view sauna experience or with an all-inclusive spa package.
In Hanko, having an unforgettable day at sea is easy. Visit a lighthouse, watch Baltic Sea seals or admire medieval seafarers’ historic rock carvings of the ‘Pike’s Gut’, a straight formed between two islands outside Hanko. During the summer you can take a day cruise to the tallest lighthouse in all the Nordic countries, Bengtskär. Alternatively you could visit island fortresses outside Hanko. Taking a seal safari allows a real close-up view of the seals living in the Baltic Sea.
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TASTE A PIECE OF THE AUTHENTIC ARCHIPELAGO FOOD CULTURE WITH ORIGO’S ARCHIPELAGO BUFFET ADDRESS: Satamakatu 7, 10900 Hanko DISTANCE: Helsinki 127 km / 1 hour by train / 1.5 hours by bus SEASON: April-September FOR WHOM: groups and individuals PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: train from Helsinki railway station to Hanko station (1 h). Walk from Hanko train station to Origo restaurant (~13 min / 1,2 km). HOSTS: Ms. Joanna Westerling and Mr. Jan Westerling WEBSITE: www.restaurant-origo.com |
Restaurant Origo has always had a unique atmosphere. Numerous candles on the walls and tables of the á la Carte restaurant built in the stone base of the old warehouse building as well as live roses satisfy the romantic standards of even the most discerning customer.
Entering the Origo’s a la carte guests can not miss the archipelago buffet in the middle of the dining room. The buffet offers the tastiest products of the local fishermen among many of our own kitchens specialties. On our menu there is always, of course, the traditional creamy salmon soup and Origo’s famous pepper steak. In addition, on the list can be found the season tastiest local offers, such as asparagus, wild mushrooms, berries, fish, sheep, birds and venison, from Hanko, Bovik or for example Fiskars. The menu is constantly varying according to the supply, so there is always something new to taste. Origos archipelago buffet is based on a variety of local ingredients and traditional Finnish buffet alternatives.
Well known buffet is full of delicacies from the archipelago. It includes approximately 30 different dishes of cold fish, vegetable and meat. We serve a wide range of Baltic herrings from local fishermen, house-made slightly salted salmon with lemon and sherry flavors, house made warm smoked salmon, different salads, patés, lamb and local prosciutto ham to name the few items on the buffet. With the buffet is served cooked potatoes with dill and our own dark archipelago bread.
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TYTYRI EXPERIENCE MINE WEBSITE: https://www.tytyrielamyskaivos.fi/en/ |
The Tytyri Mine Museum takes you 100m underground into a real working mine. Explore the cool and humid mine shafts as you find out more about the history of mining through displays, drawings and photographs. Visit to 100 metre-wide and 100 metre-deep underground cave gives a good picture of the huge size of Tytyri limestone mine.
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THREE BEVERAGE PRODUCERS – A TASTING TOUR IN FISKARS VILLAGE WEBSITE: http://www.fiskarsvillage.fi/en/see_and_do/activities/three-producers-tasting-tour |
Fiskars Village is an old ironworks village in the middle of Raasepori municipality. Today it is a
vibrant arts and handicraft village. A local guide will lead you into the history of Fiskars Village with interesting stories. Dinner packages upon request. The programme duration is 2-3 hours and it includes visits to three local small breweries and tasting of their products:
- Ägräs Distillery,
- Fiskars Brewery,
- Kuura cider.
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TRADITIONAL GAMES IN THE KETTUKALLIO FOREST FARM WEBSITE: http://www.en.kettukallio.net/ |
Kettukallio – the Fox Rock in Finnish is a traditional forest place in Lohja municipality. The old wooden buildings, smoke sauna and the small pond makes the surroundings truly authentic.
The traditional games originated in old times and are funny leisure activities suitable for all.
The programme duration is 1.5 – 2 hours and includes games like:
- running water wobbling tower
- separate the wheat from the chaff.
Optional activities include smoke sauna, eating by the camp fire, trekking in the Finnish forest, etc.
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WELLBEING FROM WILD HERBS IN PURNUS RIVER VALLEY ADDRESS: Purnuksentie 49 c-e, 02570 Siuntio, Finland DISTANCE FROM HELSINKI: 50 km WEBSITE: www.seaction.com/en/program-services/outdoor-activities/thaw |
SE-Action is in old farming area in Purnus river valley in Siuntio. The picturesque surroundings
Offer a perfect experience in the Finnish rural scenery with the local friendly atmosphere. Herbal therapy is the oldest system of medicine in the world. Already being close to nature effects our health in a positive way.
The programme duration is 1.5 – 5 hours depending on arrangement and it includes:
- A herb hike guided by a phytotherapist to learn about the most common medicinal herbs growing wild in Finnish nature and about their health impact.
- Some easy exercises during the walk, aiming to create contact to nature and to sensitize ourselves into listening to our own body.
The herb hike can be combined with a relaxing herbal sauna or aninspiring herbal workshop.
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ALITALO APPLE ORCHARD AND FARM ADDRESS: Pietiläntie 138, FIN-08800, Lohja DISTANCE: Helsinki 80 km / 1 hour 15 minutes by bus SEASON: May- September FOR WHOM: groups and individuals PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: bus from Helsinki Kamppi bus station to Virkkala bus station (1 h 20 min). The rest of the trip by taxi (~17 min / 15 km). Taxi from Virkkala station to Martinpiha 15 km/ 17 min. HOSTS: Ms. Sanna Maula or Ms. Kaisa Söderberg WEBSITE: www.ciderberg.fi/en/ |
Lohjansaari Island is in the middle of the largest freshwater lake in southern Finland, Lake Lohja. Due to its fertile soil and warm mi- croclimate, the island hosts several arboreta. The island’s traditional landscape is recognised as being of national, regional and local importance. Its most recognisable feature is its extensive orchards where thousands of apple trees create a magnificent environment:
• At Alitalo apple orchards visitors can see thousands of apple trees and enjoy handmade local products such as ciders, wine and juices.
• Near to the apple orchards there is another fruit orchard, Fruticetum. Almost 300 varieties of apples, 45 varieties of pear, 60 varieties of plum, around 40 different varieties of sweet and sour cherries, and more than 20 varieties of crab apples have been planted in these gardens. Fruticetum also grows a good selection of currants and gooseberries, as well as bush blueberries, Japanese quince, sea buckthorn, sweet mountain ash, Saskatoon fruit, honeysuckle and grapes.
• Just a few steps from the Alitalo apple orchards and Fruticetum you will find a mystical ancient oak tree in the middle of deep forest (circumference 668 cm, height 12 m). This oak is said to be the most beautiful tree in Finland. The oak is protected by a nature preservation act as a natural monument.
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ARBORETUM MAGNOLIA ADDRESS: Kokkolahdentie 60 08100 Lohja, Finland DISTANCE FROM HELSINKI: 80 km WEBSITE: www.arboretummagnolia.fi |
Arboretum Magnolia is located on the shore of Lake Lohjanjärvi, 80 km from Helsinki. The arboretum includes, among others, trees from China, Korea, Japan and North America. There are also several rare species on display. Themed areas include the Japanese garden, the Perennial Garden, the Terrace Garden, the Valley Path, the Stream Path, the Magnolia Path, the Hydrangea Path, the Spring Path, the Rhododendron Path, and the Ornamental Grasses section, as well as the new additions of the Butterfly and Stumpery Gardens. The arboretum has a map and trees are labelled with QR codes to provide visitors with information.
Arboretum Magnolia offers both guided tours for groups as well as private visits for individual tourists. The Arboretum is open from 16 May until 13 October.
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MARTINPIHA COUNTRY ESTATE ADDRESS: Seppäläntie 130, FIN-08800 Lohja, Finland DISTANCE FROM HELSINKI: 80 km / 1.5 hour by bus SEASON: June- August FOR WHOM: individuals PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: bus from Helsinki Kamppi bus station to Virkkala station (1 h 20 min). The rest of the trip by taxi (~17 min / 15 km). HOST: Ms. Karola Ahlfors WEBSITE: www.martinpiha.fi |
Martinpiha is one of the oldest country estates in Lohja Island. It is a place where guests can enjoy a romantic and tranquil atmosphere in beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can spend their time participating in relaxing activities such as rowing on the lake, kayaking with a guide, cycling, taking saunas or enjoying the hot tub. In the summer there are shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs. A summer restaurant serves homemade food and delicacies. Accommodation in seven guest rooms in converted, cosy old grain store house buildings. In Martinpiha estate you may live like a local and feel relaxing atmosphere in Finnish countryside. This is a unique and traditional place to experience Finnish Midsummer evening and traditional Midsummer Eve celebration.
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FISKARS VILLAGE ADDRESS: Peltorivi 1, 10470 Fiskari, Raasepori SEASON: January – December FOR WHOM: groups and individuals PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: 1) bus from Helsinki Kamppi bus station (2 h 5 min – 2 h 50 min, one change in Karjaa bus station) or 2) train from Helsinki railway station to Karjaa railway station (50 min), the rest of the trip by taxi (~16 min / 13 km). HOSTS: Fiskars Village team or reserved guide DISTANCE FROM HELSINKI: 97 km WEBSITE: www.fiskarsvillage.fi |
Fiskars Village, the birthplace of the Fiskars company, has become an internationally renowned centre for Finnish design and art. Its history dates back to 1649 and today it offers visitors things to see and do all year round. The events and services at Fiskars Village focus on four main themes: design, handicraft and art, local food and drinks, the performing arts, and outdoors and nature. The village nestles among steep, woody slopes with lofty broadleaved trees and green groves. There is a 2 km Tree Species trail. The village is brimming with craft boutiques, exhibitions, interesting events and beautiful nature to enjoy. In addition, the village has two hotels, several venues available to hire for both corporate events and private occasions such as weddings, and a handful of restaurants and cafés that offer seasonal delicacies and local beverages.
Fiskars Village is a part of the international Fiskars Corporation whose operations are consumer-centered and grow through strong specialist brands. Fiskars’ consumer products for the home, garden, and outdoors are renowned for their functionality and cutting-edge design. The Group’s core brands are Fiskars, Iittala and Gerber.
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BENGTSKÄR LIGHTHOUSE IN THE BALTIC SEA DISTANCE: Helsinki 127 km / 1.5 hour by train or bus. Bengtskär Lighthouse additional 1.5 hours by ferry from Hanko. SEASON: June-August FOR WHOM: groups and individuals PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: train from Helsinki railway station to Hanko station (1 h 30 min). Walk from the Hanko train station to the ferry starting point in harbour (address Satamakatu 4) (~12 min / 1,1 km). HOSTS: Ms. Paula Wilson and Mr. Per Wilson WEBSITE: www.tourism.hanko.fi/en/cruises/www.bengtskar.fi/en |
Spend an unforgettable day at the seaside. Pay a visit to a lighthouse, see the seals of the Baltic Sea on a cruise to the outer archipelago, or take a look at the historical rock carvings at Pikes’s Gut.
The tallest lighthouse in the Nordic countries, Bengtskär rises a majestic 52 metres above sea level. If you want to experience the magnificent view, you’ll have to climb up 252 steps, but it is well worth the trouble! The lighthouse was built in 1906 and is situated about 25 kilometres south-west of the village of Hanko. On Bengtskär there is a lighthouse museum, a house turned into a museum of home life, an exhibition about the Battle of Bengtskär, a post office, a café and holiday accommodation.
