Explore the Best of Finland: A Grand Tour with Sports Coaching, Kayaking, Saunas, and Workshops

Hosted by

Harri

7 Days30 Days!

Extra Cancellation Days
only for the first TripMate

Guided trip
🇫🇮 OUR PERFECT ENVIRONMENT Let’s go to the region of a thousand lakes. At Leppävirta we share and stay in a comfortable 6-person lakeside cottage equipped with all kinds of amenities (fully furnished kitchen, sauna, barbeque, rowing boat, etc.), we will go on excursions along the areas. A summer of sensations, combining activities, excursions, crazy gastronomy, and living like a local in an authentic Finnish cottage, next to a private beach. Slow travel, gastronomy, sports, and living inside the real Finnish people and environment. You find many trips to Finland, but all packed and you are looking for a more intimate contact with nature! Finland is my home territory and I know it quite well. This trip, which I have already done many times, is spectacular: its landscapes, its people, the adventure, its stillness, and the possibilities it offers for rest… The “Thousand Lakes” region is located in central Finland, 400km northeast of Helsinki, the capital. The area is full of traditional huts or «mökki» used by the Finns for their annual reconnection with nature and to enjoy their free time on vacation. The destination that I offer you is unique! We will stay on an old farm on the shores of the lake owned by a great hostess who is an expert in local customs. 🏳️‍🌈 WHO ARE MY LGBT TRIPS FOR? LGBT tours to Finland four times a year. First of all, My trips are always LGBT-friendly and that is something that many of you will be able to value when organizing your vacations. Secondly, my special LGBT adventures are designed for those of us who believe that as important as the chosen destination is finding a special, friendly, and relaxed environment, where we feel truly comfortable among friends and people with the same tastes with whom we can develop new friendships. Also for a person recently out of the closet, for those who are still in it, or those who came out a long time ago. 🙂 For anyone who is planning to travel to Scandinavia, in order to combine adventures in nature and outdoor sports, breathe fresh air and calm the mind: a person who knows how to value and enjoy the contrasts of the country. I offer you a trip to enjoy this natural environment with like-minded friends so that you feel comfortable and comfortable. At ExploraFinlandia I give personalized advice to my fellow adventurers so that they can organize their personal trips as they always dreamed of. Finland happens to be a perfect destination for nature lovers. It is a country that allows you to enjoy remote and elegant corners in the forest, even small spaces by the lake. It offers a lot of outdoor adventures and keeps working to offer new things to its visitors. Among all its novelties, we can highlight the following places that we share with you, a special group of LGBT trips. 🛏️ ACCOMMODATION In Leppävirta we will share and stay in a comfortable, 10-person lakeside cottage equipped with all kinds of amenities (fully furnished kitchen, sauna, heating, etc.). We will go on excursions throughout the area and enjoy the slow life of the natural park and the nearest cities. At our accommodation, you can wake up in a genuine log cabin, step out onto your private front deck, and be immersed in views of soaring forests and shimmering lakes. It’s a place where relaxation comes easily, but with so much beauty around you to explore, it becomes an afterthought; something to look forward to after a day of hiking, paddle boarding or cycling, visiting local farms, and immersing yourself in the Finnish culture. In Helsinki, we will overnight at an Airbnb in the city center or at the hotel, depending on the situation and price level on the entrance day. 👬 LIVE LIKE A LOCAL In this area, we can walk or run through the woods, paddle around the lake, swim and fish, cook in the #kota, enjoy the #sauna... There is no need to go anywhere, we have it all here. 🥾EXCURSIONS The trip also includes excursions to the #Saimaa and #SAVONLINNA region: we can visit the city, and the beautiful castle of the 11th-century kings, take a boat ride and eat the local delicacy of anchovies in #tori. The icing on the cake will be a visit to #KUOPIO, the capital of central Finland. Mount #Puijo dominates the city and its #Puijon-torni tower is an incredible viewpoint of the region and the surrounding natural park. RELAX FINNISH STYLE in a language workshop :-)) Because this is an experience in itself. There is no rush, we are on vacation, so let's enjoy ourselves. We will take a boat ride on the lake in front of the cabin, do a little fishing with #Katiska* and heat up the sauna... There is also an option to go running or swimming. * We will leave the fish in the lake again. LET'S PASS AT THE LOCAL AREA If there is time in the afternoon, we will go and mingle with the natives of Leppävirta. We will visit some interesting places within the city like the #Tori. A notable place is #Vesileppis, a Nordic ski center in a cave (yes, we can ski in summer!). Nearby is also the #KONNUS canal and its locks, which divide Lake Kallavesi from Saimaa. With luck, we will see the tugboats go by transporting hundreds and hundreds of logs. ✅ ASPECTS TO CONSIDER: 1.) The cabin where we will stay for the 6 nights of the 'expedition' has the capacity for a maximum of 8 people. 2.) Throughout the expedition we will carry out different activities, games, and group dynamics. These activities are free and therefore not mandatory. You can decide at all times what you want to do at any time, although we recommend not missing a thing! 😀 3.) I'm a certified sports coach and mountain guide, so all my professional services are included during this trip. Check availability with me now! I would be delighted to be your accomplice on this adventure, and I am waiting for you!! WHAT'S INCLUDED: - Accommodation in a shared modern cottage and one night in the Helsinki center - Workshops, like navigation at the lakes, smoking salmon, how to heat the sauna, orientation, etc.. - My professional guiding and activities during the trip - Car rental and guided visits at the several areas WHAT NOT INCLUDED: - Gasoline, meals, and rest of the common costs we will split - Personal expenses - Travel insurance, which is obligatory Feel free to reach out in the Q&A section for more information or to answer your questions! See you soon in Finland!
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Travels combinated local life, gastronomy and activities with a mountain guide & sport coach.

You can chat with Harri once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1

Helsinki

Day 1
You find many trips to Finland, but all packed and you are looking for a more intimate contact with nature! Finland is my home territory and I know it quite well. This trip, which I have already done many times, is spectacular: its landscapes, its people, the adventure, its stillness, and the possibilities it offers for rest…We start from Helsinki in a rental car and our 4 hours trip to Leppävirta and to our private cottage will be nice, by passing the Lakeland zone. In this area, we can walk or run through the woods, paddle around the lake, swim and fish, cook in the #kota, enjoy the #sauna... There is no need to go anywhere, we have it all here.
2

Leppävirta

Day 1-7
You find many trips to Finland, but all packed and you are looking for a more intimate contact with nature! Finland is my home territory and I know it quite well. This trip, which I have already done many times, is spectacular: its landscapes, its people, the adventure, its stillness, and the possibilities it offers for rest. The “Thousand Lakes” region is located in central Finland, 400km northeast of Helsinki, the capital. The area is full of traditional huts or «mökki» used by the Finns for their annual reconnection with nature and to enjoy their free time on vacation. The destination that I offer you is unique! We will stay on an old farm on the shores of the lake owned by a great hostess who is an expert in local customs. During our days in the cottage, we will always be active. Pirjo, the hostess, is an expert in local gastronomy, mushrooms, and forest fruits as well as in traditional cuisine in the #kota. Not far from the cabin, trekking through the Orinoro Gorges is a vestige of the ice age that we can see even in the middle of summer. Below you will find the day-by-day itinerary, but it is not all, because I want you to be aware that in Finland you are on a real trip. We will adapt the itinerary as the trip unfolds. I propose that you travel and live day by day because the moment is now. Enjoy!
3

Kuopio

Day 7
Today we will visit Kuopio. We are, quite simply, on the upper edge of the world here. During a traditional fish soup lunch, visit the local market, visit Puijo Tower and do small sightseeing at the city center, and shopping also. This afternoon we’ll visit an Arctic Sauna, where you can enjoy a dip .. Tonight we stayed in the cottage, with dinner served at the cottage. Next! Kuopio: Kuopio surprises us with its liveliness, quality of services, and good atmosphere. It boasts a plethora of museums, bars, restaurants, quality hotels, and almost endless sports activities both in winter, spring, and summer. “The hub of the world” This is what the Kuopians call their city ironically! Kuopio is the capital of the Savo area with its funny Finnish accent. Locals are proud of their central square or #tori, the largest square in Finland. Here we can find a #kahvi&munkki in the central market #Halli where we can taste local products, such as #Kalakukko. To the south lies the charm of its #Satama port open to the #Kallavesi lake, one of the largest in Finland. We will also have time to visit Mount #Puijo and its #Torni tower, where the views are spectacular. Pujio is a natural park full of charming paths where we can make a stop in a traditional #Kahvila. In case you haven't noticed, Kuopio is my hometown.
4

Orinoro Gorge

Day 7
Orinoro hiking and paddling at Sorsavesi. TREKKING IN ORINORO. There is time for everything! We can start with an orienteering circuit in the morning next to our home away from home and then do an excursion to the Orinoro Glacier Gorges at noon. If on the way to the gorges, we see any offerings on the #Kahvi&munkki road, we will stop to replenish the necessary strength to start the route. The Orinoro route is pleasant and well laid out. Upon arrival, we will plunge into a glacial gorge and walk along a typical wooden path that will allow us to advance over the peat. In some places, we will be able to contemplate the perpetual glacial ice.
5

Savonlinna

Day 7
SAVONLINNA CRUISING. Start your engines! Today’s destination is #SAVONLINNA, the city of opera. We’ll hit the road early to seize the day. The landscape combines the gentle hills of central Finland with lakes and forests. Savonlinna is a city with a special charm. We will visit #Olavinlinna castle and take a boat ride around the village. We may very well see a #norppa, a freshwater seal endemic to the area, a vestige of the ice age. Upon returning home, we will partake in the long-awaited #sauna and bath in the lake before dinner. Savonlinna is a stunning old city located in the middle of the Saimaa Lakes, Finland’s largest lake system. When you visit Savonlinna you are literally surrounded by water and can immerse yourself in a beautiful yet non-touristy Finnish city. Though many people may not have heard of it before traveling to Finland, there are a surprising number of things to do in Savonlinna. From exploring the stunning Olavinlinna Castle to paddling through the national park while spotting the world’s rarest seal, or cruising around the harbor on a traditional steamboat, you won’t get bored here, that’s why I’ve also listed it as one of the top places in Finland.
6

Toivio, Oravareitti -Squirrel Route

Day 7
HALFDAY DAY IN JUVAJÄRVI Kayaking Day, Juva We’ll have an early breakfast, start our engines, and head towards #Juva and its lake. It will take us less than an hour. We will arrive at the pier and then we will go out to do part of the #Oravareitti route. We will choose between a kayak or a double canoe and start the day. Lake Juva is not very deep, which guarantees that the water is almost always warm. We’ll make sure we have our picnic packed (#makkara) and paddle out. In the center, there is an island which we can visit on the way there or on the way back. After two hours we’ll arrive at our destination: a #lavu where we can roast our #makkara. If you are vegan, don't worry because there are 100% vegetable sausages. The return will be no less spectacular: we will orient ourselves with the church tower of Juva and we will arrive back at the pier. Upon our arrival home, SAUNA! *As we depend on the weather, the day of the excursion is subject to change.
7

Helsinki

Day 7-8
ANOTHER DAY IN HELSINKI We will get up early to get to Helsinki with plenty of time. The estimated time of arrival in Helsinki is around noon and there will be some time to enjoy the capital. In the afternoon, Harri says goodbye to travelers who are leaving tomorrow early. The itinerary is flexible if you want to enjoy a full day in Helsinki. You can even take a short trip to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, just 90 minutes from Helsinki by ferry. Just ask and we will adapt to your demand. Surely you will already be missing the daily sauna! There are no activities planned today, so you are free to explore the city and depart at your leisure. Your local guide Harri will help arrange your included departure transfer to the airport. Safe journey!
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Other
8 days trip
Helsinki, Leppävirta & 5 more
Transportation
Car
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