The last month has been on the road, about half of it outside of Finland. But I am back home here in Helsinki and I need to catch up on my journal.
I arrived here in Finland late last August – just 8 months ago. In that time I have had the great fortune to meet so many people and to travel to so many beautiful and fascinating places here in Suomi. Each location has its own story and this brief entry is not about retelling the details of any visit. Rather, I thought I would identify where I have already been and ask where else in Finland any of my readers would suggest that I should visit. (There are already several new places booked into my summer schedule, but all suggestions are warmly welcomed.)
Here is where I have been so far (in no particular order):
Ivalo, Inari, Rovaniemi, Sodankylä, Kittila, Levi, Sammal Mountain, Pallas, Oulu, Kuopio, Luosto, Jyväskylä, Tampere, Pori, Lahti, Turku, Åland Islands, Loviisa, Porvoo, Espoo, Vantaa, Porkkala, Hanko, Loima, Lappeenranta, Imatra and Uusikaupunki.
So where in Finland am I off to next? You tell me. Thanks!
One for sure not to be missed is Lake Tuusula (Tuusulanjärvi) and its Lake Tuusula Road (Rantatie), just outside Helsinki.
The scenery is beautiful, especially in the summer time, and Finnish cultural history is plentiful. Some of the greatest pieces of Finnish literature, art and music have been created there by the hands of Halonen, Sibelius, et al.
More info at http://www.tuusulanrantatie.info/etusivu_eng.asp
Great suggestion. My wife has already traveled there and she visited the Halosenniemi Museum (the ‘wilderness studio’ of the Finnish painter Pekka Halonen). I look forward to visiting to Tuusula later this summer!
I suggest visiting Tytyri mine museum in Lohja. http://www.lohja.fi/tytyrinkaivos/default.asp?kieli=826 The mine museum is located about 100 metres below earth´s surface. One can choose whether to go underground using an old funicular http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funicular, elevator or a car.
Other places of interest in Lohja are The Lohja Museum http://www.lohja.fi/default.asp?kieli=826&sivu=1683&alasivu=1683 and The Church of St. Lawrence http://www.lohja.fi/default.asp?kieli=826&sivu=1684&alasivu=1684.
Mikko, what a GREAT suggestion. As they say in American slang, “I am so there” … One question, do you need reservations are can I just show up? Thanks. BJO
Dear Bruce,
Today You have at least seen Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum in Kotka by the River of Kymi = Kymijoki. What a great place to visit, which we both already pointed out right at the place.
But why wouldn’t You some day go up the river and experience both Kymijoki and the town of Kouvola in Northern Kymenlaakso and the sights of Kouvola.
One sight is to be mentioned: Repovesi National Park which is actually situated both in Northern Kymenlaakso and Southern Savonia (Mäntyharju).
Repovesi is definitely the place You must visit!
With greetings,
Sari Melkko from Kouvola
Sari… what a great idea. I will work to get it on my calendar for early next spring!! And thanks for saying hi at Langinkoski. Ambo Bruce