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Discovering Lakeland's curiosities

Finnish Lakeland's Artisan Trail

Finnish Lakeland is an area of natural beauty, a portrait of crystal blue waters and forests of varying green hues, where an active lifestyle and relaxing days come in equal measure. Scattered throughout the land is a cottage industry of farms, wineries, breweries and artists, all happy for you to sample their creations and to take some home to enjoy in your own time. All of this is only a short drive from Helsinki, what’s not to like.

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Tertti Manor gardens

Tertti Manor gardens
Tertti Manor

Tertti Manor
Finnish Lakeland

Finnish Lakeland
Tertti Manor Farm shop

Tertti Manor Farm shop
Tertti Manor Room

Tertti Manor Room
Kenkavero

Kenkavero
Teahouse of Wehmais

Teahouse of Wehmais
Enjoy a traditional Sauna (Credit: Julia Kivelä)

Enjoy a traditional Sauna (Credit: Julia Kivelä)
Art & Design Villa

Art & Design Villa
Relaxing Lakeland style

Relaxing Lakeland style
Art & Design Villa Interior

Art & Design Villa Interior
Design workshop

Design workshop

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Day 1 Welcome to the Lakes

Arriving into Helsinki, collect your hire car and take the scenic 2.5 hr drive through the stunning Finnish countryside to Mikkelli. Follow tree lined roads that skirt expansive lakes, maybe stop at a quiet road side beach and dip your toes into the water. Mikkeli is a quaint, historical city situated on the shores of the fourth largest lake in Europe, Lake Saimaa. In Mikkeli, you will find the perfect mix of nature experiences and local life. Your next two nights will be spent at the Tertti manor Guesthouse. Located on a working farm, surrounded by the most beautiful of gardens providing a delightful selection of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables to the cafe and restaurant. A stay at Tertti manor is truly special as there are only five rooms in the manor house, all furnished in antique furniture, a truly exclusive stay. Once you have settled in, why not take a bicycle and explore quiet country lanes, stopping at one of the many restaurants in the area for a spot of dinner. A few days here feels like a lifetime of relaxation.

Staying at: Tertinkartano

Day 2 Gardens and tea rooms

Start your day with a satisfying homemade breakfast before joining your hosts for a guided tour of the manor gardens. Tertti’s garden is full of surprises! You can find kitchen treasures from the herb and vegetable garden. Inside the old stonewalls is a secret garden with three different rooms. You can also enjoy the old garden with a style of year 1890. Best time to visit the manor gardens is from June to September. There is also another garden, located behind the Dairy Café. From there you can find a square garden which is dedicated to herbs, as well as root vegetable crops planted by color. Apple, bullace and plum trees give their own input to the landscape. The grain and vegetables that are served in the restaurant are grown in these gardens. Furthermore, you can also find the garden’s produce available in the farm shops – Rose petal soap and rose cream are popular gifts and believe it or not, they are made of rainwater! This afternoon take time to explore the surrounding towns and villages. Kenkävero is a delectable old parsonage overflowing with small shops offering locally made products, a shore side cafe, restaurants and handicraft exhibitions. The only tearoom in Finland specialising in English tea, the TeaHouse of Wehmais is a homage to the humble hot drink.

Day 3 Meet the artist

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before saying goodbye to Tettri Manor and make the short drive to Kenkavero for this mornings design workshop. Inspired by the pure Finnish nature, which surrounds the Finnish Lakeland area in all its glory and beauty, Pauliina Rundgren creates jewelry using the age old technique of enameling, making all of her pieces individually unique. During your visit she will introduce this technique to you and you can try it for yourself. You have the opportunity to create something special to take with you when you leave. Choose from one of the tasty restaurants in the village,before the short drive towards the Art & Design villas, in Anttolanhovi. On the way we recommend a visit to Ollinmäki winery, which is situated in the village of Anttola. Ollinmäki winery is a fully functional winery, where you can sample some of their finest beverages in the wine cellar, pick up a few bottles in the shop and enjoy a meal in the restaurant, located in the old palatial stone barn. Your accommodation for the next two nights is truly special and a labour of love. The Art & Design Villas on the shores of Lake Saimaa allow you to enjoy the privacy and peace of the surrounding nature. The villas boast their own sauna, beach and Fireplace. Each villa has been assigned its own artist who has integrated his/her art into the villa’s distinctive environment and its utilities, making the villas truly unique in terms of their design and colour scheme. These uniquely designed villas are also uniquely in their balance with the environment in that the villas have been made using materials sourced from Finland that are designed to have minimal impact on their original environment. Cook and dine in your own villa or visit one of the many surrounding restaurants.

Staying at: Art and Design Villas

Day 4 Spirit of the explorer

A day of exploration or total relaxation awaits you. Spend time around your villa or enjoying a good book on the sandy beach with the gentle lapping of the lake waters for company. If the spirit of the explorer flows through you then you won’t be disappointed.The beautiful pine forest, the shoreline of Lake Saimaa and clean air will get anyone on the move. Take a boat or canoe out onto the lake, join a guided hike or choose your own route along the hiking trails that meander through the forests and hillsides (walking poles are available) If you fancy trying something different, turn your hand to frisbee golf, fun for all.

Day 5 To leave or not to leave

Rise to enchanting views across Lake Saimaa and a tasty breakfast. Your five days in the Finnish lakeland has come to an end. Extra nights can be added, as there are many other wonderful places to seek out, you may never want to go home. Let the team at Magnetic North create your perfect Lakeland itinerary.

BUDGET

From £1393 per person, based on 2 persons sharing on a B&B basis

This roughly converts to: 1,602 EUR | 1,825 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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IDEAL TRIP LENGTH:

4 nights

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