Helsinki and Finland Bike Tour
Helsinki and Lakelands Nature Trip
Off the stunning south-west coast of Finland lies one of the country's most extraordinary and captivating regions: the Turku Archipelago. This remarkable area boasts over 20,000 islands, each offering a unique glimpse into Finland's breathtaking natural beauty. Our highly sought-after cycling tour takes you on an unforgettable journey from island to island, utilizing local ferries to facilitate seamless travel.
The tour includes excellent accommodation, featuring a delightful mix of charming boutique hotels on small islands, lovingly converted schoolhouses, and picturesque barns. You'll explore the quaint harbour town of Naantali and the vibrant city of Turku. Additionally, two exquisite archipelago dinners are part of the experience, where you can savour the local cuisine.
The package includes bicycle rentals equipped with waterproof panniers and helmets, along with a comprehensive route information booklet. You'll also receive GPX files for easy navigation on your phone or device and detailed cycling maps to guide your adventure. An emergency service is available to ensure your peace of mind while cycling. For added convenience, luggage transfer can be arranged as an optional extra, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this stunning archipelago without hassle.
Join us for a memorable experience combining nature's charm with the thrill of exploration. Prepare to breathe in the fresh air and admire all the vibrant colours that Finland's nature has to offer!
Day 1 - Arrival in Finland
It takes about two hours to transfer from Helsinki to Turku, a bustling summer city on the southwest coast of Finland. The city has a medieval castle and cathedral and a wide selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
Overnight in Turku (B)
Day 2 - Turku to Nauvo
This morning, collect your bicycles and ride southeast out of the city. There is an excellent system of bike lanes that keep you out of the traffic as you head into the archipelago. It is a short ferry ride to the island of Nauvo for your overnight stay by the sea.
Overnight on Nauvo Island (B) (57km + ferry)
Day 3 - Nauvo to Houtskar
Depending on how you feel today, there is a choice of routes that can take you across the islands to Houtskär. An excellent dinner is included tonight in the hotel’s top-rated restaurant.
Overnight on Houtskär island (BD) (38km + ferries)
Day 4 - Houtskar to Korpo
Today, there is one relaxing ferry journey between 2 of the archipelago's biggest islands. It is then a 20-km ride between the overnight hotels, but there are various possible ways to get extra cycling in for those who wish. Dinner tonight is a 5-course local tasting menu in the highly regarded hotel restaurant.
Overnight on Korpo island (BD) (20km + ferry between hotels, + extra cycling according to own wishes)
Day 5 - Korpo to Naantali
Returning to Nauvo, the main archipelago island, you take the ferry north back to the mainland and continue by bike to Naantali, an idyllic harbour village of cobbled streets and old wooden houses. There is a selection of local restaurants to choose from for dinner. Overnight in a deluxe spa hotel with a balcony.
Overnight in Naantali (B) (57km + ferries)
Day 6 - Naantali to Turku
Depending on your preference, you can have free time in Naantali or Turku. It is just a short ride back to Turku to return your bicycles and check into your centrally located hotel.
Overnight in Turku centre (B) (17km)
Day 7 - Turku to Helsinki
Depart Turku by train for Helsinki (2 hours 6 minutes direct). On arrival at Helsinki Railway Station, take a taxi to the hotel (a private transfer can also be arranged for a supplement). The remainder of the day is yours at leisure in Helsinki. Next to your hotel are Allas Sea Pools, which include open-air swimming and saunas.
Overnight at the Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 by the sea (B)
Day 8 - Helsinki
You can pick up your bicycle rental just a short walk from the hotel. Two days of city bike rental are included, along with a suggested programme for routes around the city and beyond. There are good cycle-only tracks throughout the city centre, beautiful seaside rides, and multiple parks with wide cycling tracks to enjoy. It's also possible to take your bike to nearby islands in the archipelago within short ferry hops.
Overnight at the Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 by the sea (B)
Day 9 - Helsinki
A full day to explore Helsinki with or without your bike.
Return the bicycles by the end of the day.
Overnight at the Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 by the sea (B)
Day 10 - Helsinki to Nuuksio
This morning, take a private transfer for 45 minutes north to the edge of Nuuksio National Park. Here you have two days of exploring using E-fatbikes to enjoy rides around the wide tracks of the national park. You can also visit Haltia – the Finnish Nature Centre.
Overnight at a small boutique hotel, Haltia Lake Lodge (breakfast + dinner included)
Day 11 - Nuuksio
Enjoy Nuuksio National Park for a full day on your E-bike. Suggested rides are included, or you can explore on your own.
Overnight at a small boutique hotel Haltia Lake Lodge (breakfast + dinner included)
Day 12 - Nuuksio to Porvoo
You will have a private transfer one hour east to the Old Town of Porvoo and stay in the heart of the historic cobbled streets.
Overnight at Hotel Runo, Porvoo(B)
Day 13 - Porvoo
This charming town has it all: a rich history, great food, and abundant shopping opportunities. An E-Fatbike and some suggested rides around the town and the surrounding countryside are available for a full day.
Overnight at Hotel Runo, Porvoo(B)
Day 14 - Depart Finland
There is free time before you have a private transfer (1 hour) to the airport for your flight home.
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Helsinki and Lakelands Nature tour
Departure Dates
This is a private tour and can be scheduled for any departure date. Contact us for details.
Price from - £4799 per person (based on two people sharing)
Alternative routes and group cycling departures are available. Contact us for more details.
Included in the Helsinki and Finland Bike tour
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Transportation as described
- All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
- Daily breakfast (B), plus lunch (L) and dinner (D) as shown in the itinerary
- Turku Archipelago - Ebikes with dual waterproof panniers, repair kit, pump, and helmet - All necessary island ferry fees - Cycling road map (1 for up to 2 persons) - Route Information Booklet - Route in electronic .GPX format - Emergency phone service - Luggage transfer of 1 piece luggage per person
- In Helsinki and Nuuksio National Park - Ekstra Class train Turku-Helsinki - City Bike Rental x 2 days, including cycling route suggestions - Private transfer Helsinki to Nuuksio National Park accommodation - Entrance to Haltia Finnish Nature Centre - 2 days E-Fatbike rental
- In Porvoo - Private transfer Nuuksio to Porvoo - 1 day E-Fatbike rental including cycling route suggestions - Private transfer Porvoo to Helsinki Vantaa Airport
Not Included in the Helsinki and Finland Bike tour
- International travel to the start and end point - contact us for information and flight options
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Any visa requirements
- Drinks
- Items of a personal nature
- Anything not mentioned in 'Included'
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.
Visa and Passport Information
Passport validity
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
Visas
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training. If you are travelling to Greece and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
To stay longer, to work or study, for business or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Greek government’s entry requirements. Check with the Greek Embassy what type of visa and/or work permit, if any, you may need. If you are travelling to Greece for work, read the guidance on visas and permits. If you stay in Greece with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Passport stamping
Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Finalnd as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.
You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.
You may also need to:
show a return or onward ticket
show you have enough money for your stay
Travelling with children
Minors are permitted to enter Finland with an adult who is not their legal guardian (such as grandparents) but you are advised to carry a free-form letter of consent from the legal guardian(s) including their contact details. If you have further queries about entry to Finland you can contact the Finnish Border Guard directly on their helpline (+358 295 420 100), open Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm Finnish local time (GMT +2).
What to bring on your escorted tour of Finland
Clothing
In addition to your ‘normal’ daily clothes, it is recommended to bring good hiking shoes, swimsuit (for the sauna), gortex clothing for walking, lighter clothes for warmer days, camera, binoculars and an eye mask for sleeping. Clothes that allow your skin to be covered to prevent mosquito bites are ideal, and you may find a headnet useful. There is a laundry available in most hotels.
Footwear
Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers. Waterproof footware or walking boots are recommended.
Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suit case.
Equipment
We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a waterbottle.
Currency
Finalnd is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro. As is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. Finland uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros.
Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.
Use of electronic devices
Finland's Electricity is 220-240V and a European adapter will be required.
Traveller Safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. Swimming results in more tourists’ deaths than any other activity. All customers should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim and are requested to treat the water with extreme caution if they choose to enter.
Weather in Finland
Although the climate varies throughout the year, all seasons in Finland have something to offer visitors. Still, the best times to visit Finland and the lakes area are the months of May through September, as these offer the mildest weather and the greatest number of tourist attractions.
Time Zone
Europe/Helsinki (GMT +03:00)
Internet Availability
Access is unrestricted and is widely available in business centres, hotels and in internet cafés. You may find that you are able to get a mobile signal but do not depend on this when out of the major cities.
