Southern Finland Loop - Archipelago, Wooden Towns and the Lakeland by MotorhomeArchipelago, Wooden Towns and the Lakeland by Motorhome

Helsinki is a maritime city of granite and Art Nouveau, with the Suomenlinna fortress on islands off the coast, the Temppeliaukio rock church, and the Allas Sea Pools next to the Market Hall. The Finnlines ferry from Travemünde docks in Vuosaari, on the east side of the city. The campsite is located in Rastila, directly by the metro, so the motorhome can remain parked; an island tour by ferry from Kauppatori is part of the evening.

Nuuksio National Park surprises with its picturesque lake landscape, surrounded by ancient spruce forests and granite peaks. From the Haltia Nature Centre, a modern wooden building, you can explore the trails. The Haukankierros leads you deep into the primeval forest. A refreshing dip in Lake Haukkalampi offers a cool-down. With some luck, you might spot rare flying squirrels among the treetops here. The peaceful surroundings offer sweeping views of the lake landscape from the granite peaks.

As a seaside resort from the Tsarist era, Hanko, Finland's southernmost city, combines elegant wooden villas with a lively sailing harbour. The Hanko water tower offers expansive views over the archipelago and thirty kilometres of beach. A classic walk leads over the rocks of Tulliniemi to the southern tip. Along Silversand beach, you'll find plenty of space for relaxation. On the sea-view terraces, you can savour the relaxed maritime atmosphere.

Until 1812, Turku was the capital of Finland and boasts the country's oldest cathedral and castle. Both historic structures are located along the Aura, the river that cuts through the city center. Along the quay, atmospheric boat restaurants invite you to a summer evening by the water. From here, you can explore the vast archipelago, a special boat trip on the water. The green island of Ruissalo also offers a beach and a botanical garden for a relaxing outing.

The Archipelago Trail is the ring road through the Turku archipelago: Nauvo, Korpo, Houtskär, and Iniö, connected by yellow ferries that are free and by a few seasonal ferries that you need to reserve. Along the trail are wooden churches, fishing harbors, and smooth granite rocks where you can swim; the campsite near Nauvo is the place to stay. Check the ferry departure times in advance; some only sail a few times a day.

Kustavi is the northern link of the Archipelago Trail, a municipality of islands and bridges with an old wooden church, fishing harbours, and the ferry to Åland from Osnäs. The motorhome site is located by the water with a sauna on the rocks. If you have an extra day, cross over to Brändö for the quietest part of the archipelago.

Vanha Rauma, Scandinavia's largest wooden old town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes Rauma a charming destination. You can stroll past six hundred pastel-colored houses and see lace makers in the shop windows. The lively market square fills with local activity every morning. From the coast, you can sail to the island of Kylmäpihlaja, home to a distinctive lighthouse. The atmosphere of Rauma lace and wooden architecture is palpable everywhere in the cozy streets.

Tampere is located on an isthmus between two lakes and calls itself the sauna capital of the world: Finland's oldest public sauna, Rajaportti, is still there, and the Rauhaniemi sauna by the lake is the place to jump into the cold water after steaming. The old cotton factories along the rapids are now museums, including the Moomin Museum. Furthermore, there is the Pyynikki observation tower with its famous doughnuts and boat trips on Lake Näsijärvi. The campsite is located in Härmälä by the lake.

Jyväskylä breathes the architecture of Alvar Aalto, whose designs dominate the cityscape. You can discover his influence in the Alvar Aalto Museum and in buildings such as the university and the city hall. From the Harju viewpoint in the city center, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and Lake Päijänne. Along the lively harbor promenade, you can take a relaxed stroll by the water. In the evenings, Jyväskylä transforms into an atmospheric 'City of Light', with many buildings beautifully illuminated.

Kuopio is located on a peninsula in Lake Kallavesi, with the Puijo Tower as a viewpoint over a landscape that consists half of water. The market hall sells kalakukko, a rye bread baked with fish and bacon. The motorhome site on Rauhalahti island has the largest smoke sauna in the world, which is heated on fixed evenings.

Koli is the national landscape of Finland: the view from Ukko-Koli over Lake Pielinen is featured in paintings by Gallen-Kallela and Järnefelt and in Sibelius's score. Hiking trails run along the ridge, the open-air museum showcases ancient slash-and-burn agriculture, and boat trips sail across the lake. The campsite is located by the water below the hill; from the large parking lot below the summit, a lift takes you to the hotel and the viewpoint.

Oravi opens up the island world of Linnansaari National Park, home to the rare Saimaa ringed seal. Glide past uninhabited islands in a canoe or search for seals on the smooth rocks during a boat tour. In Oravi village, wooden houses stand directly on the quay by the marina. Follow the shore to find a campsite nestled among pine trees with views over the bay. The atmosphere in this watersports village is relaxed, especially when the evening sun illuminates the wooden jetties.

Savonlinna is built upon islands in Saimaa Lake, surrounding Olavinlinna, which stands as the best-preserved medieval castle in the northern regions, and where the renowned opera festival is held every July. From the bustling harbour, an old steamboat embarks on scenic journeys, and visitors can also discover a delightful beach and the fascinating Riihisaari Museum. The motorhome campsite is conveniently located on Vuohimäki island, just a few kilometres from the vibrant city centre; meanwhile, the lively market by the harbour offers delicious lörtsy, a local specialty fried pastry.

Puumala is a village on the narrowest passage of Lake Saimaa, with a high bridge, a harbor full of boats, and the Saimaa Archipelago Route, a small loop road with ferries through the islands south of the village. The campsite is by the lake with a sauna and canoes. The Saimaa ringed seals also occur here.

Repovesi is the wildest national park in Southern Finland: granite walls above dark lakes, a fifty-meter suspension bridge, a hand-operated ferry, and the Olhavanvuori cliff where climbers practice. The hiking routes last from two hours to a full day. The campsite is located by the lake near the Lapinsalmi entrance.

Porvoo, Finland's second oldest city, owes its charm to the red riverside warehouses and the wooden old town. You can stroll over cobblestones through Vanha Porvoo, where you'll discover artisan boutiques and Brunberg's famous chocolate factory. Higher up the hill stands the cathedral, a peaceful spot with a wide view over the city's rooftops. The old town is an atmospheric place to wander among the small shops and cozy cafes.

Helsinki is a maritime city of granite and Art Nouveau, with the Suomenlinna fortress on islands off the coast, the Temppeliaukio rock church, and the Allas Sea Pools next to the Market Hall. The Finnlines ferry from Travemünde docks in Vuosaari, on the east side of the city. The campsite is located in Rastila, directly by the metro, so the motorhome can remain parked; an island tour by ferry from Kauppatori is part of the evening.