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Finland on rails – scenic adventure by train

Embark on an exciting adventure across Finland, a captivating journey that unfolds by train. Finland on rails route runs through three distinct regions: the Helsinki Region, Coast and Archipelago, and Lakeland. Travellers on this route will delve into Finland’s vibrant cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the breathtaking natural landscapes unique to each region.

Credits: Juho Kuva

Ride the rails through Finnish nature and culture

Venture on a scenic journey by train through the country’s vibrant cities and diverse landscapes. Starting in Helsinki, this route offers a comfortable, leisurely train ride where passengers can relax and enjoy stunning views of Finland’s lakes, forests, and rugged terrain. Highlights include Lahti, famous for its sports culture, and the scenic Salpausselkä Ridge and Mikkeli, where ancient rock paintings and culinary delights await along Lake Saimaa. Further north lies Oulu, set to dazzle as the European Capital of Culture 2026, and Jyväskylä, renowned for its saunas and architectural heritage amid stunning lake vistas.

Route overview

Starting Point: Helsinki
Length of route: 1 700 kilometres
Duration: 7 days
All year
By train: 18 hours

Travel tip

This route can be experienced entirely by train, operated by Finland’s national railway, VR. For an extended adventure, combine it with the City Circuit to explore Tampere, the Sauna Capital of the World, and Turku, a southern coastal gem known for its culinary delights. Alternatively, after Oulu, detour to Vaasa for some seaside fun and visit the Kvarken UNESCO World Heritage site. Both options seamlessly enhance your Finnish rail journey.

Route highlights

Two cyclists resting by the lakeside after a ride in Lahti. - Visit Lahti

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Lahti, where sport, nature and culture meet

Lahti, just an hour by train from Helsinki, is known for its sports culture, often hosting major winter events and the Ironman competition. Set on the UNESCO-listed Salpausselkä Ridge, it's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with its lakes, ridges, forests, and ideal trails for hiking and cycling. Lahti also thrives in arts and culture, featuring the famous Sibelius Hall and the Malva Museum.

Kenkävero, a historic vicarage with a restaurant and Finnish handicrafts, open year-round. - Visit Mikkeli

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Culinary gems and ancient rock paintings of Lake Saimaa

Mikkeli, nestled along the shores of Lake Saimaa, is perfect for foodies and nature lovers. Savour local cuisine at top spots like Tertti Manor and Sahanlahti Resort, and explore local gems like the Astuvansalmi rock paintings, the largest rock art site in the Nordics. Don't miss Kenkävero, a year-round attraction with a historic vicarage, a restaurant, and a selection of Finnish handicrafts.

Snow-covered Pikisaari Island in Oulu during winter. - Antje Neumann

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Oulu, the European Capital of Culture 2026

As you journey north, you'll reach Oulu, a city on the Gulf of Bothnia. This dynamic destination seamlessly combines urban and natural attractions, featuring highlights like the beautiful Nallikari Beach and the picturesque islands of Pikisaari and Hailuoto. Adding to its allure, Oulu is nominated as the European Capital of Culture for 2026, promising exciting cultural experiences.

Scenic view of the harbour on Tankar Lighthouse Island, located off the coast of Kokkola. - Juho Kuva

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Picturesque Tankar Lighthouse and the Old Wooden Town of Neristan

Kokkola, located on Finland's west coast, is home to the charming Old Wooden Town of Neristan, where colourful houses and cobblestone streets transport you back in time. Offshore, the postcard-perfect island of Tankar invites visitors to explore nature trails and a historic lighthouse with a cosy family-run café. Stay overnight at the lighthouse keeper’s house or cottages for a unique experience.

Tero Takalo-Eskola - Petäjävesi Wooden Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Jyväskylä.

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Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Jyväskylä

The final destination is Jyväskylä, a lakeside city surrounded by four national parks and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Petäjävesi Old Church and the Struve Geodetic Arc at Oravuori. Renowned for having the world’s largest concentration of Alvar Aalto architecture, Jyväskylä also boasts approximately 140,000 saunas, earning it the title of the Sauna Region of the World.

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Places to eat

Savour the diverse culinary scene, from cosy bistros to stylish modern restaurants, where local ingredients like fresh fish and wild herbs create an unforgettable dining experience.

Kuja Street Food, Lahti

Bistro Mesu

Kenkävero Vicarage restaurant/ Kenkäveron Pappilaravintola.

Kenkävero Vicarage restaurant

Bar & Bistro, Lahti

Dinner in Oula Kitchen & Bar.

Oula Kitchen & Bar

Kesäravintola Mustakari meren rannalla

Summer Restaurant Mustakari

Cafe Tunnelmatupa in Koiteli

Vastarannassa arki tuntuu juhlalta!

Restaurant Vastaranta

Nature Cafe Loppula at Sanginjoki

Restaurant Sataman Viilu

We serve homemade baked goods.

Tertti Manor cafe in Mikkeli

Bistro Kirkkopuisto

Private restaurant on the shore of Lake Päijänne

Apaja's Menu Rôtisseurs - Savutuvan Apaja

Places to stay

Stay in charming city-centre hotels or unwind in tranquil lakeside villas and resorts, where panoramic views and private saunas provide the perfect retreat.

Lapland Hotels Oulu Comfort Room.

Lapland Hotels Oulu

This cosy guest cabin used to be a fisherman´s hut.

The Guest Cabin on Tankar Island

Stay overnight at Säynätsalo Town Hall

Kaidankiho mökin rantamaisemaa. Kaidankiho cottage beach landscape.

Kaidan Kiho Villas

Original Sokos Hotel Koljonvirta

Standard triple room

GreenStar Hotel Jyväskylä

Solo Sokos Hotel Paviljonki, Jyväskylä

Solo Sokos Hotel Paviljonki

original sokos hotel vaakuna mikkeli hotelli

Accommodation in Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Mikkeli

Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu ulkoa kuvattuna

Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu

Tuukkalan tila B&B

Tuukkala farm B&B

Standard Twin room GreenStar Lahti Lakeland Finland

GreenStar Hotel, Lahti

Neristan-Teemahuone

Original Sokos Hotel Kaarle

A hostel located at the old pilot station.

Tankar Inn Hostel

Original Sokos Hotel Alexandra, Jyväskylä

Original Sokos Hotel Alexandra

Pajulahden hotelli Puistopaju

Pajulahti, Lahti

Scandic Oulu City

Scandic Jyväskylä City lobby

Scandic Jyväskylä City

Facade of OSH Arina

Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu

Attractions to visit

Discover a rich tapestry of historical and natural attractions, from UNESCO-listed sites like the Salpausselkä Geopark and the 18th-century Petäjävesi Old Church to the iconic Alvar Aalto landmarks in Jyväskylä. Explore these alongside ancient rock paintings, cultural landmarks, and pristine nature reserves, each offering a unique window into Finland's fascinating heritage.

The lighthouse island of Tankar from above with M/S Jenny parked in the harbour.

The Lighthouse Island of Tankar, Kokkola

Petäjäveden vanha kirkko valaistuna yöllä

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petäjävesi Old Church

Tourists who prefer to walk around on their own can guide themselves with a help of free brochure from Visit Kokkola.

Neristan, the Old Town of Kokkola

Northern lights abowe the Nallikari lighthouse.

Nallikari Lighthouse

Lahti Sports Centre

Kanavuori Hill & Kanavuori Nature Trail

Marjaniemi lighthouse

Marjaniemi Lighthouse

The Aalto Centre of Seinäjoki Town Hall and church Lakeuden Risti

The Aalto Centre of Seinäjoki

Ryhmä lumikenkäilijöitä kulkee jonossa lumisessa metsässä. / A group of snowshoers walking in a line in snowy forest. Kuva: Harri Tarvainen.

Sanginjoki Nature Reserve

NASTOLA Nature Park Lapakisto

Lapakisto nature conservation area, Nastola

Woman and man walking towards Tähtitorni tower in autumn.

Tähtitorni Observation Tower

Market hall in winter.

Oulu Market Hall

Autumnal view of Kaihu area.

Kaihu Nature Trail suitable for all family in Mikkeli

Activities to explore

Embark on exciting adventures, whether you're paddling through crystal-clear lakes, hiking scenic trails, or immersing yourself in traditional arts and crafts.

Retki lähtee Jyväsjärveltä Hotelli Albalta.

Canoe tour from Hotel ALBA to Savutuvan Apaja

The path guide to Haukkavuori hill, experience a breathtaking view over Päijänne.

Silence Trail - Unhurried pace of being in the moment

Autumn Cruises onboard M/S Jenny

Perttilä - one of the big, red Ostrobothnian Peasant Houses

History tour along The Kyrö River

Go Arctic activities - Craft upcycle workshop

Sauna, sunset, lake, avanto

Sauna Experience with Lake Swimming

More selected routes

Explore all routes

Discover more of our selected routes and uncover every corner of Finland's enchanting landscapes. Dive into hidden gems, cultural treasures, and unforgettable experiences waiting to be explored.

Artisan Villages_01_Fiskars_Ruukki - Julia Kivelä - Julia Kivelä

Finnish Rural Culture

Visit Porvoo_Auringonlasku - Visit Porvoo

East Coast Escapade

Finland_winter_Koli_JussiHelttunen - Jussi Helttunen

Flavours of Eastern Finland

Eira_Helsinki Partners_My Helsinki OmarElMrabt_Extra_9 2018 - Omar El Mrabt, Helsinki Partners

The City Circuit

Helsinki4-5 days

0925-D4G9634T-vastavalo-383069©JuhaMäättä

Summer highlights of Finnish Lakeland

Lappeenranta4 days

Revontulet tykkymaisemassa_ThomasKast_mirror - Thomas Kast

Lapland's Arctic Wilderness