Route

The City Circuit

Discover some of Finland’s largest cities, Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere, on an exciting route filled with culinary and cultural gems. Shaped like a triangle, this journey takes you from the nation's capital to the historic coast and the vibrant sauna capital of the world.

Credits: Omar El Mrabt, Helsinki Partners

A culinary and cultural adventure

The City Circuit offers an ideal journey for food enthusiasts and culture lovers seeking to explore Finland's key cities in an environmentally friendly manner. This route connects Helsinki, the capital; Turku, Finland’s oldest city; and Tampere, renowned as a beloved residential and travel destination. Discover diverse cultures and savour high-quality cuisine at specially chosen venues, most bearing the Sustainable Travel Finland label. The optimal way to travel along this route is by train or bus.

Route overview

Starting Point: Helsinki
Length of route: 510 kilometres
Duration: 4-5 days
All year
By train: 6,5 hours
By bus: 6 hours

Travel Tip

Begin your adventure in Helsinki and travel by train to Turku and Tampere. Finland boasts convenient and economical train routes provided by the national railway operator VR, ensuring you can reach your next destination swiftly. VR trains offer services tailored for families with children, accessible travel needs, passengers with pets, and those carrying large items like bicycles. Indulge in delightful cuisine in the onboard restaurant car and consider booking a private cabin for a productive work environment.

Route highlights

A scenic view from the terrace of Oodi, Helsinki's central library. - Jussi Hellsten, Helsinki Partners

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Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland

Nestled along the shores of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki boasts fascinating sights, top-notch restaurants, unique architecture, and captivating museums, with nature always just a stone’s throw away!

Lonna Island, located in Helsinki, surrounded by the Baltic Sea. - Helsinki Partners

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Island-hopping in Helsinki's stunning archipelago

Helsinki's archipelago, with around 330 islands, offers lush forests, sandy beaches, and coastal nature, blending city amenities like cafes, bars, and restaurants. Popular islands like Suomenlinna, Vallisaari, and Lonna are just a ferry ride away for locals and visitors alike.

The 1900s-era historic facade of Turku City Library. - Jemina Sormunen

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Culinary gems in historic town of Turku

Located on the southwest coast, this historic city offers various cultural attractions and medieval landmarks, such as the Turku Castle. Renowned for its high-quality restaurants, visitors can savour local flavours at the market hall and along the Aura River.

Turku Cathedral alongside the Aurajoki River. - Timo Oksanen

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City nature in Aurajoki Valley

Bring along your snacks and venture into Finland's national landscapes with a stroll through the Aurajoki Valley. This diverse urban nature is conveniently reachable from the city centre by bike or on foot, and begin or conclude your journey at the stunning Turku Cathedral.

Sauna Rajaportti, a traditional sauna in Tampere. - Laura Vanzo

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Tampere, the sauna capital of the world

Tampere blends urban culture with lakeside charm. The city centre features flowing rapids by historic red-brick buildings, now home to cafes, museums, and shops. The compact layout is easy to explore on foot and the surrounding districts offer stunning lake vistas.

Places to eat

Explore more

From dining on scenic islands to enjoying hearty comfort food, Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere have everything you need.

The City Circuit

A culinary and cultural adventure

Route overview

Travel Tip

Route highlights

Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland

Island-hopping in Helsinki's stunning archipelago

Culinary gems in historic town of Turku

City nature in Aurajoki Valley

Tampere, the sauna capital of the world

Places to eat

LONNA'S RESTAURANT

Saivo Kitchen & Bar of Moments

Ateljee Bar

Restaurant Tuhto

Restaurant Ruben

Dabbal Kitchen & Bar

Finlandia Cafe & Wine

Restaurant Kakolanruusu

American Bar

Cafe Qwensel

Restaurant Nolla

Kajo: Ode to Nature

Restaurant Smör

Sauna-Restaurant Kuuma

Restaurant Olo

KBC Taproom

Restaurant Periscope

Moro Sky Bar

Places to stay

Rooms, VALO Hotel & Work

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni, Helsinki

Merilinna rooms

Lapland Hotels Arena

Hostel Suomenlinna

The Folks Hotel Konepaja

Scandic Hamburger Börs

Scandic Paasi

Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Hämeenlinna

Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere

Scandic Tampere City

Camping & Caravan in Tampere Camping Härmälä

Holiday Inn Tampere - Central Station

Scandic Park Helsinki

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi

Lillan Hotel & Kök

Attractions to visit

Vallisaari

Tampere Hall

Kivisaari island

Guided Tours - Former Kakola Prison

Finlandia Hall

Experience Life on a Leaf - the Unique Leaf House

Helsinki Central Library Oodi

Rajaportti Sauna - Oldest Public Sauna in Finland

Aboa Vetus Ars Nova – Museum of Archaeology and Contemporary Art

Turku Castle

Pyynikki Observation Tower and Café

Näsinneula Observation Tower

Luostarinmäki

Tampere Market Hall

Museum Milavida

Activities to explore

Kakola Spa

Doghill Fairytale Farm

Accessible Guided Tour on Vallisaari-Island (2h)

Helsinki Gay Walk

Aalto in Turku Walking Tour

Explore Medieval Turku

More selected routes

Finland on rails – scenic adventure by train

West Coast Wonders

Gems of Lapland – from midnight sun to autumn foliage

Finnish Rural Culture

Summer highlights of Finnish Lakeland