Tips for a great summer holiday
What kind of holidaymaker are you? Romantic, childlike, shopaholic or something else altogether. Check out our travel tips for your summer getaway.
Six directions to choose from for your summer holiday
There is plenty to see and experience in Finland, as well as in Estonia, for every taste! Check out the tips below and book your summer holiday at out affordable co-op member price.
Great choices for everyone in Uusimaa
Our captivating capital Helsinki is filled with activities and attractions. The top spots for families with children are naturally Linnanmäki amusement park, SEA LIFE, Suomenlinna sea fortress and Korkeasaari Zoo. Museum lovers will find the city a treasure trove, with choices from the new Amos Rex to admiring art at Finnish National Gallery Ateneum. Explore historic architecture, visit churches, shop at Mall of Tripla, party until the early hours in nightclubs, or unwind on sunny seaside walks. If you are looking for a break from everyday life and a bit of pampering, we recommend our Solo hotels.
The best location for aircraft spotting in Finland is undoubtedly Vantaa, but there is a lot more to experience in this bustling city. Attractions include the huge entertainment and shopping centre Flamingo, Helsinki Outlet, Science Center Heureka, the Finnish Aviation Museum and Fazerila, where you can sample all sorts of delicacies.
Sokos Hotels in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area:
The green south is at its most beautiful in summer
Hämeenlinna's number one destination is definitely Häme Castle. You should combine it with a visit to Museo Militaria and the Prison Museum, where details like leg shackles in the cells will send chills down your spine. The forest park of Aulanko invites for a brisk walk and you can admire Finland at its most beautiful from an observation tower.
Fascinating Iittala Village is located a short drive from Hämeenlinna. Here you will get acquainted with the Iittala glass manufacturing and its stores, Design Museum Iittala and Naivistikeskus, a center for naivistic art.
Tampere offers plenty to do and see, for many tastes. You have a choice of multiple interesting museums, such as the magnificent Moomin Museum or the exciting Espionage Museum. You are invited to tour the many wonderful little design shops in Kehräsaari and to enjoy the old time atmosphere at the Stable Yards. River Tammerkoski flows through the heart of the city and invites you to pause by the water, for example, during a shopping day. If you ask children or other daredevils, a visit to Särkänniemi theme park is a given!
Sokos Hotels along the route:
The sun always shines in the west
Turku offers a fabulous mix of new and old, tranquility and pulsating city life. Medieval Turku Castle is worth multiple visits as you will always find new things to marvel at. Luostarinmäki Museum Quarter, the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum of Archaeology and Contemporary, Turku Cathedral, the Suomen Joutsen frigate and many other museums will satisfy your thirst for culture.
The west coast route is a great drive. When was the last time you visited Kokkola, home to sea, nature and an old town, lovely boutiques, beautiful wooden houses and a summery Market Square? It's a good idea to stop by!
When traveling in the west, Yyteri beach is the perfect place to immerse your feet in fine sand. The mile-long beach and sand dunes are a popular destination all summer long.
If you are a sun lover and want to be on the safe side, you should head to Vaasa, Finland's sunniest city.
Sokos Hotels along the route:
Travelers are captivated by the laid-back east
Lappeenranta is an excellent destination for summer travelers. You can enjoy the lively harbor area and explore the nearby historic fortress. There is no shortage of museums or cultural attractions. Choose between the South Karelia Museum, the Lappeenranta Art Museum, the Cavalry Museum, the oldest Orthodox Church in Finland and the Kehruhuone Cultural and Event Centre. If you are drawn to water, take a small cruise on the waves of Lake Saimaa.
In Joensuu you can have your picture taken with a wolf. The promenade features a bronze statue of a wolf, which has been accompanied by a she-wolf. The she-wolf goes by the name Morshukka. There is naturally much more to experience in Joensuu, such as the Taitokortteli arts and crafts-oriented culture block and Mukulakatu Children's Museum.
North of Joensuu, Koli National Park offers stunning scenery. The park has 80 km of marked routes for those looking for a peaceful nature experience. Popular destinations include peaks Paha-Koli and Ukko-Koli. Koli has a wonderful new hotel, Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä, which we recommend especially for those travelling with children and dogs.
Sokos Hotels along the route:
Experience the magic of Lapland
When traveling north, you should stop by the Kajaani Castle. The place is close to the city center and a suitable setting for an evening walk or a small adventure with children.
The second route takes you through Oulu, where you can grab your swimwear and head towards sunny Nallikari beach or hang out with your children at Vauhtipuisto amusement park. Those interested in culture should not miss visiting the Culture Centre Valve, suitable for all ages.
Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is a great destination for the entire family. The modern city is influenced by Lappish traditions and culture. Descend the summer sled track at Ounasvaara, explore the science centre Arktikum and take your children to the Angry Birds playground. The Santa Claus Village is naturally a special treat for all children. This is, after all, The Only Real Santa!
Lapland has stolen the hearts of many and created unforgettable experiences. Climb to the top of a fell, admire the sun on a nightless night, relax at a lean-to shelter, paddle in clear waters and let your mind rest in the unforgettable scenery. In Levi, Lapland is simply irresistible!
Sokos Hotels along the route:
An abundance of summer events in Estonia
Estonia is much more than Tallinn. The country's many summer events offer a wide range of experiences. Try wine parties, food markets, history and music, from opera to heavy metal.
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