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.

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Places to eat

Explore more

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