Self-gided tour from Helsinki to Lappeenranta
A two-night Puotirundi tour from Helsinki, including Porvoo, Loviisa and Strömfors Ruukki Ironworks, to Lappeenranta. How does that sound?
Helsinki > Porvoo > Loviisa > Strömfors Ironworks > Hamina countryside > Lappeenranta > Helsinki
A 45-minute drive from the capital, Porvoo has a lot to see, especially in the old town. Colorful wooden houses, narrow cobblestone streets, a wide selection of cafes and restaurants, and unique shopping places like Sasu's make Porvoo a charming destination.
A little over half an hour's drive from Porvoo, near Loviisa, is Finland's smallest shopping museum and lifestyle store, Villi Kanala.
After a short drive, you will reach Eija's Garden, an adventure garden with shops. The garden has plenty to see and experience for the whole family, and of course you can visit Eija during the summer season.
A few kilometers away, you can delve into the maelstrom of history at Strömfors Rukki Ironworks, one of the best-preserved ironworks communities in our country, with roots dating back to the 17th century. Wooden houses, workshops, and craftspeople at work take the traveler not only to a charming milieu, but also to a journey back in time. There are nice accommodations, cafes, and restaurants here. You can go shopping, for example, at the A'la Talli shop, which sells craftsman products and vintage items. Stay overnight at the ironworks and continue your journey the next day, well-rested.
From Strömfors Ruukki Ironworks, the journey continues to the Hamina countryside to the village of Kitula, where the Luoma design shop also operates in the premises of Galleria Luoma. In the shop you will find a wide selection of LUOMA design products, from canvas bags and cases to home decor. Under the same roof, there is a studio-gallery, shop and summer café.
Next the route turn towards Lappeenranta to Pulsa station, where a great deal of work has been done to save numerous old railway buildings and today these premises are home to two shops, Pulsa station interior design shop and Sisustus Terva ja Höyhen, a lovely café and several buildings with personal accommodation. Here you will sleep soundly in beautifully decorated rooms, the accommodation is available from spring to autumn.
On the third day before returning home, you will still have time to explore the Lappeenranta Fortress, which was originally a Swedish fortification system. The fortress has many old buildings, and one of them is the Majurskan talon puodit – Galleria Kääntöpoiju, which has four rooms with unique products, including its own linen collection. The fortress also houses the Täky Galleria, which is a shop-gallery specializing in Finnish arts and crafts and design. The selection includes household goods and interior design products mainly from professionals in the area. It is also worth visiting the port in Lappeenranta.
Karoliina Kynttilä offers you locally made candles in a variety of designs and colors. Karoliina Kynttilä operates in a former barn, which is now a warm-hearted shop.
Finally, in Lappeenranta's Hytti, there is a charming interior design shop called Willitikki. Willitikki is definitely worth a visit, there is something truly calming and magical about the atmosphere of the relocated old stone barn.
Always check the opening hours on each operator's own website.
Ready-planned route links to Google Maps for different tour days are here:
Have a fun Puotirundi!
