Moomin Holiday in Finland

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » UK to Helsinki

  You’ll touch down in Helsinki from the UK ready to begin your Moomin adventure, with the whole afternoon to explore. We suggest a visit one of the many Moomin themed shops that are dotted throughout Helsinki. You’ll then check in to your hotel for this evening, the stylish Hotel Haven. Open-plan, modern rooms lie alongside exquisite black granite bathrooms and boast gorgeous views of the Helsinki skyline and charming market square. Perhaps relax by the fire in the cosy lounge, or on the outdoor terrace looking onto the harbour before enjoying dinner at one of the three restaurants adjacent the hotel, specialising in seafood and modern Finnish cuisine.

  
  

  Stay: Hotel Haven, Helsinki

• Day 2 » Söderskär/Tampere

  After a traditional breakfast today you’ll cruise from Helsinki to the remote archipelago of Söderskär, one of author Tove Jansson's favourite places, believed to be the inspiration for the setting of Moominpappa at sea. From June 2018 there will be a special exhibition showcased, called Tove and the Sea, presenting photographs of Tove Jansson’s life in the archipelago as well as illustrations from Moominpappa at sea. After exploring the island you’ll catch a 2-hour train from Helsinki to the architectural and historic city of Tampere, all leafy cobbled streets and sculpture parks, before arriving at your hotel, the Tampere Sokos Hotel Torni. This ultra-contemporary accommodation in the middle of the city is home to a wonderful panoramic sky bar on the roof terrace, with stylish rooms featuring clean, modern lines and neutral fabrics offset with bright murals, and some even offering, in true Finnish style, their own private sauna. Tonight, explore the diverse range of local dishes available at the hotel's three onsite restaurants, from the cosy, rock-music vibe of Paja Bar and exposed brick of Grill it! to the stunning Moro Sky Bar, where delicious small plates are paired with expertly-mixed cocktails.

  Stay: Tampere Sokos Hotel Torni

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 3 » Tampere

  Today you'll visit the Moomin Museum – it's the only one in the world and takes visitors deep into the magical world of Jansson's books. Children and adults alike will enjoy browsing the library of enchanting stories set in the ‘Mumindalen’. Don't miss the Tove Jansson and the Moomins exhibition, a fascinating showcase of Jansson’s Moomin figures, including her 1930s Moomins and satirical 1940s cartoons. Embark on a guided tour to learn more about the museum and even enjoy creative workshops. This afternoon perhaps enjoy snowshoeing and ice skating on the frozen pond outside the museum in the winter, or swimming in the tranquil Näsijärvi or Pyhäjärvi lakes in the summer months, before warming up by taking advantage of the hotel's cosy sauna.

  Stay: Tampere Sokos Hotel Torni
  

  Meals: Breakfast

• Days 4-5 » Turku

  After a final hearty breakfast in Tampere, a tranquil train journey will take you to Turku, where medieval buildings, cobbled streets and lake-side colourful houses set the scene for your visit to Moominworld, lying on the beautiful island of Kailo and easily reached via bus from your hotel. You'll enjoy meeting characters, walking the barefoot trail in the summer through charming rock-lined forest and mini-skiing with the Moomintroll in the winter, song adventures and interactive performances with Little My, and of course, a visit to the iconic blue Moominhouse. The rest of your time will be spent discovering Turku, from strolls along the market square to exploring the spectacular fortress and cathedral. Perhaps head out kayaking in the Archipelago National Park, or take a swim in the placid lake of Brinkhall Beach. Do it all from the Scandic Hotel Plaza, where cosy and modern rooms lie perfectly situated in the centre of Turku next to the charming market square and a few moments from the banks of the Aurajoki River. Perhaps after taking advantage of the onsite sauna, enjoy a meal in the laidback Bryggman’s restaurant, where fresh, classic cuisine is offered alongside a relaxed bar.

  Stay: Scandic Hotel Plaza
  

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 6 » Helsinki

  Today you'll take the train from Turku to Helsinki to spend your final afternoon in the buzzing capital, staying at the cosy Hotel Haven. Perhaps stroll through the pretty walking trails of the vast Central Park or the linked islands and fortress of Suomenlinna, reached via a fun boat trip. Head to Kustaanmiekka, one of the interconnecting abandoned islands – children will enjoy exploring the underground bunkers, rock pools and cannons. Stroll around Helsinki's charming Art Noveau architecture, or perhaps head to The Natural History Museum or bustling flea markets. Then perhaps enjoy your last evening with a meal at one of the exquisite restaurants next to the hotel, such as fresh seafood at Havis or the local dishes of the cosy Sundmans Krog, before a post-dinner drink at the hotel's opulent Bar Haven.

  Stay: Hotel Haven, Helsinki

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 7 » Helsinki to UK

  After breakfast you'll head to the airport for your flight back to the UK.  
  

  Meals: Breakfast