Day 17 - 27th July 2023
Finland is covered in forests, various types of trees including many silver birches.
There are lots of Reindeer just ambling along on the road, so you have to keep your eyes peeled.
Last night we stayed in a campground, lovely hot showers and luscious grass to pitch the tent on.
Today we continued south to the arctic circle in Lapland. This is where Santa Claus lives.
We visited the Santa Claus Centre to see the man himself, no sign of the elves at all, they must be hard at work.
We then headed south again and wild camped next to a lake in the forest. A very beautiful spot only spoiled by the midgies and mosquitoes.
Finland is covered in forests, various types of trees including many silver birches.
There are lots of Reindeer just ambling along on the road, so you have to keep your eyes peeled.
Last night we stayed in a campground, lovely hot showers and luscious grass to pitch the tent on.
Today we continued south to the arctic circle in Lapland. This is where Santa Claus lives.
We visited the Santa Claus Centre to see the man himself, no sign of the elves at all, they must be hard at work.
We then headed south again and wild camped next to a lake in the forest. A very beautiful spot only spoiled by the midgies and mosquitoes.
At the arctic circle in Lapland
The Santa Claus Centre
The Santa Claus Centre
This way please!
Past the Reindeer
And here he is, the man himself
Our camp tonight
Very peaceful
Cooking dinner
Pitched up
Evening view
Our route the last two days
Day 18 - 28th July 2023
I woke up early this morning, strolled down to the mist covered lake and watched the morning begin. Birds rushing about, fish trying to catch a fly and the silence and solitude of it all.
We packed up and headed down mainly straight roads, lined with trees to Savonlinna to see one of Finlands finest castles, Olavinlinna castle.
Construction began in 1475 by the Swedes. The castle is located on an island.
From there we headed to another wild camp in a forest near lake Saimaa. On the way we went as close to the Russian border as you’re allowed.
When we got to our camp, you guessed it, we were greeted by midgies and mosquitoes.
The view made up for it!!
I woke up early this morning, strolled down to the mist covered lake and watched the morning begin. Birds rushing about, fish trying to catch a fly and the silence and solitude of it all.
We packed up and headed down mainly straight roads, lined with trees to Savonlinna to see one of Finlands finest castles, Olavinlinna castle.
Construction began in 1475 by the Swedes. The castle is located on an island.
From there we headed to another wild camp in a forest near lake Saimaa. On the way we went as close to the Russian border as you’re allowed.
When we got to our camp, you guessed it, we were greeted by midgies and mosquitoes.
The view made up for it!!
A tranquil morning at camp
Olavinlinna castle
Olavinlinna castle
Stylish building near the lake
The lake near the castle
Sign at the Russian border
Sign at the Russian border
Checking out the signs
Lake Saimaa
The view from my tent
Our route today
Day 19 - 29th July 2023
I was awoken early this morning with the pitter patter of light rain drops. Those rain drops turned into a deluge. All cosy in my tent I looked out the window to see streams of water making its way past my tent.
A couple of hours later the rain had died down so we packed our gear away and headed south to Porvoo.
Porvoo is 35km east of Helsinki. Porvoo is known for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and the 15th-century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town and the Porvoonjoki River Valley are recognized as, together, one of the National landscapes of Finland.
From there we headed south to a campground called Restila campground in Helsinki.
We pitched our wet tents in the sun and they were dried in no time.
Tomorrow, we catch the ferry to Estonia.
I was awoken early this morning with the pitter patter of light rain drops. Those rain drops turned into a deluge. All cosy in my tent I looked out the window to see streams of water making its way past my tent.
A couple of hours later the rain had died down so we packed our gear away and headed south to Porvoo.
Porvoo is 35km east of Helsinki. Porvoo is known for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and the 15th-century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town and the Porvoonjoki River Valley are recognized as, together, one of the National landscapes of Finland.
From there we headed south to a campground called Restila campground in Helsinki.
We pitched our wet tents in the sun and they were dried in no time.
Tomorrow, we catch the ferry to Estonia.
A wet view out of my tent window this morning
Porvoo Cathedral built in the 15th century.
Inside Porvoo cathedral
Parts of the cathedral date back to the 13th century
The old town Hall on the left is now a museum
Porvoo main square
Most of the old town is made of wood
A restaurant
Very colourful
Tourist boat
These birds have blue eyes. The downy feathers are cool!!
Our route so far
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