Day 1: morning

Rise and shine – you have a busy day ahead of you! If you are staying in a hotel, we recommend you borrow a bicycle, as it is the easiest and ‘most fun’ transportation option! Make your way to Ainola, and stop en route to admire the lake.

AINOLA – JEAN AND AINO SIBELIUS HOME
Ainola was the home of world-renowned composer Jean Sibelius and his family from 1904. This timber-built villa was designed by the famed Finnish architect, Lars Sonck. Its distance from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital gave the composer the peace and quiet he needed for his creative endeavours, while other artistic families living in the neighbourhood provided a lively social circle. Today, Ainola is an authentic home museum and open to the public during the summer (Tue – Sun 10 am – 5 pm).

Address: Ainolankatu 1, Järvenpää
Telephone: +358 9 287 322 (only during the opening hours)
Website: www.ainola.fi

Lunch  / CAFÉS AND LUNCH RESTAURANTS

CAFÉ VELLIKELLO
Atmospheric summer café Vellikello is located in an old, beautiful granary near Ainola (10 minutes walk). It sells home-baked cakes, pastries and pies-

Address: Sibeliuksenväylä 53, Järvenpää
Website: https://www.facebook.com/vellikello/

KALLIO-KUNINKALA SUMMER CAFÉ
Organic summer café serves light lunches, pastries and cakes in atmospheric manor-like surroundigs. Distance from Ainola appr. 1,3 km & 15 minutes’ walk.
Note: open only in July – check the opening hours!

Address: Ristinummentie 6, Järvenpää
Telephone: +358 40 563 7748
Website: www.kuninkala.fi

RESTAURANT MANKELI
Summer restaurant Mankeli is located in Krapi Farm right at the beginning of the Rantatie museum road. Though simple, the food is delicious and matched to the seasons. Eat inside or sit on the terrace.

Addres: Rantatie 2, Tuusula
Telephone: +358 9 274 841
Email: myynti(at)krapi.fi
Website: www.krapi.fi

AFTERNOON

HALOSENNIEMI MUSEUM
The national, romantic-style log studio of the painter, Pekka Halonen was built at the turn of the 20th century on the shores of Lake Tuusula. Pekka Halonen was one of the most beloved artists of the ‘Golden Era’ of Finnish art, and he belonged to the versatile artist community of Lake Tuusula. Halosenniemi is now an art museum and it features the works of Halonen and other exhibitions showcasing works of his contemporaries and later generations. (Mon-Sun 11 am – 6 pm).

Address: Halosenniementie 4-6, Tuusula
Telephone: +358 9 8718 3466
Website: www.halosenniemi.fi

ALEKSIS KIVI MEMORIAL COTTAGE
This is a tiny cottage and it reminds us of how Rantatie looked before famous villas were built and the artist community began to grow. The Finnish national writer, Aleksis Kivi spent his last months in the care of his brother’s family here.

Address: Rantatie 24, Tuusula
Telephone: +358 9 8718 3465, +358 9 8718 3469

FJÄLLBO PARK
Time for a relaxing stroll in Fjällbo Park close to Aleksis Kivi Memorial Cottage. Admire the views over the lake, and dip your toes in the water. This is the perfect place to reflect on the historical sights you’ve seen today. You can also dip your toes into the lake from the new stylish pier.

Address: Aleksis Kiven kuja, Tuusula, map

Evening

RESTAURANT KRAPIHOVI
Choose a Finnish dinner buffet or from the á la Carte menu and take in the lovely manor-like setting of this old farmhouse. Fresh Finnish ingredients will convey the culinary story of Finland. Krapihovi has its own cure house and bakery on-premises.

Address: Rantatie 2, Tuusula
Telephone: +358 9 274 841
Email: myynti(at)krapi.fi
Website: www.krapi.fi

Later on

KRAPIN PAJA
Krapin Paja is popular music and event-based venue, located in Krapi Yard. Club evenings offer a variety of music whereas theatre and art events take place regularly: the perfect place to finish off your day amongst the locals!

Addres: Rantatie 2, Tuusula
Telephone: +358 9 274841
Email: myynti(at)krapi.fi
Website: www.krapinpaja.fi

DAY 2: MORNING

SARVIKALLIO
Sarvikallio recreational area is located on the west shore of Lake Tuusula, and it can easily be reached by Lake Tuusula bus, bicycle – or by rowing boat (rental rowing boats are available from Hotel Gustavelund and Halosenniemi Museum). Rising 25 m above its surface, the Sarvikallio cliff is the highest point along the shores of Lake Tuusula. You can either walk or cycle a circular 3.4 km long route, which takes you to a scenic lookout point & campfire site through woodland, lush groves and old forest landscape. The route begins and ends in the parking area.

LUNCH

HÄRMÄN RATI
If you didn’t have packed lunch, by now you are likely to have a healthy appetite. The nearest restaurant Härmän Rati can easily be reached by a bicycle or car. Some may even be tempted to hike there as the distance from Sarvikallio is 5,3 km.  Award winning organic lunch restaurant Härmän Rati serves reasonably priced traditional Finnish food made from locally produced ingredients.

Address: Vähäjärvenkatu 1a, Järvenpää
Telephone: +358 45 1064964
Email: info(at) harmanrati.fi
Website: www.harmanrati.fi

AFTERNOON

Now it’s time to get closer to Lake Tuusula. You can rent SUP (Stand Up Paddle) boards, kayaks and rowing boats by Hotel Gustavelund’s pier. Sightseeing cruises are also available for groups up to 12 people by pre-booking.

Address: Kirkkotie 36, Tuusula
Telephone: +358 9 273 751
Email: reception(at)gustavelund.fi
Website: www.gustavelund.fi

EVENING

GUSTAVELUND
Some might prefer to stay indoors in Into á la Carte restaurant while others might be tempted to park themselves outside in the relaxed atmosphere of the lake-side, summer terrace. Here you can enjoy tasty BBQ food and salads while taking in the best views over the lake.

Address: Kirkkotie 36, Tuusula
Telephone: +358 9 273 751
Email: reception(at)gustavelund.fi
Website: www.gustavelund.fi

RESTAURANT KERHO
Restaurant Kerho is a unique restaurant, bistro and meeting facility set in old brick-built Army Officers’ Club in the centre of Tuusula / Hyrylä. Tuck into a tasty burger or enjoy the season’s best tasting menu. Vegan and gluten-free options.

Address: Tykkitie 1, 04300 Tuusula
Telephone: +358 10 231 2750
Email: info(at)kerho.fi
Website: www.kerho.fi 

LATER ON

Afterwards, you may wish to soak up the lingering light of the long summer day and wander back to the lakeside. Across the tranquil lake, you may discern the call of the odd bird from the far shore. Perhaps you’ll see the sunset paint the sky and the lake in shades of red, orange and pink?