Finland Houseboat Adventure

Finland Houseboat Adventure

from £1889 excluding flights

5, 6, 9 nights
May-Sep

Average score 4.8/5 Based on 1220 reviews. Powered by Feefo

Highlights & Video

Our new video takes you on an immersive journey through Finland’s stunning lakeland region providing a taste of what a self-drive holiday could look like for you. Sit back, relax and soak up this dream destination.

finland aerial view over pine trees and lake house istk

Lakes, forests, tranquillity under the midnight sun. Follow travel writer and photographer, Will Gray as he journeys through Finland’s sprawling Lakeland

Highlights

central finland lake jyvasjarvi jyvaskyla istk

Explore the tranquil waterways that comprise Finland's Lakeland

Enjoy leisurely summer evening moored in peaceful locations

finland kids sitting on jetty by lake in summer istk

Find secluded spots ideal for swimming

finland helsinki waterfront summer view istk

Discover Helsinki with its charming mix of styles

Why this trip...

Where you stay

This holiday offers a choice of accommodation options which are part of the overall experience

Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

norway north cape globe midnight sun istk

Nordic Heritage

With 40 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

Overview

Central Finland has a wealth of lakes and waterways just waiting to be explored on our houseboat adventure – discover peace and tranquillity while gently cruising in your very own summer house on water, with many wonderful villages, beaches and places of interest to visit along the way. With excellent facilities on board including a private sauna, outdoor sitting area and barbecue, guests can relax and enjoy the scenery in this beautiful area.

As you head north from Helsinki you are quickly immersed into beautiful nature – it is easy to see why Finland is known as the land of a thousand lakes. The south eastern area is awash with endless possibilities to enjoy outdoor activities with beautiful lakes, forests and sweeping landscapes the main attraction.

With three nights onboard a houseboat you can navigate the lakes at your own pace, choosing the route as you go or following a specific course based on your preferences. You’ll stay in quality accommodation in a floating ‘summer house’ – just imagine sitting on the deck of the houseboat on a warm summer night under the midnight sun with your toes dangling in clear water.

The journey begins at Heinola harbour a small resort between Lake Ruotsalainen and Lake Konnivesi. On arrival at the harbour you will be met and given full instructions and safety information about the boat with recommendations on the route to take. The boat has an easy to use navigation system with chart-plotter as well as electronic and paper maps. Along the way there are villages to visit with restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, gas stations and water points to service your needs.

It is also possible to rent stand up paddle boards and bicycles if you like to get active. They allow you to explore away from the main lake and discover the surrounding countryside. There are many cycling routes available and the option of four different types of bicycle to rent.

Choice of Duration

We have based this break on three nights on board. However, you also have the option of four night and seven night houseboat rental so you have more time to relax and enjoy the nature. You could even choose to combine this with a tailor made self-drive trip.

" allowfullscreen>

Accommodation

Finnish Houseboats

Choosing Your Houseboat

Standard Houseboat – ideal for couples or small families. It has one bedroom with double or twin beds; open plan living area with a sofa bed; small kitchenette with fridge, stove, kettle and coffee machine; bathroom with shower; sauna and terrace area with furniture.

Spa Houseboat – bigger than the standard with a main bedroom with double bed; second bedroom with bunk bed for two guests; open plan living area with a sofa bed; dining table and chairs; small kitchenette with facilities as above; terrace with dining furniture; sun deck on top of the houseboat; bathroom with shower and separate sauna.

Deluxe Houseboat – the largest and highest quality, ideal for larger families or group of friends. There is the option for six or eight berth boats. The six berth has two double bedrooms, the eight berth has either a double or twin beds in the main bedroom and bunk beds for four in the second bedroom; living area with sofa bed; kitchenette as above plus freezer, microwave and dishwasher; terrace with furniture; sun deck; bathroom with shower and separate sauna.

Itinerary

Arrive in Helsinki and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy the many sights of the capital, famous for its Neoclassical architecture mixed with modern Scandinavian design, by foot or by tram. The city is especially lively in the summer with many outdoor markets, cafes and bars scattered around the town and nearby islands. There are numerous art galleries, museums, historical churches, botanic gardens and much more to discover.

finland helsinki suomenlinna fortress istk

finland helsinki train station front istk

This morning make your own way to helsinki bus station and take the local bus to Heinola (journey time approximately 2 hours). From the bus station it is a short transfer to the harbour where the houseboats are located. The check-in time for the boats is between 3pm and 6pm. You will be met and shown the facilities with full instructions on how to use the boat, including suggestions on the routes to take, places to visit and where to spend the first night on the water.

Using a map, chart-plotter and the GPS to use, navigate the lakes and canals to find sandy beaches, fishing spots, villages and attractions along the way.

central finland aerial view of jyvaskyla istk

central finland church petajavesi village jyvaskyla istk

Find a secluded place for a swim, try your hand at fishing or rent bicycles so you can explore further inland. In the evening, light the barbecue and enjoy the midnight sun.

Travel back to Heinola harbour and return the Houseboat by 10am. Transfer to Heinola Bus Station and on to Helsinki for another overnight stay in the city.

Transfer to Helsinki Airport by airport coach or train (payable locally) for your return flight home.

Prices and Departures

Price from £1889 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £300 per person with Finnair, or from around £900 per person during peak times such as Christmas and New Year. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

Two nights in Helsinki with private bathroom
Bus travel between Helsinki and Heinola
Houseboat rental including cleaning and bed linen
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £1,889 per person, based on 2 sharing a room/houseboat, including hotel.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of houseboat and hotel, class of travel, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

Choice of Houseboat and duration

Spa and Deluxe house boat options are also available as well as 4 or 7 night houseboat rental – please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred requirements and travel dates.

Personalised adventures. Trusted expertise.

Enquire Now

Adventure, Your Way

Our tailor made approach means you can think of us as your personal planning service.

Every Trip is an Original

Whatever the brief we'll create an amazing trip to get excited about. We give you on tap knowledge.

Here's the Plan

View your trip itinerary along with travel tips and maps with our online portal and travel app.

24/7 On Trip Support

No-one likes a plot twist. As standard we provide complete piece of mind with our in country 24/7 support and guidance.

As Standard, Complete Piece of Mind

We’re listening. We always care what our fellow travellers think and love building strong customer relationships so we continuously focus on improving future experiences based on feedback. How incredible for the last three years we have received the Feefo Platinum Award.

The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.

Finland Houseboat Adventure

Highlights & Video

Highlights