Follow in the footsteps of kings, merchants, bishops and couriers on part of the historic King's Road route.
The King's Road is the most important tourist route in Scandinavia and follows the course of the old postal road.
The King's Road is the most important tourist route in Scandinavia and follows the course of the old postal road.
Since the 14th century the road has been followed by kings, couriers, bishops, merchants, armies and artists. It links the extreme western and eastern ends of the old Swedish empire - from Bergen in Norway via Oslo to Stockholm and on through to Turku in Southern Finland.From Turku, the road hugs the beautiful southern Finnish coast to its final destination - St Petersburg, Russia.
Today the Finnish section takes in a number of historically fascinating places and people. By following it across, you can observe the subtle cultural changes - from the Swedish influence of the Western end to the Russian Byzantine influences to the East.
The first staging post is the charming town of Turku, stretched along three kilometres of the Aura Riverbank. Take a couple of days to take in the 13th century Castle and Cathedral and other medieval sites. Art lovers can also enjoy cutting edge exhibitions at the trendy Ars Noval gallery. From Turku, move on to Pohja and Inkoo, where the charm of traditional foundry villages can trap you for as long as you need to relax.
Still enjoying the endless pines and fresh air (Finnish summers mean blue blue skies and long hours of sunshine), the next staging posts are Karjaa and Kirkkonummi where the Swedish influence begins to wane as the urban edge of Helskinki seeps through. Rural life begins to be replaced with the air of cutting edge design and cosmopolitan life.
Clearly Helsinki can entertain you for as long as you have the energy - check out whatsonwhen for a comprehensive taste of what this waterside city has to offer. But when you are ready to move on and eastwards the next stop, Porvoo, has an impressive skyline, dominated by its 15th century cathedral. Check out the studio museum of Albert Edelfelt, who spent every summer away from his Parisian studio amongst the charming earth-red warehouse buildings.
Loviisa, a few kilometres further, is the proud curator of the Svartholma Sea Fortress. Guided walks are the best way to get to grips with the 18th century town. If you time it well you could also make it to the Sibelius Festival - honouring Finland's most famous musical export. Moving on to the Kouvola region the Russian influence picks up - not least because of the Russian garrison section in the town and the regular trains to St Petersburg. The Verla Mill Museum in Jaala is so well presented that it is a hot contender for listing as a UNESCO world heritage site.
You are on the last leg when you make it to Kotka - where Tsar Alexander III spent many fishing trips at his lodge - the area still remains the most important location for salmon in Southern Finland. Fuelled by the inevitable culinary pleasures, you will finish at Hamina, where the star shaped fortress makes a perfect venue for the annual military Tattoo. In fact, the Hamina Bastion is one of the biggest covered outdoor performance spaces in Europe.
For the dedicated King's Roaders - move on to St Petersburg and its treasures. Otherwise, stay put and have a well deserved sauna!
Today the Finnish section takes in a number of historically fascinating places and people. By following it across, you can observe the subtle cultural changes - from the Swedish influence of the Western end to the Russian Byzantine influences to the East.
The first staging post is the charming town of Turku, stretched along three kilometres of the Aura Riverbank. Take a couple of days to take in the 13th century Castle and Cathedral and other medieval sites. Art lovers can also enjoy cutting edge exhibitions at the trendy Ars Noval gallery. From Turku, move on to Pohja and Inkoo, where the charm of traditional foundry villages can trap you for as long as you need to relax.
Still enjoying the endless pines and fresh air (Finnish summers mean blue blue skies and long hours of sunshine), the next staging posts are Karjaa and Kirkkonummi where the Swedish influence begins to wane as the urban edge of Helskinki seeps through. Rural life begins to be replaced with the air of cutting edge design and cosmopolitan life.
Clearly Helsinki can entertain you for as long as you have the energy - check out whatsonwhen for a comprehensive taste of what this waterside city has to offer. But when you are ready to move on and eastwards the next stop, Porvoo, has an impressive skyline, dominated by its 15th century cathedral. Check out the studio museum of Albert Edelfelt, who spent every summer away from his Parisian studio amongst the charming earth-red warehouse buildings.
Loviisa, a few kilometres further, is the proud curator of the Svartholma Sea Fortress. Guided walks are the best way to get to grips with the 18th century town. If you time it well you could also make it to the Sibelius Festival - honouring Finland's most famous musical export. Moving on to the Kouvola region the Russian influence picks up - not least because of the Russian garrison section in the town and the regular trains to St Petersburg. The Verla Mill Museum in Jaala is so well presented that it is a hot contender for listing as a UNESCO world heritage site.
You are on the last leg when you make it to Kotka - where Tsar Alexander III spent many fishing trips at his lodge - the area still remains the most important location for salmon in Southern Finland. Fuelled by the inevitable culinary pleasures, you will finish at Hamina, where the star shaped fortress makes a perfect venue for the annual military Tattoo. In fact, the Hamina Bastion is one of the biggest covered outdoor performance spaces in Europe.
For the dedicated King's Roaders - move on to St Petersburg and its treasures. Otherwise, stay put and have a well deserved sauna!
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