From Lübeck to Lake Saimaa: lakes, castles and Finnish stillness

This is where your journey begins. From this Hanseatic city, it's just a few kilometres to the ferry port in Travemünde.

The Finnlines ferry departs directly for Helsinki from the Skandinavienkai. The crossing takes around 29 hours, with a cabin, onboard restaurant and observation decks. It's best to check in two hours before departure.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A whole day at sea: passing the Swedish and Finnish coastlines, with plenty of time to rest, read and gaze out over the water. Enjoy the slow approach to the north before Helsinki appears the following day.

The Finnlines ferry reaches Helsinki in the late afternoon. Once you've driven off the ship, you're in the middle of the city within minutes.

The classical heart of Helsinki, with the brilliant white cathedral rising above a broad flight of steps. The university and government palace stand nearby, and the steps make a lovely spot for a first pause in the evening light.

A centrally located hotel just a few minutes' walk from Senate Square and the harbour. A good base for two nights, letting you explore Helsinki on foot and leave the car behind.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The sprawling sea fortress, spread across several islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll explore ramparts, tunnels, the submarine Vesikko and quiet coves, interspersed with cafés and museums. A whole day slips by easily here with walks by the water.

The historic market hall by the South Harbour is perfect for a lunch break with salmon soup, smoked fish and Finnish specialities. The ferry to Suomenlinna also departs from here.

On the way east, it's worth stopping in Finland's oldest surviving wooden town. The red-painted riverside warehouses, the cobbled streets and small cafés make for a perfect relaxed lunch break.

A traditional hotel right on Savonlinna's market square and harbour, a short walk from Olavinlinna Castle. A good base for the next few days exploring the town, the castle and Punkaharju.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

This mighty 15th-century water castle stands on a rocky island between the lakes and is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Northern Europe. The guided tour leads across drawbridges, through round towers and vaulted chambers. In July, the famous opera festival takes place here.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Right next to the castle, this museum tells the story of the nature and history of the Saimaa region, including the rare Saimaa ringed seal. A good introduction before you experience the national parks by canoe.

This narrow moraine ridge, lined with tall pines between two lakes, is considered one of Finland's most beautiful landscapes. Trails and viewpoints lead along the ridge with water on both sides. A peaceful nature day for walking and swimming.

Located at Punkaharju, this museum explores forests and timber, with engaging exhibitions on Finnish nature and forestry culture. A good rainy-day or afternoon stop, with a café attached.

The largest wooden church in the world seats thousands of people beneath an impressive white domed roof dating from 1847. The simple, bright interior and lakeside setting make the detour well worthwhile.

On a steep rock face along the shore of Lake Yövesi lie the largest prehistoric rock paintings in Northern Europe, more than 3,000 years old. Elk, human figures and handprints can be reached by water or via a forest path. An atmospheric, quiet place.

A traditional Finnish mökki right on Lake Saimaa, with its own lakeside sauna, jetty and rowing boat. Exactly the retreat you've been longing for, for six nights, close to Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks. Bookable through Lomarengas or Nature Bnb.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Your first full day at your own lake: swim from the jetty in the morning, explore quiet coves by rowing boat, and light the sauna in the evening. Settling into the rhythm of a Finnish summer.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

This small village on the water is the starting point for canoe and kayak trips into Linnansaari and Kolovesi. Here you can hire boats and book guided tours, alongside a café by the canal.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A maze of hundreds of wooded islands and quiet waterways, home to the highly endangered Saimaa ringed seal. By canoe, you'll glide through sheltered coves, rest on secluded rocks and, with a bit of luck, spot a seal. A highlight of the trip.

In this motorboat-free park, you can only get around under your own power, which makes it particularly peaceful and untouched. Steep rock faces, dense forests and prehistoric rock paintings along the shore make the canoe trip a real experience, and the Saimaa ringed seal lives here too. The usual starting point is Kirkkoranta near Enonkoski.

Centrally located hotel in Lahti, a handy stopover on the way to the ferry. This keeps the last leg to Helsinki short and relaxed on departure day.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Before the crossing, there's still time for one last stroll along the Esplanadi and the bustling market square at the South Harbour. A coffee, some souvenirs and a last look at the water round off the trip.

In the afternoon, the Finnlines ferry departs back towards Travemünde. You'll drive your car on board, settle into your cabin and watch the Finnish coastline slowly disappear behind you.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here