Sauna, the Essence of Nordic Wellbeing

Day 1: Arrival in Umeå

Arrival at Umeå airport (UME)

Several flight connections via Stockholm/Arlanda available from Europe

Rental of electric or hybrid car is available at Umeå airport.

Drive 1 hr to Granö Beckasin.

Get into the Nordic wellbeing vibe in the midst of nature: Staying a night in a sustainably built Bird’s Nests in the strong pines growing right by the river. At this tree hotel right in nature, no compromises have been made when it comes to comfort.

In the area you can relax with a cool dip in the river, hike, bike, book a guided tour in nature or just take it easy and do nothing.

Day 2: Skellefteå

After breakfast it is time to head for Skellefteå, the drive is 2 hrs.

The Wood Hotel, even if located in the centre of Skellefteå, is in the borderland between nature and innovation. The hotel is one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings – built from wood from local forests, designed for your wellbeing.

Vana Spa of Wood Hotel offers a wellness experience with a touch of luxury.

For your comfort, dinner is served in the same building, Restaurant Mandel.

Day 3: Luleå

The drive to Luleå is only 1,5 hrs, so you have the full day to enjoy once you get there.

Luleå archipelago is a gem, which is easy to discover with the regular ferries starting from the city center. For us in the Nordics, the summer days are precious and we love our sandy beaches. The archipelago ferries stop by Klubbviken, where you find a small beach resort – perfect to spend a summer day!

Once back in the city center, you might want to pamper your tastebuds with Nordic delights at Restaurant Bistro.

Short drive takes you away from the city center to Melderstein Manor, for an overnight in peaceful surroundings.

Day 4: HaparandaTornio

You might want to keep breakfast light as you are up for a treat only 40 min drive away.

Arctic Treats have taken the Swedish fika to an even more relaxing level – to the forest. This fika moment is food for both body and soul.

Well relaxed you drive 1 hr to Kukkolaforsen. Kukkolaforsen is a village divided by Tornio River, meaning the village is in Sweden and Finland. In addition to the beautiful rapids, Kukkolaforsen is known for its unique fishing culture. By Kukkolaforsen Hotel you are able to familiarize with dip net fishing in the small fishing museum.

At Kukkolaforsen you are able to immerse yourself in sauna experiences. Sweden’s largest smoke sauna is here, and in addition you have authentic wood fired saunas and even Native American sweat lodges. You will for sure sleep well and wake up rested after this sauna marathon. Remember to keep hydrated!

Day 5: Oulu

After a good night’s sleep it is time to move on to Finland.

Did you know that Finnish sauna is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage? When visiting the public saunas over the coming days, listen to your fellow sauna buddies (Finns) on their thoguhts and feelings about sauna. Finns are known for not speaking too much, but you can sense the profound respect they have for the institution.

Today’s sauna experience is on a sauna raft and you can enjoy cooling swims between the “löylys”. There is also a hot tub to relax in.

Overnight and dinner at Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti.

Day 6: Kalajoki

Maybe you stay in Oulu a bit longer in the morning or stop in charming Raahe on your way to Kalajoki. If you have a day on the beach on your mind, then you should leave in morning to enjoy Kalajoki’s long sandy beach and dunes.

If you prefer a meditative nature wellbeing experience, then a guided hike by Siiponjoki is just for you.

Every Wednesday and Sunday the smoke sauna in Linnakallio is heated and well visited by the locals. Village Sauna welcomes also guests with smiles and warm sauna hospitality. The locals gather here for wellbeing and also to socialize. The fresh pond offers soothing refershment between the heats.

You get to admire the slow sunset of Kalajoki from the comfort of your holiday apartment at Marina Resort. For this, we recommend to have a take-away dinner from e.g. Sandy Kelt to enjoy on your terrace.

Day 7: Jakobstad-Pietarsaari

Today you are up for the most scenic and beautiful drive of your tour. Turn on to the smaller road (749) from Kokkola and you drive through archipelago and coastal landscapes to Strandis, close to Jakobstad-Pietarsaari.

First things first – at Strandis Smokehouse enjoy some smoked fish with a beer from the house brewery. The cozy beach side villas have private saunas, so you can enjoy the sauna at your own leisure today.

Day 8: Vaasa

In the morning you have one hour’s drive to Vaasa.

During the summer guided walking tours are available almost every day in Vaasa. In case you wish to dive into heritage and history, Stundars Outdoor Museum is a good choice.

When in Vaasa, a lunch or dinner at Restaurant Hejm is a must.

But let’s stick to the essentials, sauna. Sokos Hotel Royal has a top floor sauna and pool for its guests and it is included in the room rate. Relax overlooking the rooftops and soaking in the last feel-good of sauna and Nordic wellbeing.

Day 9: Departure

If you have a rental car from Sweden, we recommend to drop it off in Sweden to avoid additional transfer costs for the car. Also, the cruise over Kvarken Strait is a last highlight on your tour.

Drop-off of rental car.

Departure from Umeå airport (UME)