Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
LINTULA
An 18km walk or short drive from Valamo, the nation's only Orthodox
convent
(
www.lintulanluostari.fi
;
Honkasalontie 3, Palokki;
9am-6pm Jun-Aug) is much quieter. It's a se-
rene contrast that is worth the short detour.
Lintula was founded in Karelia in 1895 and transferred west during WWII. A souvenir
shop on the premises sells wool and hand-made candles (the nuns supply all the Ortho-
dox churches in Finland), and there's a pleasant cafe. The lovely grounds are perfect for
strolling. In the garden is a beautifully simple log chapel, whose icons glint in the candle-
light.
Lintulan Vierasmaja
( 020-610-0500;
www.lintulanluostari.fi
;
s/d €27/46;
Jun-Aug;
)
is a small red house at the back. There are simple but clean rooms, with separate bath-
rooms; it's open to men and women.
Jyväskylä
014 / Pop 134,800
Vivacious and young at heart, western Lakeland's main town has a wonderful waterside
location and an optimistic feel. Jyväskylä (
yoo
-vah-skoo-lah), thanks to the work of Alvar
Aalto, is of global architectural interest, and petrolheads know it as a legendary World
Rally Championships venue. The big student population and lively arts scenes give the
town plenty of energy and nightlife.
