Finland 2009 - Ruisrock

Hi All

A friend and I are really keen to go to Finland next year to go to the Ruisrock Festival (July 09) and to hav a look around Finland (unfortunately we'll only hav about 3weeks there, so want squeeze as much in as possible)

The problem is finding anything out about Ruisrock (other than the internet which has limited details at moment as the 2008 festival has only just been) being in New Zealand makes it difficult too - We're just wantin to know of any recommendations for accommodation is it best to camp near festival (hear sites go really quick) or Backpackers/motels/hotels etc in Turku. Do any places in UK or anywhere do like a tour or package deal to these kind of festivals???

And of course any MUST DOs while in Finland (even areas near by that you could jump on a train to or plane 2) dont know how much it costs to hire a car or can you hire scooters. Pretty much any info would be great

Travel agents in our town seem to be like "Finland???? Where" not much help at all, so we'd REALLY REALLY appreciate any help you can give us
Thank you

Hello hello or moi moi as we say in Finland

I can't help you much with Ruisrock, sorry. I have never actually been there, in Turku itself though many times. Tried to find you some info about Ruisrock 2009, but even in Finnish pages nothing much too early as you mentioned. About accommodation contact www.turkutouring.fi and there Ruissalo camping, they probably can help you. About Finland car hire is extremely expensive as are most of the other things too like food, accommodation etc. Still I do recommend a visit. Midsummer is normally great time due to long summers nights(it's wierd to sit outside and it's still light 1am!!) About the weather it can be cold even in July, so be prepared. I guess you are from NZ so you are used to it. It also can be a glorious weather so.....
I would recommend a cruise to Sweden, they are fairly cheap, you'll get to see the beautiful archipelago and some great nightlife!! You can easily catch one from Turku.
Probably the best transportation option is a train or coach. Scooters are great if you are in a city, but can't go too far with them. Helsinki is obviously a must see; there visit the markets by the harbour, Suomenlinna (island), Helsinki Cathedral, have a picnic in Kaivopuisto and if you are interested in museums there is plenty to choose from. Great shopping in Helsinki too especially we are famous of different kinds of interior designers / designs like Marimekko, Iittala, Hackman etc.
From Helsinki I would take a day trip to Porvoo, beautiful old town. Google it, the easiest way. If you in Finland in mid July, vivit Pori Jazz, lots of concerts are free and just fantastic atmosphere ( and I don't even like jazz)
For a beautiful scenery I would travel to the Finnish Lakeland. It's hard to think all the things you should do.
If you have specific interests let me know and I'll try to help you guys.
Things you should try in Finland:
Strawberries (July) best in the world
Karelian Pasties
Rye Bread (yum!!!!)
Salmiakki and Salmiakki vodka (most of the foreigners won't like these, but there has been exceptions
Sauna (it's a must, nearly everybody have one built in their homes)

Good luck with your plans and if you think of something more specific please let me know and I try to help you the best I can.

Hanna

Kiitos Hana (hope thats correct for thank you only JUST learnin a wee bit of Finnish)

Your help is greatly appreciated I will talk to my friend about the info you have passed on
Unfortunately cause we're so far away we'll probably have to book our airfares asap to get a decent rate which makes it difficult with coinciding with getting festival tickets etc guess we'll just hav to hav a bit of faith

Do you know which are the best Art Galleries/Art Museums to check out??
Vodka is my drink of choice so I'll hav to giv the Salmiakki vodka a go just so I can say Ive tried it

Are you currently living in Finland??

Again thank you so much for helping us and Im sure we'll have more questions as we know no one over there

Näkemiin

I'm living near you guys....in OZ.
In Helsinki I would go to Kiasma which is modern art and Design Museum definately, keep an eye out for what's going on in Cable Factory. Pop in to Temppeliaukion Kirkko (church that is built "into a rock") There is lots of great little "design shops" all around Helsinki worth a visit.
3 weeks is a decent time so you should have plenty of time to look around.

Onnea suunnitteluun ! (good luck with the planning)

Hanna

[ Edit: Edited on Aug 24, 2008, at 4:37 PM by hmclehto ]

Hello!

Some info for you. I have visited Turku and Ruisrock several times. Living in Finland.

Ruisrock tickets can be bought through internet, printed at home and used for entry at the festival area gates.

I highly recommend omenahotelli in Turku. It is located in city center, nice, clean and cheap. You should book it early because the rooms are quickly sold out during that weekend. Ruisrock busses go non-stop from center to Ruissalo. It takes about 15 min by bus.

MUST DOs in Finland: (In addition of Hannas excellent previous advices)
1. Cruise at Turku archipelago (Turun saaristo) google for rosita.fi
2. Beautiful natureparks all over Finland google for luonnonpuisto or kansanpuisto
Near Helsinki - Nuuksio, near Turku - Ruissalo
3. Helsinki (several locations)
Suomenlinna (sea fortress) look for hostel suomenlinna
Take a tram tour in Helsinki (Trams 3 or 7)
Buy a helsinki card (helsinkikortti). It gives you free travel in bublic transportation and free access or discount on museums and such. You also get 80 pages guide book. helsinkiexpert.fi

While in Helsinki, why not visit Tallinn also. Take a fast ferry(tallinksilja, superseacat) or a ship (eckeroline). It is cheap and fast (you can make just a daytour). In Tallin tour the old town, eat lunch at Olde Hansa - Middle Age style restaurant.

Finland has a lot to offer. If you can be more specific about your interest then I can give you more info.

BW
Jussi

Thank you so much Jussi for your advice sorry I havent replied earlier been a bit flat tak and havent had time to get on the computer.

Just wondering is Ruisrock always held on the first weekend in July or does it change each year?? Just that the earlybird airfares go on sale ova here towards the end of next mth and so far I cant find any dates on the net for next years festival to determine when to book flights for etc any help on this would be great.

Im sure I'll be picking your brains and Hanna's in the future about different things
(Again thank you for your reply )

Cheers
Carina