Helsinki to Sortavala

Helsinki to Sortavala - Language, Currency, Distance, How to Reach, Expenses, Best time to go, What to Eat, Where to Go, FAQ

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip from Helsinki to Sortavala, including language, currency, distance, how to reach, expenses, best time to go, what to eat, where to go, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Language

The official language of Finland is Finnish. However, Swedish is also an official language, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas. In Sortavala, Russian is also spoken by a significant portion of the population.

Currency

The official currency of Finland is the euro (€). Sortavala is part of Russia, so the official currency there is the Russian ruble (₽).

Distance

The distance between Helsinki and Sortavala is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles).

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Sortavala from Helsinki:

• By train: The Allegro train operates between Helsinki and St. Petersburg, with a stop in Sortavala. The journey takes about 5 hours.
• By bus: There are several bus companies that offer services between Helsinki and Sortavala. The journey takes about 6 hours.
• By car: The drive from Helsinki to Sortavala takes about 4 hours.

Expenses

The cost of your trip will vary depending on your travel style and the time of year you visit. However, here are some general estimates:

• Accommodation: A hotel room in Sortavala costs around €50-€100 per night.
• Food: A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €15-€25.
• Transportation: A train ticket from Helsinki to Sortavala costs around €30-€50. A bus ticket costs around €20-€30. A rental car costs around €50-€100 per day.
• Activities: A visit to the Valamo Monastery costs around €10. A boat tour of Lake Ladoga costs around €20.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Sortavala is during the summer months (June-August). The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. However, Sortavala is also a beautiful place to visit during the winter months (December-February). The snow-covered landscapes are stunning, and there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy, such as skiing and snowboarding.

What to Eat

Sortavala is home to a variety of restaurants serving both traditional Russian and international cuisine. Some of the local specialties include:

• Karelian pies: These traditional pies are filled with meat, fish, or vegetables.
• Sortavala salmon: This local delicacy is smoked and salted salmon.
• Valamo honey: This honey is produced by the monks at the Valamo Monastery.

Where to Go

Sortavala is a small town, but there are plenty of things to see and do. Some of the most popular attractions include:

• Valamo Monastery: This historic monastery is located on an island in Lake Ladoga.
• Ruskeala Marble Canyon: This stunning canyon is a popular spot for hiking and boating.
• Lake Ladoga: The largest lake in Europe, Lake Ladoga is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling from Helsinki to Sortavala:

• Do I need a visa to visit Sortavala? Yes, you will need a visa to visit Russia. You can apply for a visa at the Russian embassy or consulate in your country.
• What is the currency exchange rate between the euro and the ruble? The current exchange rate is approximately 1 euro = 80 rubles.
• Is it safe to travel to Sortavala? Yes, Sortavala is a safe place to travel. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself from crime.