LGBTQ FRIENDLY LAKELAND
These are the members of the LGBTQ+ Friendly Finland Community in Lakeland. Finland has over 188,000 lakes and around 180,000 islands, many located in the Lakeland district, the largest in Europe. Finnish Lakeland is a blue labyrinth of lakes, islands, rivers and canals, interspersed with forests and ridges, stretching for hundreds of kilometres in a placid and staggeringly beautiful expanse.
These are open minded companies and events that are welcoming to LGBTQ customers creating a safe atmosphere in which you can feel valued and respected. These companies are against racism and all kinds of discrimination, homophobia and transphobia. The members of the community are committed to inclusion and want to embrace diversity in Finland.
Silja Helinä
Silja Helinä is a tantra teacher, mental coach and healthcare professional based in Tampere. She has a passion for guiding individuals on a journey of self-discovery and connection. Drawing from her extensive experience in mental coaching, midwifery and tantra, she creates transformative experiences for individuals and couples, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Her work is rooted in promoting equality, inclusion, and sustainability, offering safe and playful spaces for people to explore their bodies, boundaries, and relationships. Silja believes in the power of authentic connection and playful exploration as a means to create a more fulfilled, balanced, and joyful life.
Jokimaan Paroni
Jokimaan Paroni is a family-owned small business founded in 2005. Sustainable and inclusive tourism is our passion and key value. Alongside tours, we arrange boot camps and coaching concerning sustainability and circular economy for college and university students.
With the local Lahti guide, you will find places, where the normal tours do not take you. In Lahti, our urban city culture includes e.g. nature – the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark; drinks – award-winning whiskey distillery, beer, and coffee; and architecture by Alvar Aalto and Eliel Saarinen plus wooden wonder Sibelius Hall.
Tours and sustainability can be talked more fun way by the world’s first Green Clown Violet Evergreen. She will tell you facts about the circular economy and nonsense about the flowers. Enjoy the ride!
Tullikamari
Experiences amidst the embrace of historic brick walls! ✨
Tullikamari is a legendary events venue in the center of Tampere. This more than a century-old building includes two event spaces, Klubi and Pakkahuone, combines a historic setting with modern technology, flexible service design, high-quality, curated diverse program content, and friendly customer service. Joining the We Speak Gay community was a natural choice for us because we consistently work in accordance with our values to promote equality and create diverse, customer-centric program content. Tullikamari is committed to adhering to the principles of a safer space and is also a discrimination-free space. We have a designated harassment contact person as well.
Welcome to Tullikamari! 🌈
Tavara-asema
Experiences amidst the embrace of historic brick walls! ✨
Tavara-asema is a concert and event venue in the center of Tampere. This atmospheric building combines a historic setting with modern technology, flexible service design, and high-quality, curated diverse program content, all while providing friendly customer service. Joining the We Speak Gay community was a natural choice for us because we consistently work in accordance with our values to promote equality and create diverse, customer-centric program content. Tavara-asema is committed to adhering to the principles of a safer space and is also a discrimination-free space. We have a designated harassment contact person as well.
Welcome to Tavara-asema! 🌈
The Courtyard by Marriott Tampere City Hotel
The Courtyard by Marriott Tampere City hotel is a modern 4 star hotel located in the city center and minutes away from the main shopping street, the Nokia Arena, entertainment areas and central train station. This is the only hotel that is directly connected to the Tampere Hall Conference and Concert center, making your visits to this world class and largest event venue of its kind in the Nordics easily accessible.
The hotel boasts modern business facilities you expect from the Courtyard brand. Make yourself at home in one of our 229 spacious hotel rooms and suites, featuring plush bedding, flat-panel TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a modern, well-equipped gym and a market open 24/7.
Tahlo Ventures
Tahlo Ventures: Luxurious accommodation on the shores of lake Näsijärvi for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Tahlo Ventures invites you to holiday villa Tahlo Hillhouse, glamping in luxury tents, or rustic sauna wagon accommodation on the shores of lake Näsijärvi. We offer unique lodging options that combine luxury with a connection to nature.
A relaxing choice for those who want to escape the hustle of the city for a moment, enjoy the silence and pamper with sauna, hot tub and luxury accommodation tailored for two or a bigger group.
Be brave and be you! Accepting and respecting people’s uniqueness has always been a core value for Tahlo family. We invite you to a welcoming and inclusive stay. To be yourself, be present, live in Tahlo.
Live in Tahlo with us and book your stay in
Tahlontie 140, Mutala
+358 40 718 3862
team@tahloventures.com
LakelandGTE guided tours
LakelandGTE is a small Outdoor activities company located in Puumala, in the heart of lake Saimaa. I warmly welcome you on my guided tours to experience and connect with nature, all year round. In summer time I recommend you a Sightseeing or Saimaa seal watching Cruise by my unique Ecoboat, the first solar-powered tourist boat in Finland. In winter time my new soft adventure by electric Snow scooters will give you an experience to remember.
Puumala. Finland
+358 400 966800
sales@lakelandgte.fi
Revontuli Resort
Welcome to your comfort zone! Revontuli – The Northern Lights Resort is a year-round holiday centre in Hankasalmi in the darkest place of whole Southern Finland. The resort is a perfect place for a little pampering, because you can sleep under the stars in luxurious glass igloos, get comfy in holiday cabins, experience the authentic Finnish Sauna in a sauna world and treat yourself with seasonal culinary dishes. And it does not end there, you can also have fun with various activities like hiking, fat biking, snowshoeing, bowling, and golf. Additionally, Revontuli Resort is easy to reach, since it can be reached by train and by car and what is the best, everything in the resort itself is within the walking distance. So, get comfy and come to Revontuli!
Revontulentie 1, Hankasalmi
+358 14 8448 200
sales@revontuli.fi
Hotel Kalevala
Welcome to Kuhmo, a small town in north east Finland. Surrounded by ancient forests and crystal clear lakes, this is a wonderland with nothing but unspoilt nature as far as the eye can see. Kuhmo is perfect for wilderness and activity adventures. Hotel Kalevala provides a unique experience from beginning to end for any holiday. As soon as you arrive you are invited into a mythical world and the adventures of the Wild Taiga.
Väinämöinen 9, Kuhmo,
+358 (08) 6554 100
info@hotellikalevala.fi
Okkola Holiday Cottages / Lakeland
At the Okkola holiday cottages on Niinisaari island in Puumala, you can spend a holiday surrounded by the ruggedly beautiful nature of Lake Saimaa and the peace of the wilderness. Our 17 rental cottages are all unique and individually designed for the sites where they are built.
Thanks to the rugged, undulating shoreline, each holiday home has its own slice of peace and quiet. Every cottage has its own wood-heated sauna or two, a pier, a rowing boat and as much peace and quiet as you could need. You can book accommodation for as long as you would like to stay – we do not require week-long bookings. Many customers enjoy staying with us one year after another. We warmly welcome you to our island!
Ylössaarentie 35, Puumala
+358 500 259 378
paula@okkola.fi
Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel
Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel offers unique accommodation with Karelian heart and hospitality in the city center of Joensuu, Eastern Finland. You will experience Karelian culture and delicacies the moment you enter the hotel. The central location along the River Pielisjoki, charming facilities and tasty Karelian breakfast ensure a memorable experience. Each of the 31 rooms has a unique design and is equipped to a high standard.
Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel embraces the UN Sustainable Development goals as every choice has an impact. They care for the nature and they care for their fellow humans. Come and rejoice together!
Rantakatu 26, Joensuu
+358 44 7520 500
info@lietsuhotel.fi
Säynätsalo Town Hall
Säynätsalo Town Hall is one of the most significant works of architect Alvar Aalto. The building has an internationally renowned position in the history of modern architecture. Despite its name, the building is no longer in administrative use, as Säynätsalo is now part of the city of Jyväskylä.
Numerous visitors from all over the world come to admire and marvel at Aalto’s beloved masterpiece. In addition to architecture, the archipelago environment of Säynätsalo offers plenty to do and experience. Aalto himself fell in love with Säynätsalo and named the islands “Tahiti of Lake Päijänne.”
There are unique and original apartments and guestrooms to stay overnight.
The Town Hall also has meeting and banquet facilities, e.g., for marriages.
Väinämöinen 9, Säynätsalo
+358 46 5821060
info@tavolobianco.com
Hostel Guesthouse Pihlajapuu
Hostel Majatalo Pihlajapuu is situated in North Karelia, Finland. The small town of Nurmes lies about 20 km away from the hostel. The traditional log house used to be a village school but has now been lovingly renovated for it’s new purpose, welcoming visitors. We have ten bedrooms, seven rooms upstairs and three rooms downstairs, and can accommodate up to fifteen persons. There are lounges and balconies as well as a Finnish sauna heated with a log fire. Our kitchen provides fresh local food. We have the responsible travel certificates of TourCert and Sustainable Travel Finland.
www.aksytammat.fi/guesthousepihlajapuu
Salmenkyläntie 81, Nurmes
+358 50 477 2570
sales@aksytammat.fi
Kommee Kurki vacation house & private Tentsile camping
Kommee Kurki stands for safe accommodation in high quality house and at our private Tentsile tree tent campsite surrounded by an amazing soundscape. This is the perfect place for nature lovers, cyclists, hikers and families with children. Kommee Kurki is located in the countryside of Sastamala in the Tampere Region. Why not take a break in this relaxing atmosphere?
Kommee Kurki is situated next to a bird lake which is home to cranes and whooper swans. The Tentsile campsite is at the best viewpoint to watch the cranes and is available during May-September. The well-equipped vacation house of 100 m² is available year-round. Read more and book at our web store:
Houhajärventie 194, Sastamala
+358 50 378 9208
info@kommeekurki.fi
Pirteeks
Pirteeks is a small family owned company in Loppi, one hour drive from Helsinki. We value nature, sustainability, acceptance and love. We offer mainly nature related activities and services including outdoor training camp, meditation, SUP-boarding and health counselling. There are great hiking and cycling trails around the place. We also have a small cozy cottage for accommodating up to six persons. It is located close to the main building which gives you a feeling of safety and our help is close to you. That said the cottage also has a sense of privacy and you can spend your time there without anyone bothering you. We also offer authentic smoke sauna experience close to our main building.Welcome.
Finnish website: www.pirteeks.fi
English website: www.natureinyou.fi
Kieppirinne 15, Pilpala
+358 040 3639287
anu.kosonen@pirteeks.fi
Restaurant Lusto
“For those who appreciate top food: The Museum Restaurant Lusto’s food is Michelin star quality!” (news media Ilta-Sanomat 12.2.23)
The restaurant by award-winning chef Ilkka Lääveri serves food in a wonderful setting, in the middle of the most beautiful eastern Finnish ridge and lake Saimaa nature. The restaurant is located next to the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto in Punkaharju. It is easily accessible by train, local train stop Lusto is next door.
The restaurant serves excellent local produce from lake Saimaa and nearby, good service and wines with sustainable values.
“Fresh local food with good taste. Wallet-friendly. Lake Puruvesi vendances is worth for tasting. Good value for money.” Tripadvisor
Lustontie 1, Punkaharju
+358 050 533 8851
info@ravintolalusto.fi
Serlachius Museums
Are you a lover of art & design, looking for a unique place far from mass-tourism, but still classy? Multi-awarded Serlachius Museums got it: a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere, but still reachable within an hour from Tampere. We offer high-quality service for everyone, national art treasures, intriguing stories, contemporary art exhibitions, stunning architecture and top cuisine in the midst of beautiful lakeside nature. No wonder that Serlachius was chosen as one of the top sights in Finland (Lonely Planet). The shuttle bus from Tampere to Art Town Mänttä & Serlachius runs around the year taking you right in the heart of art!
Joenniementie 47, Mänttä – R. Erik Serlachiuksen katu 2, Mänttä
+358 3 4886800
info@serlachius.fi
The world’s only Moomin Museum
The Moomin Museum is an experiential art museum for Moomin fans and art lovers of all ages. Visit us in Tampere and relive the adventures of the beloved Moomin family!
The Moomin Museum is based on the collection of illustration art donated by Tove Jansson (1914–2001). Jansson is best known for her Moomin characters, but she was a bold trailblazer in her own right, both as an artist and as a person and woman.
The core themes in Jansson’s Moomin books as well as in the Moomin Museum revolve around friendship, understanding diversity and enjoying life’s small and big adventures. If you want to learn more or add fun to your visit, book a guided tour or a workshop, that are available in different languages.
Experience the magic of Moominvalley in Tampere!
Yliopistonkatu 55, Tampere
+358 (0)3 243 4111
muumi@tampere.fi
Tampere Hall
Tampere Hall, the congress and cultural centre giant of the Nordic countries, is a venue for nearly a thousand different events, concerts, meetings, and international conferences each year. Browse Tampere Hall’s concerts and club gigs, relax at the restaurant Tuhto, enjoy art and pick souvenirs from Tampere Hall Shop. Remember to visit the world’s only Moomin Museum and stay at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, all under one roof. Even though Tampere Hall is situated in the vibrant city centre, the large windows let in the beautiful park (Sorsapuisto) that surrounds the building. The diverse and experience-filled offering of Tampere Hall allows it to serve a wide-ranging audience and ensures that everyone finds in it something to spice up their daily routines.
Yliopistonkatu 55, Tampere
+358 3 243 4111
The Savonlinna Opera Festival
The Savonlinna Opera Festival is Finland’s premiere cultural event. World renowned for its high-quality opera performances and concerts, every summer it brings music lovers from across the globe to the charming lakeside city of Savonlinna. The month-long festival is held in Olavinlinna, a towering medieval castle by Finland’s largest lake. This creates a uniquely dramatic ambiance for its 70 000 visitors. Once inside, festival-goers are dazzled by classics and rarely seen works as well as world premieres and visiting productions from esteemed opera houses like La Scala and the Bolshoi Theatre.
Olavinkatu 27, Savonlinna
+358 (015) 476 750
info@operafestival.fi
Tampereen Sävel – Tampere Vocal Music Festival
Tampere Vocal Music Festival was founded in 1975 and it is held biennially in the beginning of June. The festival programme offers an international chorus review, a contest for vocal ensembles and a rich variety of concerts, workshops and festival clubs. Concerts are performed by choirs, ensembles and even solo vocal music artists. While the Chorus Review showcases numerous choirs from around the world, the Contest for Vocal Ensembles gives a boost to fresh new vocal bands. The workshops offer new ideas for both vocal music professionals and amateurs, and in the evenings the festival clubs gather people to the most attractive gig venues in town. Tampere Vocal Music Festival gathers together about two thousand singers and a wide audience of vocal music enthusiasts.
Tullikamarinaukio 2, Tampere
+358 040 647 5760
music@tampere.fi
Tampere Jazz Happening 31.10 – 3.11.2024
The flagship of modern jazz, Tampere Jazz Happening, was founded in 1982. In the beginning it was organised by the jazz-club Break in conjunction with the City of Tampere’s cultural board. Tampere Jazz Happening’s unprejudiced and first-rate programme has turned the festival into one of Europe’s most intriguing jazz happenings. The programme highlights the influence of rock and ethnic music on the development of modern jazz. The concerts are held at venues around the Old Customs House square: Restaurants Klubi and Telakka and at the Old Customs House Concert Hall. The annual festival takes place at the turn of October.
Tullikamarinaukio 2, Tampere
+358 040 647 5760
music@tampere.fi
Tampere Biennale 10.-14.4.2024
Tampere Biennale has functioned as a forum for Finnish concert music since 1986. As well as premiering new works, the programme also embraces rarely performed pieces. In addition to the Finnish composers and artists, foreign acts frequent the festival. Tampere Biennale aspires to introduce contemporary music to a wider audience. The festival programme consists of concerts, festival clubs, exhibitions and the Tampere Biennale Family Day. The festival is held biennially in April.
Tullikamarinaukio 2, Tampere
+358 040 647 5760
music@tampere.fi
Cybershop
Hämeenkatu 10 B, Tampere
+358 45 316 8354
info@cybershop.fi
Inclusive Gay Travel Finland Map
Below is the Google maps version of the inclusive Gay Travel Finland map. Click on the icon in the upper left corner to display the list of the companies. When clicking on the icon in the upper right corner you open the Gay Travel Finland map in Google.