Accompanying persons' programme

Sunday 8th August

City Reception in the Forest Hall of the Sibelius Hall at 7 pm

Monday 9th August

Day trip to Hämeenlinna - the Castle town

The first visit is to the Wetterhoff Handicrafts Quarter. The traditions of the artisan school founded by Frederika Wetterhoff in 1885 live on in this centre of handicrafts and industrial arts. The tour continues with morning coffee and a guided tour in the Häme Castle, one of the great medieval stately fortresses in Finland. A Lunch buffet with finnish specialities is served in the idyllic Inkala Manor House. After lunch we return from countryside to town, with a visit to the birthplace of Finland's best known composer, Jean Sibelius. This beautiful Empire style building offers the visitor a glimpse of the composer's childhood and youth.

Price: 60 euros

Informal Reception in the SIL Tent at 7.30 pm

Tuesday 10th August

Day trip to Helsinki - the Capital of Finland

First a guided tour of the Arabia factories, where there is possibility to purchase Finnish porcelain at the factory shop. Then a visit to the Design-museum with a permanent exhibition of Finnish industrial arts and changing thematic exhibitions. Lunch will be served in the Design museum's cafeteria. After lunch there will be time for independent shopping and sightseeing. Our last visit is to Ainola, the former home of the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius.

Price: 65 euros

Wednesday 11th August

Mid-Congress excursions

Thursday 12th August

Sightseeing tour to Lahti and surroundings

Transfer to Hollola village along the lakeside road. Our first visit is to the studio of artist Asta Pulkkinen, where the artist tells about her work and there will be a possibility to purchase gifts. Next a visit to Hollola Medieval Stone Church and afterwards lunch at the Kunnantupa Restaurant. Finally a visit to Valonens' Bee Farm, where the farmers will tell about their farm and making honey.

Price: 40 euros

Banquet at 8 pm

Dinner will take place in the Forest Hall of the Sibelius Hall by Lake Vesijärvi. There will be bus transportation from the centre of the city to the Sibelius Hall and back.

Price: 50 euros

Friday 13th August

Day trip to Porvoo by the King's Road

First a visit to the former home of J.L. Runeberg (the national poet in the 19th century) and Walter Runeberg's sculpture collection. Lunch in an idyllic restaurant, Timbaali, in the heart of the Old Town and after that, a walking tour and some free time in the historical Old Town. Bus transfer to Kiiala Manor House, an idyllic estate with handicraft shops, where afternoon coffee will be served and the guide will tell about the history of the manor.

Price: 50 euros

Saturday 14th August

Closing Ceremony will take place in the Auditorium of the Fellmanni Congress Centre.

A minimum number of participants must register for the accompanying persons' tours with additional fee before the tours can be guaranteed. The Congress Secretariat reserves all the rights to these tours.

Any persons needing childcare facilities are asked to contact as early as possible the Congress Secretariat.