o you like medieval castles and grey stone churches, romantic old ruins and elegant manor houses? Are you interested in 18th century sea fortresses and defence lines from the Second World War? Or perhaps you like old, carefully restored iron works milieus with art galleries and craft workshops. And the narrow lanes of the old towns, and the heritage landscapes of the countryside, and the many specialist museums?

All these are available along the King's Road, a route comprising some of the oldest roads in northern Europe, starting at Bergen by the Atlantic Ocean and Ending at St Petersburg by the Gulf of Finland. Since the 14th century Kings and Merchants, artists and pilgrims, have travelled the King's Road. The Meeting of East and West have created a unique cultural treasury, waiting to be discovered by you.

For Finland's part, the King's Road is the first northern European route to carry the white-brown signs denoting sights of interest. It is the first official tourist trail in Finland.  It runs along the main roads of the southern coastline, that is, on both sides of the E18 in the easterly direction form Helsinki, and along roads 51, 52 and the E18 from Helsinki towards the west.

Fagervik Ironworks in Inkoo

oday, the King's Road is a network of enticing tourist attractions, and sights of historical interest make up only a small part of the many treasures along the King's Road trail.  The meeting of East and West can be easily detected in the everyday life of the region. The King's Road is firmly grounded in the present -it offers visitors access to science, art, technology, international cultural events, busy city life, pedestrian precincts, boutiques and shopping galleries, meeting places and coffee shops, aesthetic experiences, nature adventures and excitement.

he King's Road offers a wide variety of sights and activities, and you should easily be able to pick out what interests you most to create your own, personal King's Road. There are many ways to travel, and you can choose from a wide range of prices.  Along the King's Road, there are campsites set in surroundings of great natural beauty. You will also find lodgings used by the kings themselves, still providing services fit for the most demanding of travellers. And, needless to say, there is a wide choice of accommodation in between these two alternatives.