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Our epic 3 week finland road trip itinerary: south to north.

As part of our epic 3 month adventure around Scandinavia , we had just less than 3 weeks to spend in Finland.

Famed as the home to Lapland and, more importantly, Santa Claus, we were very excited to visit!

And with so much time to spare, we planned out a truly epic trip , driving from Helsinki to Lapland, taking us from the deep south to the northernmost point at the border with Norway.

Along the way, we wild camped almost every night, drove through stunning Finnish Lakeland , hunted the northern lights and even stayed in some wondrous igloo hotels .

Sound exciting?

Well, it was!

And I’m keen to share with you our exact 3 week Finland road trip itinerary, which can hopefully help you in planning your own route here.

Our Finland road trip video guide

Interactive map of our Finland road trip itinerary

Travellerspoint

Pssst, do you need car rental for your Finland road trip? Then check out Discover Cars for the best prices!

Before I get stuck in, I just want to make it clear that, though this route is 95% the one we followed, we did have to alter course slightly to head up into Norway and get more propane gas, before returning to complete the rest of our route.

Also, our visit to Ranua Wildlife Park (on day 11) actually happened a couple weeks later when we returned to Finland with friends.

However, if that hadn't been the case, we would have slotted it in perfectly with where it is located on the route below.

So besides these 2 minor tweaks, the route is exactly the one we followed.

Lasting 19 days, so just shy of 3 weeks, you can easily lengthen some of the days and stop at a few other incredible spots in Finland.

So, without further ado, let’s get stuck in!

Week 1 In Finland

Day 1: helsinki to sipoonkorpi national park.

Though it’s the capital city, we didn’t actually spend any time in Helsinki.

Our ferry from Tallinn (Estonia) arrived quite late and there were no sites in Helsinki that we were particularly interested in seeing.

So, we decided to start our journey north and spend the night in the Sipoonkorpi National Park.

The drive isn’t very far, in fact many people visiting Helsinki likely take day trips out here.

We spent our night camping here and in the morning took a nice leisurely walk through the forest.

Day 2: Sipoonkorpi National Park to Lake Päijänne

As the 2nd largest lake in Finland, we were excited to head north here and take our first looks at the famous Finnish Lakeland .

We were not disappointed as this day was one of our most scenic drives in Finland.

From Google Maps, Lake Paijanne looks like hundreds of smaller lakes, because it is broken up by pieces of land all over.

This means that the roads and bridges cross over or next to large stretches of open lake, and the drive really is beautiful.

This night we camped at this spot here .

Oh yeah, before heading north, I recommend taking a detour to the small town of Porvoo.

We spent a few hours roaming the town, enjoying a local cafe and taking in the old wooden storehouses on the river there.

Day 3: Lake Päijänne to Mikkeli

There were no particular towns or attractions on the roads across to Mikeli, but the most enjoyable part of the day was just taking in the surroundings.

As one of my top tips below, I recommend taking the longer, less-trafficked roads when making your way through Finland.

Do exactly that here, and enjoy stopping off at the many picture-perfect spots to grab a few Instagram shots .

Day 4: Mikkeli to Savonlinna

Our main reason for heading to Savonlinna was to visit Olavinlinna , a well-maintained 15th century castle.

Located in the middle of a lake, it is a really cool site and is the northernmost stone fortress in the world.

The town of Savonlinna is also very charming, certainly one of the nicest places in Finland .

I highly recommend taking the longer route between Mikkeli and Savonlinna, heading down route 62.

This is one of the most famous and popular roads in Finnish Lakeland as it takes you right through Lake Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland.

Much of the road is made up of bridges stretching over the lake, and this was perhaps my favourite day of driving in this part of Finland.

One random spot we stopped off at to walk to was Kummakavi .

This is a large boulder, perched precariously upon another rock below, making for one of the strangest yet most intriguing tourist spots in Finland.

Day 5: Savonlinna to Ukko-Koli

Before saying goodbye to the breathtaking Lake Saimaa, take the longer road east from Savonlinna towards Punkaharju Ridge Area . 

It’s one of the best driving routes in Lakeland and well worth heading to.

After this, we headed north to Ukko-Koli , which is a scenic viewpoint located high in the Koli National Park.

Though it was only a few hundred metres higher than the lakes below, this is the first time we encountered snow in Finland.

By the time we reached the winding road up to the visitor centre, it seemed we had entered into a winter wonderland.

It makes sense that this is a popular ski resort, and to get to the viewpoint you actually park up and take a lift up to the base of the ski camp.

It’s then only a short walk to the viewpoint and you can take a number of other walking trails when here.

The views were incredible, and one of the highpoints of our Finland road trip.

Read Also: The Best Backpacking Destinations In The World (Finland is one of them!)

Day 6: Ukko-Koli to Tiilikkajärvi National Park

There are national parks all over Finland, and the one we ended up in on this day was Tiilikkajärvi.

If you’re touring Finland, then I recommend stopping here as well.

There is a big car park area, and even public toilets to use!

They have a fire pit by the lake and it’s even possible to call up and hire out the sauna there.

It’s also the starting point for a circular trail that goes around the lake.

In the summer months, I imagine this is a really great spot for berry picking and wild lake swimming.

It wouldn’t let me mark the exact spot on Google Maps, but the entrance is just to the right of this point here .

Day 7: Tiilikkajärvi National Park to Laahtanen

This wasn’t a particularly long day of driving, so we enjoyed a late start, and a lengthy stop off in the small town of Kajaani.

Here, you see the remains of Kajaani Castle; which is little more than a few remaining stone walls.

The road into town passes through the castle remains, so it’s not possible to walk in it.

Still, I really liked this little town, in particular Cafe Mokka , which was a great place to get some work done!

Week 2 In Finland

Day 8: laahtanen to kuusamon portti hotel.

After one too many nights spent wild camping, and in desperate need of a good hot shower, we figured it was time to stay at an official campsite for the night.

However, it’s not easy in October when there are no other campervans around and almost all campsites have shut down for the winter!

Luckily for us, we found ourselves ending near the Kuusamon Portti Hotel , one of the few resorts still open, and who also offered spots for campervans.

If you find yourself passing by this area, then I highly recommend staying here, it was actually one of the highlights of our day!

The couple running it are so friendly and it really is a lovely place to stay.

The other most noteworthy stop of the day was very unexpected!

At the side of the road, here , there is a giant field covered in hundreds of “Silent People” .

The owner of the land has filled the area with rows and rows of wooden people, all dressed in real clothing.

It’s really quite bizarre, and caused us to double take as we passed it by.

Like us, I recommend returning and checking it out up close.

Day 9: Kuusamon Portti Hotel to Oulanka National Park

Though this day wasn’t filled with very much distance to cover, we still ended up spending a good few hours driving.

Wel, we headed WELL off the main road and went high up into the mountains, entering a winter wonderland.

If you take the Route 8694 off the E10, it heads up higher into the mountains, and the winding, narrow roads are a lot of fun and the views are great.

If you visit at a similar time to us, then you might also find it covered in snow.

After heading past Juuma (a small town) we found a secluded camping spot at the side of the road well away from other houses, and it was great!

Sure, we were a little concerned about Russian bears and wolverines coming through the forest to eat us, but what’s life without a little excitement?

Day 10: Oulanka National Park to Salla

Oulanka National Park is another beautiful park, well worth visiting if it falls on your route.

But for us, the highlight of this day was a visit to the Salla Reindeer Park , located just south of Salla.

Once again, we were the only visitors, able to take a long walk through the snowy forests where the reindeer live.

They also offer the chance to meet huskies at certain times of the year and have an on-site nature exhibit that was quite cool.

That is, as long as you’re happy to see a range of stuffed animals, including birds, reindeer and lynx.

Day 11: Salla to Ranua Wildlife Park

Rather than heading straight to Rovaniemi from Salla, it’s worth first heading southwest to the Ranua Wildlife Park .

We visited during our second trip into Finland in November, and it was a really unique experience.

Also a lot cheaper than other wildlife parks we’ve been to around the world, despite being home to a really cool array of animals.

For me, I was most excited to see polar bears, and I was not disappointed.

As well as this, they have dozens of other animals such as moose, wolves, reindeer, owls and beavers.

A visit here takes a couple of hours, just remember to wrap up warm as it can get cold out on the trail!

Day 12: Ranua Wildlife Park to Rovaniemi

By this point of your time in Finland, you are nicely inside the zone where you have good chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

That’s why, on our first night in Rovaniemi we decided to wild camp in hopes of seeing them.

We ended up camping on the shores of Lake Rukajarvi, at this spot here .

Here, you’ll find toilets, a large car park, a lake to swim in (if you’re that way inclined) and a hut for having fires and cooking food.

It seemed like the perfect place to see the Northern Lights, as you can chill by the fire, warm and cosy whilst keeping a keen eye on the sky.

It turns out we’re not the first to have this idea and it’s actually one of the most popular spots where tour companies come to help people find the Northern Lights !

So, if you are road tripping Lapland, then it’s definitely a great spot to camp for the night.

We also found out that, in the depths of winter when the lake freezes over, it’s a popular ice fishing spot as well.

On our second visit here in November, just 3 weeks after our first, the lake had completely frozen over and we went for a walk out on it!

Day 13: Day in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is one of the most popular places to visit in Finland , and this is unsurprising as it’s also the capital of Lapland.

Some refer to it as the “gateway to the Arctic Circle”, as it is situated right on the border.

From here, you can go on all kinds of tours and take part in many of Finland's most famous activities.

Such as husky rides, reindeer visits and northern lights tours.

With so many things to do in Rovaniemi , we ended up needing three full days here.

Here’s what we got up to:

• Went on a husky ride with Bearhill Husky
• Stayed in the stunning Arctic Treehouse Hotel
• Stayed in a glass igloo at the Arctic Snow Hotel
• Went on a Northern Lights wilderness tour
• Took part in the official Christmas opening ceremony at Santa Park (on our second visit in November)
• Visited Santa Park and met the elves and MUCH MORE! (Also on our second visit in November)

Day 14: Day in Rovaniemi

This day was spent doing many of the activities listed above.

We also took some time to visit the city itself, which isn’t particularly big, but still a great place to pick up a few bits we needed for the rest of our trip.

We also got some work done at Coffee House Rovaniemi , which I highly recommend visiting.

Week 3 In Finland

Day 15: final day in rovaniemi.

You get the idea …

If you plan on heading to Rovaniemi in the winter months, you should check out Cazzy’s complete guide to spending Christmas in Lapland .

Day 16: Rovaniemi to Pyhän Asteli

After staying at two amazing glass igloo hotels , it was time for us to jump back in the camper and head off on the road again.

But not for long, as that night we stayed at yet another igloo, this time Phyan Asteli .

Located a couple hundred kilometres west, we suddenly re-entered snowy Lapland and instantly fell in love with this area!

It’s a popular ski region and thousands flock here every year from late November onwards when the ski season gets underway.

For us, it was virtually empty so we had an incredible night stay, which you can read more about here.

The drive here is really cool as well.

Day 17: Pyhan Asteli to Levi

In our quest to see the elusive Northern Lights, we headed even further north, this time up to the Northern Lights Ranch , located just outside the popular city of Levi.

Which is once again one of the best places to visit in Lapland for skiing and a range of other winter activities.

I would 100% recommend checking out the Northern Lights Ranch, as their accommodation is amazing, located far enough outside of Levi to see the Northern Lights without light pollution.

Which we did, whilst chilling in our own private hot tub!

On the way up, we also stopped off at the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine .

It’s a really quirky thing to do, offering you the chance to dig out your own amethysts, in the traditional way they have been doing it here for generations.

You even get to keep one amethyst to take home, so long as it fits within your fist.

Read more about our experience at the Amethsyt Mine in Finland here .

Day 18: Levi to Inari

At this point in our trip, we actually had to make a 2 day detour all the way north to Alta (in Norway) to refill our propane gas tanks.

It turns out you can only refill Finnish LPG tanks in Finland, and we had just run out!

Our route cut back into Finland to Lake Inari, but it’s much easier just to drive straight between the two.

It turns out that Inari is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Northern Lapland as it offers some great opportunities for seeing the Northern Lights.

That night, we camped in a car park and walked to a fire pit ( located here ), just over a wonderful bridge with rapids flowing below.

With snow falling all around, we roasted sausages and ate them with sinappi mustard, in true Finnish tradition.

This was one of my top 3 wild camping spots, and it turns out this is another of the really popular spots to see the Northern Lights in Finland .

Whilst there, a few tour vans came in the night and parked up next to us, walking down to the fire pit to change their luck at seeing the Auroras.

Day 19: Inari to Kirkenes

The final day of our Finland itinerary took us north, along the shores of the massive Lake Inari (the third biggest lake in Finland) all the way across the border and up into Kirkenes.

There are lots of great photos pots to stop off at along the way and if you look at a map, the roads are surrounded on all sides by either lake or different national parks; a great way to end your road trip in Finland.

Other places to add to your Finland itinerary

As it’s such a big country, there are plenty of things to do in Finland , that we never got the chance to experience.

Based on our research, here’s a few added places in Finland we would love to visit, and will hope to do next time we return …

• Archipelago National Park
• Aland Islands

If you’ve visited Finland and have any places to recommend, let us know in the comments below so we can bookmark them for the future.

My 5 top tips for road tripping Finland

1. stock up on gas.

One issue we never anticipated in Finland was running out of gas.

Typically, you can visit an LPG station in most countries in Europe and they will be able to refill your containers.

Yes, many countries use different taps to fill the tanks so you should have adaptors for yours, however, this is not the case in Finland.

After lots of digging around, it turns out that Finnish gas stations only let you refill propane gas tanks if they are Finnish tanks.

It took a stupidly long amount of time for someone to tell us this, and anyway, the last thing you want is to run out of gas in northern Finland, especially if winter is fast approaching!

With nighttime temperatures of - 25 degrees Celisus, you need gas to warm your caravan.

In order to get some, we had to alter our route and head north from Levi into Alta (Norway) and then cut back down again to continue our Finnish road trip.

So, as a word of warning, have enough gas to last for your expected time in Finland.

Otherwise, the only alternative is to buy a Finnish tank of gas which costs more than 100 Euros.

2. Make use of wild camping

Without a doubt, one of the best parts of our entire road trip in Finland was the ability to wild camp.

Just like Sweden and Norway, Finland has the Right To Roam in their constitution which permits wild camping, as long as you follow a few key guidelines .

What’s great is all across Finland they have hundreds of purpose built camping spots, most with fires, toilets and chopped, dry wood.

Not only will wild camping save you a lot of money, it means you get to spend your nights sat round a campfire, enjoying the incredible surroundings and, hopefully, the Northern Lights.

Read More: How To Convert A Campervan (that's what we've done! :D )

3. Head off the main roads wherever possible

Compared to many European countries, Finland doesn’t actually have any major, multi-lane motorways.

Meaning, you are always pretty close to nature and able to enjoy spectacular beauty right at the side of the road.

However, instead of always following the quickest route north (or south), I recommend taking the smaller, more winding roads.

These will oftentimes take you through truly dramatic landscapes where few other cars are.

4. Visit in off-peak seasons

Or 3 week Finland road trip took place in the middle of October, which is firmly off-peak.

For our entire drive north from Helsinki to Rovaniemi , we only saw perhaps 2 or 3 other campervans on the road, and they were all headed south.

Better yet, not once did we stay in a wild camping spot and have any other campervans there, it was just us.

It was like we had the whole country to ourselves and it was incredible.

It also meant that there was very little traffic anywhere, so we had long leisurely drives everyday without traffic and without the need to feel like we had to reach a destination early.

The only issue you may face is that some attractions will be closed, and also that very few campsites are available.

That being said, we still found a few campsites, and scheduled to stay in one every 3 or 5 nights, depending on whether we needed access to any shower or charging facilities.

Oh yes, and make sure that, if you do plan to visit Finland in winter, that you have proper winter tyres! These are a must, especially when driving in Lapland if the snow comes earlier than expected, which it did in 2019 for us.

5. Avoid driving once the sun sets

One of the most dangerous times to drive in Finland is once the sun starts setting, because this is when moose come out to start feeding.

Most main roads in Finland aren’t lit by lights, so you might not see a moose until the last second when it’s too late.

Besides this, it can get very cold in Finland once the sun goes in, especially if you are up north in late autumn/winter time.

Meaning the roads can get icier and far more dangerous.

Personally, I never really liked driving at this time and always avoided it; much preferring to spend time unwinding by a campfire!

I hope you can tell from this that we really did love Finland .

I particularly love how diverse it is, where in the southwest the landscape is covered in gorgeous lakes and forests and in the north you are greeted by snowy Lapland and Northern Lights.

Of course, much of the latter two points will depend on which time of the year you visit!

If you have any other tips for road tripping Finland or think I missed off any great Finnish destinations or attractions, just leave a comment below .

For more help planning your own Finland road trip itinerary, here are some useful guides we published:

• 21 Incredible Things To Do In Finland
• Finnish Lakeland: Our Ultimate Travel Guide
• Christmas In Lapland: Everything You Need To Know

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ROAD TRIP IDEAS & HIKING INSPIRATION FOR OUTDOORSY TRAVELERS

Finland Road Trip Itinerary – Things to See in Finland in 2 Weeks

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2 Weeks Finland Itinerary

For a trip covering the whole of Finland, you will need at least two weeks. It is the minimum amount of time to cover such a huge country. The north-south extent of the country is 1100 km. This itinerary covers most of the best cities  and several spectacular natural landmarks and national parks . If you prefer to spend an extended time in Lapland, read this itinerary for a detailed Finland trip.

So let’s get back to one of the most stunning road trips we ever had!

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Finland Road Trip Itinerary and Map

If you are planning a trip to Finland, you came to a good place. Here you will find the most popular cities, best national parks, and some hidden gems that need to be on your self-drive itinerary.

Two weeks in Finland is enough to see most of the top sights, but one week in Finland lets you explore part of this route. You can focus either on the northern or the southern part. For extra tips, other practical advice, read our Finland Travel Guide .

Road Trip Finland

The easiest and cheapest way to explore Finland is by car. Rent your car from the airport directly to save time and money.

Car rentals are available in most Finnish airports. We recommend the following:   Hertz  | SiXT | Europcar

Let’s start your Finland self-drive tour!

Travel Resources

There is nothing better than a relaxed holiday. To ensure your rest, make sure you reserve and book your accommodation and transportation in advance of your trip.

• Don’t forget to insure yourself during your travels: SafetyWing . Check out their policies HERE . It also covers several virus-related expenses.
• Look for the best prices on flight tickets, hotels, and car rentals: Expedia
• Car rental: SIXt
• Accommodation: Booking.com , Agoda or Hostelworld if you travel on a budget. Don’t forget that you can search for Apartments also on Booking.
• Activities: GetYourGuide
• Opinions on hotels and restaurants: TripAdvisor
• Was your flight canceled or delayed? Get up to 600€ back with the help of Compansair!

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1-2. Days: 2 Days Helsinki

Your trip to Finland will very likely start in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It is a rather small city and easy to cover the best sights in 2 days. It’s a perfect starting point for your trip to Finland.

The 13 Best Hotels in Helsinki, Finland, For Every Budget

1. Day in Helsinki:

The Esplanadi park (Esplanadinpuisto) is a popular starting point as the tourist information is also located there (corner of Pohjoisesplanadi and Unioninkatu). Follow the park towards the sea and turn north along Unioninkatu to reach the Senate Square (Senaatintori) at the eastern end of the park . The Lutheran Cathedral will be just in front of you. Then follow Aleksanterinkatu to the east turn south to Mariankatu. After one block, you will see the Eastern Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral .

Then follow Pohjoisesplanadi street to reach Market Square (Kauppatori) . The best time to visit is during opening hours. During the afternoon, head (or take a tram) to the Church in the Rock (Temppeliaukion kirkko) , as the name suggests, it’s a church indeed in a rock! The Sibelius Monument (and Organ) is nearby, and so does my personal favorite. A small cafe with the free tram museum is just a couple of minutes’ walk from here. If you fancy a drink from the top of a tower, visit Hotel Torni and its bar on the top floor to have a panoramic view of Helsinki. For the night, stay in one of the best hotels in Helsinki .

2. Day in Helsinki:

You can’t leave Helsinki without checking the Suomenlinna fortress . Go to Market Square (Kauppatori) to find the ferry to the island. Helsinki public transport tickets are also valid for the ferry. The islands have pricey restaurants and cafes, but a picnic is also a good choice in good weather. In the afternoon, visit the newly opened public sauna, the Löyly , to make your experience full.

We also enjoyed visiting the abandoned villas of Helsinki . If you are up to an adventure, it’s a nice program in a green area for the summer.

Don’t forget to read our guide to unique and must-see places in Helsinki . 🙂

3. Day: Day Trip to Porvoo

Porvoo is a small town an hour away from Helsinki. You can reach it by public bus too (10-15€).

Porvoo is the second oldest town in Finland and is well-known for its historic Old Town and colorful riverside warehouses. The 15th-century Cathedral and the 18th century Town Hall are just a few of the decorative buildings you will see. The colorful warehouses were built to protect fruits, wines, coffee, tobacco, wood, spices, and other goods shipped along the river. They were painted with red ochre in the 18th century to honor a visit by Swedish King Gustav. Porvoo also gave a home to Finland’s national poet, Johan Ludvig Runeberg , whose home is a little museum today.

Spend the night in Helsinki.

4-5. Days: 2 Days in Turku & the Archipelago

Drive to Turku in the morning (2 hours). Turku is the oldest city in Finland (founded in the 13th century) and used to be a capital for a shorter time during the 19th century.

The best time to visit the city is during the summer, but the cultural sights are worth a brief visit during the winter.

Must-see places in Turku in one day

• Turku Castle Archangel Michael’s Church ( Mikaelin Kirkko)
• Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Turku Main Library (Turun Kaupunginkirjasto),
• Turku Cathedral (Turun Tuomiokirkko)
• Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum
• Panimoravintola Koulu
• Turku Art Museum (Turun Taidemuseo)

On your second day, take a boat trip (summertime!) to the Archipelago and head to Tampere in the evening.

6. Day: Tampere

Tampere’s cultural and architectural heritage is based on the city’s industrial past as it was the center of heavy industry.

The city has a unique geographical location too. Tampere lies on a narrow isthmus between Lake Näsijärvi, which reaches far to the north, and Lake Pyhäjärvi in the south. Moreover, there are 200 lakes and ponds in Tampere!

Must-See in Tampere

• Tammerkoski rapids (currently runs in a canal) and several hydroelectric dams in the downtown
• Beautiful historic buildings dating back to the late 19th century in the Downtown area: the  Finlayson historic factory complex  ( north side of the downtown, west side of Tammerkoski rapids ) and the  Tampella historic factory complex  (n orth side of downtown, east side of Tammerkoski rapids )
• Pyynikki ridge , the 85-meter-high narrow isthmus between the two lakes
• Pyynikki observation tower
• Nekala  area is famous for its old wooden houses and cultural landscape
• Tampere City Library  ( Metso )

7. Day: Jyväskylä

Drive to Jyväskylä. It’s currently a popular university city and well-known for the famous architect  Alvar Aalto’s work. Several famous buildings are connected to his name, such as the Town Theater ( kaupunginteatteri ), some buildings in the university’s main campus, and the Alvar Aalto Museum .

The Water Tower  ( Vesilinna ) is a building on top of the ridge ( Harju ) that acts as an observation tower, restaurant, and Natural History Museum and dispensing water to the town. You will have a great view of the city and its lakes from the top.

Near Jyvaskyla, the  Leivonmäki National Park is a family-friendly place.  The trails between the lakes and mires are easy, and there was even one accessible (wheelchair friendly) trail we could explore by stroller.

8. Day: Driving and a Stop in Kuopio (Version A)

You spend the day driving from Jyväskylä to Joensuu (3.5-4 hours) via Kuopio. The Old Town Center and the  Puijo Panorama Tower  are worth checking out. A couple of times a year (also in summer!), ski jumping competitions are organized in Puijo.

After the brief visit and stretching your legs, head to Joensuu in the afternoon.

8. Day: Driving and a Stop in Savonlinna (Version B)

How about visiting the most northern medieval castle in Europe?  Olavinlinna, the  St. Olaf’s Castle is worth a bit longer driving. Instead of Kuopio, drive to Savonlinna to the east and walk around Finland’s best-preserved castle and some of the little museums.

The total driving time for the day is about 4.5-5 hours.

9.Day: Joensuu & Koli National Park

In Joensuu, the Carelicum Museum offers an insight into the region’s history, culture, and life. You can also take a short walk in the center: the town hall and the old wooden buildings are the most interesting sites around. During summer, make sure you check out the Bunker Museum in Marjala.

In the afternoon, head to Koli National Park and explore the countrywide famous landscape during a short hike to Ukko Koli’s peak. If you want to stay longer in North Karelia, read our guide for the best sights .

10. Day: Driving to North and Ranua Wildlife Park (Version A)

Early morning start driving to the north. You will have about 5-6 hours of a drive ahead of you before you reach Ranua. Visit the Arctic Zoo and head to Rovaniemi for the night.

10. Day: Visit Oulu (Version B)

This bronze police statue is the symbol of Oulu. It is surrounded by well-preserved wooden buildings and the picturesque Market Hall (on the right). The city is full of green areas that pleasant, especially during spring to fall.

If you have more time, you can visit  Hailuoto Island or the Koitelinkoski Rapids at Kiiminki as well.

In winter, make sure you stop by the ice castle in Kemi  on your way from Oulu to Rovaniemi.

11-12. Days: Rovaniemi, Lapland

1. Day in Rovaniemi:

The next stop on your road tri pin Finland is Rovaniemi, the city of Santa Claus 🙂 On your first day, spend most of your time in Santa Claus Village (or with smaller kids in SantaPark ), visit a husky farm, and ride a snowmobile.

2. Day in Rovaniemi:

Visit the Arktikum Museum  and explore the city center. Check out the Lordi’s square and the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge ( Jätkänkynttilä ). If you would like to know more about Rovaniemi’s other activities, check out our city guide (winter edition)  or (summer edition) !

Read our guide to the best hotels  or the most spectacular glass igloos in the area!

12-13. Days: Levi and/or Pallas-Ylläs National Park

Levi is a short drive away (in the Lappish scale) from Rovaniemi. About 1-1.5 hours. Skiing, ice fishing, and more skiing. Levi is a popular destination for Finns during the winter season. We had our best snowmobile adventure in Levi !

Winter hiking and snowshoeing are also a must-try. Pallastunturi is a better location, but Levi offers trips too. The never-ending snowy fells (tunturit) in the national park have a variety of trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The National Park has two skiing centers for snowboarding and downhill skiing. Choose based on your preference.  Here are some ideas for winter activities.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the snow village near Kittilä in your drive during the winter. We got married there 😉

In summer, visit the top of Levi fell , and then drive to the national park to look for reindeer in the wild and have a hike or walk based on your fitness. Levi is very quiet during the summer.

14. Day: Ivalo and Return by Flight to Helsinki

Drive up to the north of Lapland to enjoy your last day, learning more about the Sami culture. Visit the Siida, the Sámi Museum, in Inari, and Northern Lapland Nature Centre and later fly back to Helsinki. In winter, you can try most of the winter activities offered in Rovaniemi or Levi.

Road Trip in Lapland

If you have extra time or prefer nature over the southern cities, check out our Lapland road trip itinerary for other places to visit in the north! It is the best location to observe the mesmerizing northern lights in Finland .

Finland Itinerary with Kids

We love traveling in Finland with our family. We went on our first weekend-trip when our son was only 2 months old, and we keep exploring it. Finland is an easy country to travel to with kids . If you have a baby, you will find useful the changing rooms and feeding rooms. We prefer traveling by car, but long-distance trains have children with a little playground to entertain the little ones. There are also many attractions aimed at families: enough mentioning Santa Claus and Angry Birds .

Some places that you must visit with kids:

• Ranua Wildlife Park
• Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
• Some of the Angry Birds Puisto (Playgrounds) – in most cities have them!
• Moomin Valley in Naantali

In wintertime, make sure you dress your kids and yourselves warm enough. Check our tips on what to wear in winter .

Car Seat for Kids

Remember to rent a car seat or booster for children under 135 cm height. It’s compulsory in Finland.

Driving and Speed Limits in Finland in Winter

You have to prepare for around half a year of snow, and driving conditions can be challenging from time to time. Most cars have studded tires and engine heaters. Also, in winter, the speed limits are lower to ensure bigger safety.

When is the Best Time to Visit Finland

There is no simple answer to which is the best time to travel to Finland. Winter is nonetheless the most popular (yet the coldest) time of the year to visit Finland. Driving conditions can be hard due to the amount of snow, and the days are rather short (or non-existent in the north). It is still possible to visit cultural sights and hunt for northern lights . February and March, and sometimes even April in Lapland, still count as winter in Finland, and those months we can highly recommend for winter road trips if you are eager to see (or hike across) snowy landscapes.

Spring and summer, however, are charming for road trips. The days are long, bright, and warm(er), and after April, the amount of snow is minimal even in Lapland. In late June, the midsummer celebrations (in Finnish Juhannus) are an interesting event all across Finland. If you can, make sure you include those dates into your itinerary.

For more inspiration, check our other Finland travel blog posts out!

About the Author

Katalin Katalin is a Lapland-based outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, road-tripping, and traveling with her family. She spends her free time far away from civilization in one of the national parks around the world, explores off-the-beaten-path places, or hops on a road trip with her kids in an RV. Read more about her adventures and the blog .

4 thoughts on “Finland Road Trip Itinerary – Things to See in Finland in 2 Weeks”

2 pax. Coming from Singapore. estimated dates 6th June 2020 to 17th June Helsinki start and finish Compact car 3/4 star hotel ensuite Want to cover as much as possible so stay in one place two days Could you provide estimate cost for above leaving out airfares, lunch and dinners

You should count around 150€ per day at least. 3-4 star hotels: 80-150€ per night Car, fuel, and parking: around 50€ per day (but it really depends on driving distances)

Really nice blog and beautiful pictures would love to visit that places once.

I am planning to go to Finland this year. I will remember your guide 🙂

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Finland’s best road trips: lakes, Lapland and local delicacies (think reindeer)

May 22, 2022 • 6 min read

Road trips in Finland take you through snowy forests, into charming villages and by many, many lakes © nblx / Shutterstock

With its vast landscape of pine forests and silvery lakes, fringed by a coastline dotted with thousands of islands, Finland was made for road trips.

Travelers following open roads through the wildernesses of Lakeland and Lapland will find that each season brings a different beauty, from autumn colors to snowbound winters. Most of the following routes are doable year-round, with ferry timetables restricting travel to summer in a few cases. Here are the five best road trips in Finland.

See the islands on a road trip to Porvoo and Pellinge

Helsinki–Söderby; 85km (53 miles); allow two days

After a few days in the Finnish capital , head out of town on the Kulosaaren Bridge for a first impression of the island-dotted Gulf of Finland coastline. The first stop is Porvoo , just 50km (31 miles) from Helsinki yet seemingly centuries removed, its atmospheric old town filled with traditional wooden houses. Wander the cobbled streets to the maroon riverside warehouses, first given a lick of red paint to celebrate an 18th-century Swedish king’s visit. With local delicacies such as Runeberg torte pastries beckoning from the windows of cafes, bakeries and chocolatiers, Old Porvoo is worthy of a Hans Christian Anderson fairy-tale, especially when dusted with snow.

Swedish is widely spoken along the Finnish coast, and you will hear the language more frequently – a trend that grows on Porvoo’s neighboring Pellinge (or Pellinki) islands . Moomins creator Tove Jansson would spend months at her single-room summer cabin here, drawing inspiration from the rugged coastal landscape. Road-trippers can hop between the forested islands on a cable ferry and bridges as far as the tiny fishing village of Söderby.

Visit ironworks villages and the Finnish Riviera along the southern coast

Espoo–Bengtskär; 120km; allow three days 

Beat the city traffic by picking up your hire car in Espoo , connected to Helsinki by a short ride on public transport that runs with Nordic efficiency. Continuing the theme of sophisticated development, the area on the western side of the Laajalahti and Seurasaarenselkä bays is Finland’s Silicon Valley. 

Detour north along the pine-ringed Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi lake to Nuuksio National Park (also served by buses from Helsinki), where rugged, glacier-carved landscapes await. The spruce forests are also home to a significant population of Siberian flying squirrels.

Choose your landscape: arc past forest-lined lakes (get used to these) on the E18 highway to Fiskars , or take the coastal Rte 51 to this picturesque 17th-century village. The area’s best-known ironworks village, Fiskars’s workshops are now occupied by artisanal craftsmen, offering distinctive souvenir shopping. At road’s end, the equally pretty 19th-century spa town of Hanko is mainland Finland’s southernmost point, known as the Finnish Riviera for its sunny weather, sandy beaches and seafood restaurants.

The journey finishes with a boat trip to Bengtskär lighthouse , the tallest in the Nordics at 52m (171ft), which cuts an imposing figure on its lonely islet.

Watch the water sparkle on Lake Saimaa and Puumala in Finnish Lakeland

Ruokolahti–Jyväskylä; 250km; allow two days

In Finland’s southeastern corner, Ruokolahti is the starting point of the Rte 62 drive through some of the Lakeland region’s most pristine scenery. The journey is a driver’s delight, as the tarmac soars across serene waters on slender bridges, then reconnects with thickly forested peninsulas, surrounded by islands bristling with pines. It’s also known as the Puumala Ridge or the Lietvesi Scenic Rd, respectively referring to the main town and one of the vast lakes en route. 

While views of Finland’s largest lake, Saimaa , should keep you occupied, a top activity is a  picnic cruise  from Puumala to Rokansaari island in the Saimaa Geopark. You can also view 80 prehistoric rock paintings at Astuvansalmi in the park, or toast Finland’s version of the Ozarks at the roadside Ollinmäki winery , before Rte 62 ends at lakefront Mikkeli .

It’s easy to loop back to Helsinki from Mikkeli, but if you’re continuing north for further adventures in Lakeland or Lapland, Jyväskylä makes an excellent staging post. Reached through more forest (which covers 75% of Finland), the university city offers authentic Finnish experiences in the many saunas that earned central Finland the grand title of Sauna Region of the World . There’s also a trove of noteworthy architecture, including the wooden Petäjävesi Old Church – one of Jyväskylä’s two World Heritage Sites – and the world’s largest collection of buildings by celebrated Finnish modernist Alvar Aalto. 

Have a few car-and-ferry adventures on the Turku Archipelago loop

Turku–Nagu–Kustavi–Turku; 200km; allow three days

Finland’s indented coastline and glacial hinterland are riddled with more than 180,000 lakes and almost as many islands, making this archipelago route a rite of passage. The starting point is southwestern Turku , Finland’s oldest city and former capital. The vibrant port and university city gives Helsinki a run for its euros with its galleries, museums, restaurants and nightspots, overlooked by a medieval castle and Gothic cathedral. 

With some 20,000 islands and skerry islets in the Turku Archipelago , there are as many routes as there are summer cabins and kayakable coves. All offer an unbeatable island-hopping experience, with more seaside tranquility than blockbuster sights among the fishing villages, sandy beaches, under-the-radar accommodation and traditional Finnish cuisine. It’s one for the summer months of June and August.

From Turku, we recommend crossing the bridge-connected splatters of land to Lillmälö, followed by a ferry across the bay to Prostvik. Via a dozen ferry terminals, Rte 180 continues across Nagu, one of the archipelago’s five major islands, to Pärnäs, the launchpad for the sailing-and-driving route to Heponiemi. Then you’re back on dry land for good – no sweat. 

Although this land-and-sea route might sound like a maritime odyssey, many boat crossings are short hops with on-demand departures. It’s just 70km (43 miles) back to Turku from Heponiemi, with the possibility of a final night on Kustavi island, enjoying rustic accommodation, a generous seafood buffet and the red-painted 18th-century church .

Take an epic Christmas journey at the Arctic Circle in Lapland

Rovaniemi–Inari; 325km; allow three days

Whatever time of year you visit Finnish Lapland, it will be Christmas in the regional capital of Rovaniemi . Drawing on the folkloric figure of the Yule goat, who distributed gifts to Lappish children, as well as the rugged area’s permanently wintry landscape, Rovaniemi has established itself as Santa’s home base. At the Santa Claus Village theme park, you can visit Father Christmas at his office year-round, as well as Mrs Claus’s cottage and the festive couple’s reindeer herd.

Rovaniemi is an impressive 825km (513 miles) north of Helsinki, but it’s well worth carrying on to cross the Arctic Circle (marked by a sign just north of town) and experience the Lappish landscape. Snow-piled forests and icy fells, frozen lakes and ski resorts await in winter, while autumn brings a glorious spectrum of golden hues. Even the sky varies its display throughout the year, from summer’s 24-hour daylight to the aurora borealis during spring and autumn.

The E75 highway passes Saariselkä , Europe’s northernmost ski resort and a gateway to the 2,500-sq-km (965-sq-mile) wilderness of Urho Kekkonen National Park . Here, you can go trekking, cross-country skiing, cycling, stay in an Arctic retreat and find more Christmas mythology – Finns believe the park’s reindeer-roamed Korvatunturi fell is Santa’s home. 

On the lake of the same name, Inari is a center for the Sámi, the European Union’s only Indigenous population. Experience their culture on a berry-foraging expedition into the forest or by trying traditional dishes such as renskav – sautéed reindeer.

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer)

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

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Planning a perfect 5 to 7 days in Finland itinerary is a great experience if you’re searching for a European destination off the beaten path from traditional tourist-heavy routes. In unique proximity to Scandinavia, Russia, and the Baltics, Finland is saturated with rich history and culture and “the happiest people” in the world.

From cosmopolitan and sustainable Helsinki to the country’s oldest city, Turku, Finland is a country waiting to be explored with open arms. This itinerary will help you plan an ideal trip to Finland, exploring both cities and nature while discovering unique corners in between.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Finland?

Many potential visitors wonder how many days to spend in Finland in order to do this beautiful Nordic nation justice.

Finland is one of the largest countries in Europe, and with that being considered, there’s a great amount to visit. With that being said, I recommend a minimum of 5 days in Finland; this way you can visit and wander around Helsinki, but also manage to get to another city/town or two. 

On top of that, I believe that the ideal length of time to spend in Finland is around 1 week. With 7 full days in Finland, you’ll experience all that you can in 5 days, but also be able to go beyond.

You’ll truly be able to do the country justice, explore a few different regions of the country and go beyond major cities to further off regions, such as Finnish Lapland to perhaps visit a reindeer farm, go dog sledding or see the Northern Lights.

Getting To & Around Finland 

Getting to finland.

Regarding this particular itinerary, the best and most convenient option will be to first fly into the capital city of Helsinki.

Helsinki Vantaa Airport is the fourth largest Nordic airport by passenger numbers and has frequent routes year-round connecting Finland mainly to Europe but also intercontinental.

Due to the large airport and frequent flights, the Finnish capital is also typically a fairly affordable destination to fly into. You can get from the Helsinki airport to the city center by bus, train or private transfer.

Another unique option for those visiting Finland from neighboring Tallinn, Estonia or Stockholm, Sweden , is to reach Finland by ferry.

There are frequent ferry routes to/from each city and depending on your chosen journey, they can also be more affordable than flight transportation. You can browse ferry schedules here.

Getting Around Finland

When organising your transportation plans for getting around Finland, it’s important to keep in mind the time of year. This itinerary is best suited for the winter months, so unless you’re someone with at least some experience driving in wintery/snowy conditions, I’d recommend against driving.

For those that will be driving, the country is well-prepared for winter weather with cars equipped with the right winter tires so you don’t need to worry about anything out of the ordinary.

If you decide to opt-in to rent a car, I’d suggest only renting it for the time in Rovaniemi. Like most European and Nordic cities in particular, you’ll have an excellent public transportation system at hand to get around with and no necessity to rent a car whilst in the capital city. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices on car hire.

Helsinki is also an incredibly walkable city, with most sights and points of interest in close distance, you’ll find it a joy to walk around the pleasant capital Finnish city. 

Furthermore, the other destinations outside of Rovaniemi are easily accessible to Helsinki by bus and train. The last two days of the itinerary are in Finnish Lapland and with such a long drive from southern/central Finland (~10 hours), it would take a day out of your trip to drive.

Rovaniemi is the most “wild” part of the itinerary and having a car would be an advantage (especially if you’re determined to spot the Northern Lights), but it isn’t completely necessary. There are several car rental companies in Rovaniemi, both in the city and at the airport if you’re keen to drive during your time in Lapland. 

5 to 7-Day Finland Itinerary

Regardless of how long you have, you’ll find spending time in Finland to be a Nordic treasure. If you have 5 days, you’ll get to know Finland through its capital city, Helsinki, along with other authentic towns and major cities.

For those continuing onwards to a 7-day itinerary, you’ll make your way north to the wild Arctic Lapland region and its capital city of Rovaniemi where you can enjoy either incredible winter activities or, in the summer months, basque in the midnight sun. 

Day 1 – Arrive in Helsinki

The first 3 nights of this itinerary are spent in the capital city of Helsinki. Once arriving, you’ll likely first notice the beautiful and diverse architecture and styles painting the capital city.

The city is a unique blend of Finnish, Swedish, and Russian architecture – reflecting the deep history and heritage not just of Helsinki but also of Finland itself. 

Helsinki is a fairly small and compact city, which makes it convenient to see most of the main sights during day 1 of your time in Finland. Begin at the Senate Square in the center of the city (Kruununhaka neighborhood) to marvel at the stunning white Helsinki Cathedral along with the National Library of Finland. 

A short walk brings you to one of the most unique churches you’ll probably ever visit, the Temppeliaukio Church. Built within a solid rock, the church is a must-visit in Helsinki and for that reason, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Helsinki. 

For a taste of some of the best Finnish cuisine in the city along with affordable options, make sure to visit Helsinki Market Square & Old Market Hall. The market square is particularly special if you’re visiting Helsinki during the winter , where you’ll find a joyful Christmas market full of independent stands and vendors.

The Old Market Hall is the oldest market in Finland as well as the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional meal.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Bob W Kluuvi – This hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors. They have a great, central location for exploring the city along with plenty of great rooms to choose from and breakfast available in the mornings.

Hotel Mestari – This luxury hotel is perfect for those looking for a plush stay in the Finnish capital. They have a number of wonderful rooms to choose from, great amenities for guests to enjoy and a fantastic location for seeing all Helsinki has to offer.

The Yard Hostel – Those visiting Finland on a budget will love this cool hostel in the center of Helsinki. They have both private rooms and dorms to choose from along with good self-catering facilities and common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Helsinki hotels!

Day 2 –  Helsinki

After a wonderful first day exploring Helsinki and getting acquainted with Finland, a great way to continue your trip is by making a day trip to the Suomenlinna Fortress. This sea fortress also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Suomenlinna Fortress is situated on a group of 8 islands off of Helsinki and demonstrates key elements of Finnish history and independence from both Sweden and Russia. 

Suomenlinna is easily reached by a short 15-minute ferry ride (tickets are included within the Helsinki transport system) from Helsinki Market Square. 

Finland has a wonderful fashion scene, with both local and high-street shops with a big influence on sustainability. Pohjoisesplanadi, the main shopping street in the heart of Helsinki is about a kilometer long and is the perfect place to take a look at Finnish trends and maybe find a souvenir to bring home. 

Day 3 – Porvoo

On day 3, I suggested making a day trip to the nearby middle-aged town of Porvoo . Porvoo is best reached from Helsinki by bus, with just around an hour’s journey. I recommend booking with Omnibus, as buses are frequent (around every 10 minutes) and the system is reliable. Schedules can be found here. You can also book a guided tour .

Porvoo is a lovely little town giving a completely different feel to Finland than big-city Helsinki. The town is the second oldest in Finland and wandering through the old streets can’t be any more idyllic; especially in the snow during a Finland winter itinerary.

I recommend warming up with a hot chocolate at Petris Chocolate in the town center before heading back to Helsinki.

Day 4 – Turku

After spending 3 nights in Helsinki, make your way to the charming Finnish archipelago city of Turku. Turku is easily reached by train from Helsinki in just under 2 hours and train schedules and booking can be found here . 

The city of Turku was founded almost 800 years ago and is a unique must-visit on any visit to Finland. With the Aura River meeting the archipelago as the centerpiece for Turku, you’ll find the city to be an exciting destination full of soul and history as it was once Finland’s capital city before Helsinki. 

Stop by the 13th-century Turku Castle to get a better insight into Finnish Heritage in its oldest town as well as the Turku Cathedral, which also happens to be the seat of the Archbishop of Finland. 

If you’re visiting in the summer, a great way to enjoy Finland’s bountiful nature is to take a ferry to the Turku Archipelago. Spending the day in the long daylight is best spent wandering the trails, taking a dip in the water, and discovering the archipelago’s 40,000 tiny islands by bicycle. 

For a meal with a nice ambiance, the riverside area has wonderful restaurants with gorgeous views no matter the time of the year that you visit.

Where to Stay in Turku

Centro Hotel Turku – This hotel in central Turku is an excellent choice for those after a mid-range option in this Finnish city. They have myriad great rooms to choose from and a lovely breakfast available in the mornings.

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone – Located in the center of Turku, this hotel is a great choice for those who want something a bit more high-end while visiting Finland. They have a range of rooms to choose from, fantastic amenities and an on-site restaurant/bar.

Forenom Aparthotel Turku – This aparthotel is great for those who want their own flat but don’t want to sacrifice the convenience of a traditional hotel. There are a range of apartments on offer and they also have a great, central location.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Turku hotels!

Day 5 – Tampere

On your 5th day in Finland, a quick hour-and-a-half train from Turku will bring you on a day trip to the quirky city of Tampere. Tampere is the second biggest city in Finland with a lot to offer but is regularly missed by tourists, making it a great destination for any trip to Finland off the beaten path.

Tampere is the sauna capital of Finland, with over 50 public Finnish saunas waiting for you to relax and rejuvenate in the Finnish style. If you’re looking to tick visiting Finland’s oldest sauna off of your travel list, head to Rajaportti Sauna to experience a sauna heated by wood in the most traditional method.

The city is full of unique and exciting museums such as the Moomin Museum, the quintessential destination for any lover of the Moomin cartoon world. Another great museum option in Tampere for a particular perspective on Finnish culture and social history is Werstas – The Finnish Labour Museum

During your time in Tampere, make sure not to miss the largest Market Hall in all of the Nordics , Tampere Market Hall. This is the perfect destination to sample quintessential Finnish delicacies in a pleasant spot with friendly locals and authentic Finnish food.

If you’re spending just 5 days on you trip, this is the last day of your Finland trip. There is an airport in Tampere with a handful of European connections, making it a convenient ending if you can leave from Tampere. Otherwise, take the train back to Helsinki to continue onward.

For those continuing onward to the city of Rovaniemi in Lapland, the best transportation options from Tampere are to either return to Helsinki to fly to Rovaniemi or take an overnight train/bus from Tampere. 

Day 6 – Rovaniemi, Lapland

The last two days of your Finland travel itinerary will be spent in Finland’s largest region, enchanting and magical Lapland.

While also an ideal destination for the summer months because of the incredible nature and lush boreal forests of the northern Finnish region, it’s hard to find any travel destination more perfect in winter than Lapland. 

When planning accommodation, the costs of Lapland nature-surrounded hotels are much higher than in the center of Rovaniemi, it enhances the fairytale Lapland experience if you can afford the cost. 

The city of Rovaniemi is quite small in comparison to most other Nordic and Finnish cities, but it feels like an entirely different world in itself. To learn more about Arctic and Lappish culture, science, and history, head to the Arktikum Museum for a perfect taster to educate you for the rest of your time in Lapland. 

Rovaniemi is the main hub for most activities in the area and they’re plentiful. Whether you’re interested in taking a cosy reindeer sleigh ride in the Arctic forest or an Aurora Borealis expedition with a cup of hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone.

The majority of tour and activity groups leave from Rovaniemi with pick-up from surrounding hotels, making it an effortless trip if you decide not to rent a car to explore Rovaniemi, Lapland. 

If you’re visiting Lapland and following this itinerary in the summertime, it’s a completely different atmosphere but still incredibly special in its own right. From long days spent exploring Lapland’s wildly deep nature and forests to midnight-sun bonfire nights, summer in Lapland is truly special as well.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Arctic Light Hotel – This modern hotel in Rovaniemi, this is a great base for exploring Lapland. There are several chic rooms to choose from, an airport shuttle, free parking and a superb breakfast.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – The perfect arctic escape, the glass igloos located outside of Rovaniemi are excellent for a unique visit. They have several different pods on offer, a great restaurant, room service and other amenities.

Hostel Cafe Koti – A good budget option in Rovaniemi, this hip hostel has both dorms and private rooms, a bar and cafe on site, a sauna and good self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rovaniemi hotels!

Day 7 – Santa Claus Village

One of the most popular attractions when visiting Rovaniemi, Lapland is the magnificent world of Santa Claus Village.

Santa Claus Village is just about a 10-minute drive (or 20-minute bus ride) outside of Rovaniemi city center and is a must-visit magical stop while in Rovaniemi, for both adults and children. You can also take a guided tour  from Rovaniemi.

The village is a large wonderland, full of activities from ice skating and sledding to visits at the husky park and postcards and a meeting with Santa at Santa’s workshop. You’ll find conveniently placed fire pits throughout the village and the village’s forest area to warm up if you decide to walk among the snow-dressed Arctic trees.

The official boundaries of the Arctic Circle run through Santa’s Village and even though it’s just a line, it’s truly thrilling to pass back and forth through the Arctic Circle! 

Food options are plentiful in the village no matter your budget or preferences; from cafeteria-style food to classic Lappish food (I recommend the open-fire cooked salmon!) in a traditional hut. 

With so much joy and winter wonderland from just around every corner, it’s easy to spend a long day at Santa’s Village. It’s also safe to say that there’s no better send-off from a trip to Finland than heading to the snowy paradise of your childhood dreams. 

If you’re visiting in the winter, you may be able to find a return flight from Rovaniemi depending on the city, but otherwise, return to Helsinki to wrap up a marvelous week in Finland.

Have More Time?

In the case that you are drawn to the Lapland region and would like to explore further, I highly suggest heading further north to experience the region on a deeper level in the resort town of Levi.

In Levi, you can hit the slopes and ski on Finland’s biggest ski slopes, search further for the Northern Lights with a higher chance of seeing them, and find yourself in further bewilderment by Finland’s stunning natural beauty. 

On top of that, if you want to continue your trip and are looking to go beyond Finland, Swedish Lapland is just over the border with more outdoor adventures waiting for you.

Finnish Lapland is a lot more “developed” and touristy in comparison with Swedish Lapland, so if you’re interested in experiencing more of a local experience in Lapland, Swedish Lapland is a great way to continue your trip. 

A Finland trip undoubtedly has something for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re a city-seeker or someone happiest among nature. With this Finland itinerary, you’ll see all aspects of Finland, giving the perfect representation of this dynamically beautiful, and kind country. 

Are you planning a trip to Finland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

A Guide to Visiting Finnish Lapland in Winter

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Helsinki Itinerary

The Essential Guide to Visiting Helsinki in Winter

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Hi, Olivia: Thank you so much for sharing! It does make my coming Finland travel plan clearly. I am wondering how about Levi in Summer, and do you have any suggestions about summer in Rovaniemi?

With many thanks Sherry

Love the very informative initinery. Will certainly follow it. Planning to go in November 2023. Bravo!

Very very informative, thanks Olivia

Very very helpful review. We hope to have a family trip to Finland and these suggestions were terrific.

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How to plan the perfect Finland road trip

I first fell in love with Finland when we spent time in Lapland two years ago and have been itching to return to the country ever since. This time, however, we swapped snowscapes and sleigh rides for forests and lakes, and planned a Finland road trip summer itinerary.

Excited by the prospect of long summer days and plenty of time in the Great Outdoors we decided to spend two-weeks on our Finland road trip. This route starts in Helsinki, travels north to the Lakeland region, heads across country to Tampere and back south again to Turku.

Updated for 2020

During our cross-country road trip we swam in pristine lakes and picked berries on a family farm. We took a boat in search of the rare Saimaa ringed seal and ate enough pastries to last us a lifetime – and much more!

If you are planning a trip to Finland then this post is for you. Here, I share our Finland tour itinerary, tips for driving in Finland and all of our favourite sights in Helsinki , Finnish Lakeland , Tampere and Turku .

For more tips and ideas when planning your holiday, take a look at our Finland with kids guide.

Your perfect two-week Finland Road Trip 

Table of Contents

Two weeks is the minimum you want to allocate for a Finland road trip. We had 12 days and definitely felt that we wanted longer.

Our route covered the southern part of the country but if you want to visit Lapland then you can drive from the Finnish Lakeland region. It will take approximately eight hours to reach Äkäslompolo and about seven hours to drive to Rovaniemi.

If you do want to head north, this post details our magical week in Lapland with kids .

The following itinerary follows broadly the same route as we did. I have added an extra day in Finnish Lakeland, where we would have happily spent much longer. I’ve also included a couple of days in Tampere. We didn’t get to visit Tampere on this trip but everything I’ve heard about it makes me want to go back to Finland.

Read on to discover, how to plan the perfect Finland vacation.

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Finland Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: Helsinki

Days 3 – 8: Finnish Lakeland

Days 9 & 10: Tampere

Days 11 – 13: Turku & Naantali

Day 14: Return to Helsinki

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Disclosure: We were guests of Visit Finland, Visit Saimaa and Visit Turku for this trip and for the purpose of producing this Finland guide. All my opinions are, as always, entirely my own.

This post may contain affiliate and commercial links. If you make a purchase or booking after clicking on the link then globetotting receives a small commission; if you don’t then we don’t! These are not pay-per-click links. For more information see our disclosure policy .

Helsinki (Days 1 & 2)

Finland’s capital is a fun place to spend a couple of days . In the summer it’s a place for swimming and soaking up the endless sunshine. During the winter months it’s a destination for making the most of its excellent museums and delicious dining scene.

We visited Helsinki in August and actually passed through the city a number of times on our Finland tour. Some of our favourite things to do when visiting Helsinki include:

Swimming at the Allas Sea Pools

Located on Helsinki harbour, this outdoor swimming complex offers three pools. There’s a 25m heated lap pool, a shallow children’s pool and my favourite, the sea pool, filled with waters from the Baltic sea!

Visiting the island fortress of Suomenlinna

Meaning “the Fortress of Finland” construction on this military complex started in 1749. It’s located on a series of small islands, 20 minutes away from Helsinki by ferry, and makes for a great day trip. There are tunnels to discover, a submarine to explore and plenty of small coves and beaches for paddling.

Suomenlinna is also a living and working community. There are around 800 residents who call the islands home and you’ll spot some of their pretty wooden houses when you first arrive on the island. There’s also a library, shop and a primary school here.

Spending time at Children’s Town at the Helsinki City Museum

This exhibition has been designed specifically for kids and is a wonderful, immersive way for children to learn about Helsinki’s history . Pretend to be a schoolmaster, go to work in an 18th century shop, jump in a horse-drawn carriage and discover more “old stuff” as my kids like to say!

Try local foods at the Old Market Hall

Helsinki is home to three market halls but if you only have time to visit one then the Old Market Hall , located on the harbour, is our favourite. It first opened in 1889, making it the oldest indoor market in Finland and is the place to come and try some local Finnish delicacies.

Discover the Kamppi Chapel of Silence

One of our favourite places to visit in Helsinki was also the place where we spent the least amount of time! Sights where “silence” is a key requirement are not always a winner with young children but we loved this beautiful multi-faith chapel . There are no services held here, rather the chapel was designed as a place to calm down and disconnect.

This post has more ideas on things to do in Helsinki as well as hotel and restaurant recommendations.

Finnish Lakeland Days 3 – 8

We  loved our time in the Finnish Lakeland region and it was a true highlight of our road trip.

During the summer months, Finland is awash with blues and greens, the forested landscape scattered with patches of brilliant blue water. There is so much water in Finland, in fact, that it has been given the nickname “the land of the thousands lakes” . This moniker is not entirely correct, however, as there are actually 188,000 lakes in Finland. These stretch from Helsinki in the south right up to the northernmost part of the country in Finnish Lapland.

We stayed in two different places in Finnish Lakeland. Our first two nights were spent at the absolutely beautiful Anttolanhovi Art & Design Villas on the banks of Lake Saimaa. We could have happily spent a week here enjoying lake life in Finland. When planning your Finland trip, I would definitely recommend spending longer here.

The next two nights were spent further north, at the Jarvisydan Hotel & Spa Resort and the gateway to the Linnansaari National Park . When driving from Anttola to Jarvisydan Hotel we stopped along the way in Savonlinna to visit Olavinlinna Castle . Some of our favourite things to do in Finnish Lakeland include:

Exploring Lake Saimaa

Sublime Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth biggest natural freshwater lake in Europe. Measuring approximately 4,400 square kilometres, the lake is also home to some 14,000 islands. In fact, there are so many islands, that Lake Saimaa doesn’t look like one body of water, rather a series of lakes, connected via inlets and waterways.

During the summer months, holidaymakers arrive to spend time in the summer cottages that sit perched on the myriad islands. Here, they spend their days boating, kayaking, swimming and more in the clean waters of Lake Saimaa.

Searching for the Saimaa Ringed Seal

The waters of the Linnansaari National Park are home to the rare and endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal . The best way to try and spot one of these cute creatures is on a boat safari from Jarvisydan Hotel & Spa Resort. We spent a wonderful morning with our captain, Jarri, whose family have been in the area since 1658, searching for seals. Sadly, we were not successful but we did have an incredible day on the water.

Climbing Neitvuori Hill 

There is not that much hiking to be done in Finnish Lakeland but if you want to stretch your legs then definitely take a hike up Neitvuori Hill . Meaning Maiden’s Hill, the summit stands at 184m above sea level and offers beautiful views of the sun-kissed waters of Lake Saimaa. Even better, go with a local guide and have a picnic at the top of the hill. This post has more information on climbing Neitvuori Hill .

Visiting Santa’s Hideaway

Even Santa needs a break and when he wants a holiday he heads to Kenkävero vicarage , near the town of Mikkeli, in Finnish Lakeland. You can visit his summer cottage and even see the machine he uses to learn whether you’ve been naughty or nice. If you visit between June 24 and August 6 then you’ll get the chance to meet Santa and some of his elves .

If he’s already gone back to Lapland by the time you visit then don’t worry, you can rent his cottage for overnight stays.

Discover Olavinlinna Castle

The 15th century Olavinlinna Castle is located in the town of Savonlinna on an island in the Kyrönsalmi strait. It is one of the star attractions in Finnish Lakeland. Originally built to defend against marauding invaders, the castle is today most famous for the annual Savonlinna opera festival that is held within the castle walls every summer.

Our favourite thing about Olavinlinna Castle was the dressing up room on the ground floor where the kids could pretend to be knights, guards and princesses. The kids also enjoyed spotting the medieval toilets attached to the sides of the towers!

This post has more ideas on visiting Finnish Lakeland , including a detailed itinerary.

Tampere (Days 9 & 10)

Here’s where our Finland tour deviates slightly. I really wanted to visit the city of Tampere but we didn’t have time on this Finland trip. So, when we left Finnish Lakeland, we drove back towards Helsinki and then on to Turku, which was a quicker route than driving across the country.

If you have longer, then I highly recommend spending a couple of days in Tampere , a beautiful city and an increasingly popular destination in Finland.

Even though we’ve yet to visit Tampere, I’ve done my research and I know that the following are some of the most popular things to do.

Enjoy the Särkänniemi Theme Park

This enormous amusement park also includes an aquarium, planetarium, carnival game area and the Näsinneula observation tower, the tallest free-standing structure in Finland. If your kids are into Angry Birds, in particular, then they will  love this place as it has the world’s first themed land dedicated to this insanely popular video game.

Visit the Moomin Museum

The Moomins are a national treasure in Finland and the Moomin Museum in Tampere celebrates everything about Tove Jansson’s books through a collection of illustrations and artwork. The museum is also home to a full-scale dollhouse version of the Moomin House, built by Jansson and her partner Tuulikki Pietilä.

Go undercover at the Spy Museum

Time to get out your false moustache and Fedora and get to work solving crimes. Tampere’s Spy Museum explores the world of cloak-and-dagger activities, focusing in particular on the Cold War era. Discover original documents telling stories of real life spies and try out the lie detector test.

Eat local goodies at the Market Hall

Food plays a big part in our travels and I love visiting markets. It’s not surprising, then that Finland’s myriad Market Halls are a winner with me. Tampere’s market hall has been around since 1901 and offers a huge range of food stands, cafes and places to grab a delicious lunch.

Turku & Naantali (Days 11 – 13)

Turku just may well be our favourite city in Finland . Lying on the southwest coast, just two hours from Helsinki, Turku is the oldest city in Finland and was once the country’s capital. It’s laid-back, compact and filled with fun things to do. There’s also an ever-growing food scene with plenty of lively cafés and restaurants and a cool creative buzz with lots of fun independent brands based here.

Turku is also the gateway to the pretty harbour town of Naantali , which is, in turn, how you get to magical Moominworld, home to Finland’s most famous residents. Some of our favourite things to do in Turku include:

Discover Turku Castle

The 700-year-old Turku Castle is the city’s star attraction, and rightly so, a visit here is a lot of fun. Filled with stories of daring escapes, treacherous families and romantic promises, the castle has a story to capture everyone’s imaginations. Our favourite tale was of the tourist who was held in place by a ghostly presence on a guided tour of the castle! There’s a fun dressing up room for kids and the castle also runs a Little Knights tour for groups of children.

Cruise along the Aura River

Running through the heart of Turku and out to the Archipelago is the Aura River . In winter months the river can freeze over, turning it into an ice skating rink and during summer months, ships sail up and down its waters. During summer months you can hire an electric boat and cruise along the Aura River yourself. It’s a great way to see the city and even more fun if you bring along a picnic.

Sail to Naantali 

Jump on board the steamship S/S Ukkopekka , the oldest steamship in Finland still in commercial use, and sail from Turku to nearby Naantali . The two-hour trip takes place between June and mid-August and is a lovely way to see the coastline and dream about which summer cottage you’d like to buy. You can also have a buffet lunch on board if you wish.

Meet the Moomins!

Naantali is the gateway to Moominworld , home to Tove Jansson’s loveable characters and the unofficial symbol of Finland. Moominworld is a wonderful place to escape for the day with the kids, even if you didn’t grow up with Moomin tales. The park is divided into different areas and at the heart of it is Moomin House, where you’ll get to meet the Moomins themselves.

This post has more ideas on things to do in Turku as well as hotel recommendations.

What you need to know about driving in Finland

Driving in Finland is very easy ; there is hardly any traffic, roads are well maintained and places are well signposted.

If you’re driving in Finland in winter then take comfort in the fact that this is also very straightforward (although there can be a lot of snow in places). All cars in Finland use winter tires and the speed limits are reduced during the winter months. You can also hire a ‘normal’ car and there is no need to hire an SUV. Just remember that daylight hours are few and far between during the winter months, especially the further north you travel.

For more information on driving in Finland, take a look at my Finland with kids guide.

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About the author.

Katja Gaskell

9 thoughts on “how to plan the perfect finland road trip”.

I love road trips and think you’ve picked a great place to explore in Finland. Yet in my view one of the flaws of the blogging world is the habit of so many bloggers of pushing the concept of the ‘perfect trip’. It’s unrealistic. Ups, downs and things going wring are part of travel and overcoming challenges helps bring people together during road trips.

What an adventure – I would love to visit the spy museum!

It really was an adventure! And yes, the spy museum sounds good doesn’t it?

Amazing! This is just the sort of trip we love to do! Finland is definitely on the list.

It’s filled with fun outdoor experiences that your family would really enjoy, you will love it!

I was about to say summer is the best time to visit (with the exception of lapland). My sister used to live in Finland and I remember visiting in the summertime and that it never got dark!

We enjoyed such long, lovely, sunny days! I completely agree that summer is a brilliant time to visit 🙂

This sounds like such an amazing trip! What a wonderful experience to have had with your family. I love the sound of Finnish Lakeland and also Santa’s Hideaway. Added to my ‘must-visit’ list.

It really was an incredible trip, thank you!

Comments are closed.

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Archipelago Trail – Drive or Cycle Around the Finnish Archipelago

The best way to experience the fantastic Finnish archipelago is to drive or cycle the Archipelago Trail (also known as Archipelago Ring Road) from Turku to Naantali. The 250 kilometers long ring road takes you from one island to another over bridges and (free) ferry crossings. 

In addition to the beautiful seaside scenery and a gorgeous wooden town, there are some unique attractions on the route, such as a former island of the lepers and an ancient stone labyrinth. If you are lucky, you might even meet the man who claims he is possessed by the spirit of Salvador Dali himself. 

If you are traveling by car, you can drive the whole route in just one day, but that leaves you with little time for sightseeing. It’s better to take your time and enjoy the archipelago at a leisurely pace, staying two nights along the route. Add one more night and you can make a side trip to Utö, one of the most remote islands in Finland. 

This article first outlines the most important practical information for navigating the Archipelago Trail and then introduces the islands and attractions along the route.

A note to the place names. The Finnish archipelago is in its most parts bilingual, and the islands have two names, Finnish and Swedish. Here we are using mainly the Swedish names as they tend to be easier for the English speakers. The Finnish names are in parenthesis. Most Swedish names end with the letter “ö” which means island.

What is the best time to drive the Archipelago Trail?

Summer months are the best and only time you can drive the Archipelago Trail in its entirety. All the ferries along the route are in daily service only from the beginning of May until the end of August. In September they run only for the first three weekends.

A good part of the route can also be explored in winter, though. The ferries from Parainen to Nagu and from Nagu to Korppoo operate in short intervals even in the winter so you can easily explore at least part of the route even in the winter. Even the faraway Utö Island is connected to Nagu around the year. Just prepare for some seriously chilly weather if you choose to travel to the archipelago in the winter!

Where does the Archipelago Ring Road begin and where does it end?

The archipelago ring road begins in Turku on the mainland and ends at Naantali, just a stone’s throw from Turku. Both cities are very idyllic, and you should budget at least one extra day to explore each of them.

In which direction should you drive the Archipelago Ring Road?

By far the most popular way to drive the route is clockwise – the same way it is described in this article. However, during the busiest weeks of the summer, you might opt to start from Naantali and drive the route counterclockwise, thus avoiding queuing for ferries along the route.

Check the ferry timetables in advance

Shorter ferry rides operate regularly, every 15 to 30 minutes or so. Longer ones towards the end of the trail such as Iniö-Kustavi are less frequent, and it is a good idea to check their schedules in advance so you don’t end up missing the last ferry of the day. 

You will find the timetables on Finnferries website , and they have a practical app, too.   

Should you book accommodation in advance?

If you are traveling during the busiest holiday season for Finns – from late June to the beginning of August – it is worth booking the accommodation in advance, as there are a limited number of places to stay along the route.

And now, let’s begin to explore the Archipelago Trail!

Archipelago Trail starts in Turku

The ring road starts in Turku (Åbo in Swedish), which served as the capital of Finland in the Middle Ages. At those times Finland was under Swedish rule, and Turku was the second largest city in the kingdom. As a reminder of its glorious history, there is a grand castle and a cathedral to visit. In addition to history, Turku has plenty of lively restaurants and bars, yet the center is small enough to be conveniently walked around.

Explore the ruins of Kuusisto Episcopal Castle

Soon after Turku you cross a small bridge and arrive at Kustö (Kuusisto). This otherwise unremarkable island has one curious sight, the ruins of the Episcopal Castle of Kuusisto. The ruins are so small and modest that even many Finns don’t know about them, so this is definitely not a must-see attraction. But on the other hand, there’s a certain kind of secretiveness in these ruins that make them interesting. How often can you stand on a medieval castle just by yourself? 

During the middle-ages the castle belonged to the Catholic bishop of Finland. When King Gustav Vasa of Sweden converted his country to Protestantism, he ordered the castle to be destroyed in 1528 so that it would not leave a foothold for Catholics in Finland.

Finland’s last Catholic bishop, Arvid Kurki, had already left the castle six years earlier, fleeing attacking Danes. His escape to Sweden came to a tragic end when the ship carrying the bishop sank.

Pargas – searching for the soul of Salvador Dali

From Kustö your next stop is Pargas (Parainen), which is often called the capital of The Archipelago Sea. Right in the middle of the small city centre is a short pedestrian street. Here you will find the ArtBank Gallery , the only permanent exhibition of Salvador Dali’s art in the Nordic countries. But what makes the gallery especially notable is its entertaining owner, Ted Wallin, who claims Dali’s soul passed to him after the artist died. You will find the building easily, just look for a giant ant sculpture by Finnish designer Stefan Lindfors above the entrance. 

Also worth having a look is the church of Pargas, which is a very typical example of the small stone churches built all over Southern Finland during the Middle Ages.

Next to the church is the idyllic old town of Pargas called Gamla Malm, whose narrow alleys are lined with colorful wooden houses and their pretty gardens. The houses are mostly from the 19th century, but among them are also buildings from the late 18th century. In the old days, artisans and sailors used to live in these houses, and in a few huts there were even illegal taverns catering for the churchgoing folks on Sundays.

By the way, this is one of the least known wooden towns in Finland, so it’s pretty much devoid of other tourists. At least for now. So you can congratulate yourself if you find your way here!

An impressive attraction is also Pargas’ lime quarry, which can be admired from behind a guardrail. The mine, which began operating in 1989 just next to the town centre, is the largest open pit in the Nordic countries and reaches a staggering 150 meters depth.

Sattmark Café – the most famous coffeehouse along the Archipelago Trail 

Some 10 kilometers south of Pargas you will find Sattmark Café, probably the most famous coffeehouse along the Archipelago Trail. It is located in an idyllic 1750s croft cottage. Enjoy their delicious Princess cake or smoked fish if you are more hungry. The cafe also rents small and cozy eco-cottages .

After Sattmark you will arrive at the first ferry crossing. Now we are finally reaching the “real” archipelago!

Nagu – the Riviera of Finnish Archipelago

Nagu (Nauvo) Island’s marina has a humorous nickname: the Riviera of the Finnish Archipelago. Of course there are several good restaurants on the cozy beach boulevard and often even a luxury yacht or two on the marina, but everything is on a minuscule scale compared to real Riviera. Instead of gentle palm trees the boulevard is lined by twisted pines. 

The most famous restaurant by the marina is L’Escale . Another good place to try out is the hotel-restaurant Köpmans which serves delicious pike burgers.

Nagu is a good place to stay overnight as this is the liveliest island on the route. And if you stay in Hotel Lanterna you will have the chance to experience Finland’s only absinthe bar in the hotel (open by appointment).

Another nice place to stay is the rustic and romantic Guesthouse Martta next to Nagu’s medieval church.

Finby’s Giant’s Corral – the enigmatic stone circle along the Archipelago Trail

A couple of kilometers from the Nagu Marina lies an enigmatic ancient stone circle called Finby’s Giant’s Corral. It’s kind of a stone labyrinth, the origin of which is uncertain. In Finnish folklore they have been made by giants, and the passage through the corral has been seen as a symbolic journey to the legendary land of the giants.

In total, there are almost 150 similar formations in the Finnish archipelago and on the coast. They bear remarkable similarities to the Troy-towns of England. 

Finland’s oldest Giant’s Corrals are estimated to be from the Bronze Age, but most were apparently made in the Middle Ages. The most recent are from the 19th century. 

Seili – the island of lepers 

Another good reason to stay overnight in Nagu is that it allows you to take a half day trip to Seili Island (Själö in Swedish). Boats leave from the Nagu Marina. The history of Seili is like straight out of a horror story.

Seili was turned into a colony of lepers at the end of the 17th century. The sick had no hope of returning from the island: they had to bring with them planks for their own coffins. In 150 years, a total of 663 lepers were sent to Seili, or those who were believed to be. It is said that ill-behaved wives were also convicted to the island if they, unfortunately, suffered from rashes.

Life on the island was rough, and the treatments did not bring any relief, quite the contrary. Common treatment was a metal hat filled with ice cubes.

The last leper died on the island in 1785. But the infamous island was not abandoned: it was turned into a mental hospital. Few recovered and were able to return from the island.

As unbelievable as it sounds, Seili operated as a mental hospital until 1962. The last chapter in Seili’s gloomy history was written in 1985, when a Finnish medical professor suggested that HIV patients could be transferred to the island. It did not happen.

Today, Seili is a popular and rather idyllic little island to visit. Some reminders of the dark past remain, though. The wooden church is from 1733, the time of the leper colony, and one room of a patient has been preserved in its original shape at the former mental hospital. It is said that a nurse committed suicide in the very same room. 

Pärnäs harbor and glass igloos

It’s a short ferry ride from Nagu to the next island, Korpo (Korppoo). The ferries leave every 15 minutes or so from Pärnäs (Pärnäinen) harbor. Near the harbor you will find the most unique accommodation in Nagu. Tackork Gård & Marina has glass-roofed igloos that allow you to admire the starry night sky from the comfort of your bed.

From the same port you can also take a ferry to the southernmost inhabited island in Finland. There is no better place than Utö Island to experience the barren romance of the Finnish outer archipelago. There is a hotel on the island where you can stay overnight, or you can just visit the island for a day-trip.

Korpo – Delicious Food and the Archipelago Exhibition

Nagu’s neighboring island Korpo (Korppoo) is a good alternative to stay overnight along the Archipelago Trail. A particularly alluring place to stay is Hotel Nestor , which has been built into an old barn by artist Pia Rousku and designer Frank Hellgren.

The hotel’s restaurant, Back Pocket, is one of the most sophisticated places to dine on the Archipelago Trail. The restaurant is run by the couple’s son, William Hellgren, who used to be working at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Stockholm.

It’s also worth stopping by the Korpo’s Archipelago Center which hosts exhibitions on the life of the archipelago.

From Houtskär to Iniö

Next island on the Archipelago Trail is Houtskär (Houtskari) which is reached by a ferry from Galtby harbor. This is the first slightly longer ferry trip on the route and takes about half an hour.

Houtskär’s attraction is a heartbreakingly beautiful wooden church some 10 kilometers from the ferry quay. The church was built in the early 18th century.

If you are hungry, Grill Cafe Skagen offers tasty Danish-style shrimp sandwiches called skagen at the marina close to the church.

From Houtskar the journey continues to Mossala via two short ferry crossings, and after a longer ferry ride to idyllic Iniö. Many travelers decide to stay overnight in Iniö to soak in the island atmosphere. A nice place to stay is Villa Högbo , which was originally built as Iniö town hall in the 1930s.

Gustavs – delicious farewell to the Archipelago

A longer ferry ride takes from Iniö to Gustavs (Kustavi), which is connected to the mainland by bridges. Here it is finally time to say farewell to the archipelago. Gustavs’ has several nice places to eat and sleep. Kustavin Savipaja is a small handicraft village, which is best known for its Finnish style donuts. A must try!

For lunch a great place is Vuosnaisten Meriasema , which has a delicious buffet full of local island delicacies such as silakkapihvit (herring steaks). You can stay overnight too. 

Another popular place to stay overnight is Peterzens Boathouse , which has turned old shipping containers to cozy, thatched-roof huts. 

Gustavs to Naantali – last leg of the journey

It’s about a 60 kilometres drive from Gustavs to Naantali (Nådendal in Swedish), that’s less than an hour by car. You have reached your destination. Almost. There are still some places to explore on the way.  

Less than twenty kilometers from Gustavs is Taivassalo, where you can stop to admire the grotesque murals of the Church of the Holy Cross. Nearby is a cute little stone bridge, Muntin silta, which looks straight from the home village of the Hobbits. It’s so small that you will drive right past if you don’t mark it in your navigator.

30 kilometers from the church is Mannerheim’s birthplace, Louhisaari Manor. When ordinary Finns were asked to name the Greatest Finn of All Time some years ago, they voted for Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim by a huge margin. In his youth, Mannerheim served in St. Petersburg as the Tsar’s bodyguard and went on an adventure as an explorer and spy in Central Asia. After Finland’s independence, Mannerheim led the Finnish army in the Winter War and the Continuation War against the Soviet Union, and at the end of the war also served as the President of Finland. 

Naantali – the archipelago ring road ends in an idyllic wooden town

The archipelago ring road ends in Naantali, which many consider to be the best small summer town in Finland. Even the sun is said to shine in Naantali more often than anywhere else in Finland. The President of Finland also spends his summer vacation here in his own summer house called Kultaranta.

Naantali has a picturesque town center made of colorful wooden houses. Even a bigger draw is Muumimaailma (The Moomin World), a theme park dedicated to Finnish fairy tale characters, moomins. The sympathetic moomins were born from the pen of the Finnish author and visual artist Tove Jansson, and they have been made into two super-popular TV animations in Japan. There are no fancy theme park rides in the Moomin World, but the experience comes from meeting the wonderful fantasy characters. The Moomin World is best for toddlers – and Moomin fans of all ages. 

The most famous hotel in Naantali is Naantali Spa , which invests especially in the quality of its restaurants. Naantali Spa has the best Thai restaurant in Finland, Thai Garden. The restaurant has also received official recognition for the authenticity of its flavors from the Thai state.

Naantali also has several atmospheric inns in old wooden houses such as the cozy Hotel Palo and Bridget Inn on Kaivokatu street. Both have excellent locations right next to the center.

Continuing the Archipelago Ring Road to Åland

If you haven’t had enough of the archipelago experience yet, you can continue your journey from the Archipelago Ring Road all the way to Åland. From Gustavs Vuosnainen harbor you can catch a connecting ferry to the Åland archipelago. 

Another place to catch a ferry to Åland’s capital, Mariehamn (Maarianhamina), is Turku.

Read also: Driving in Finland – Tips and 4 Best Road Trips

The map below shows the best road trips in Finland: Archipelago Trail , Saimaa Circuit , Wild East Tour and Lapland Round Trip .

Did you like this article? If you’re planning a trip to Finland, please book your hotel or rent a cabin or rental car by clicking on our affiliate links. We get a small commission, but you don’t pay any extra. Thanks for your support!

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Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog

11 of the best places to see on a quick finland road trip.

1. Visit Kotka on the Gulf of Finland

Things to do in kotka, kotka sculpture promenade.

The Maritime Museum of Kotka

Sapokan Vesipuisto

Kotka's Stunning Sunsets

Places to Eat in and Around Kotka

Koti pizza - try a berlesconi.

Vausti Ravintola

Sam's Pub in Karhula

2. Road Trip to Lappeenranta

Craft beer at teerenpeli.

Harborside Walks

Lappenranta Fortress

3. Finland's Oddest Roadside Attraction: Parikkala Sculpture Park 

4. Eastern Finland's Siikalahti Nature Reserve

5. Stop in Scenic Savonlinna

Olavinlinna castle.

Savonlinna Provincial Museum

Paistetut Muikut at Kalastajan Koju

6. Kenkävero at Mikkeli

7. Rural Finland Road Trip Rest Stops

8. Coffee and a Riverside Walk near Kouvola

Sisustus-Kahvila Kaarnasydän

SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Interested in other Nordic travel ideas? Why not consider a Norway road trip covering things to do in Bergen , Alesund , Trondheim , and Oslo ? You'll find vibrant cities and of course world class scenery.

Hamina's concentric circles.

Hamina Bastion

Hamina's Birdwatching Wetlands (Beware of Mosquitos)

10. Passing Through Porvoo

Craft beer at porvoon paahtimo.

Porvoo Cathedral

World Class Curry at Nepalilainen Ravintola Pokhara

Turku Market Hall

Turku Cathedral

Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova

Good Eats at Foija Restaurant and Wine Bar

Craft Beer at Panimoravintola Koulu

Turku Castle

Fibonacci Smokestack

Return Drive to Helsinki Airport

Map of our self-drive road trip itinerary in southern finland.

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Road Trip! 7 Awesome Lapland Routes

Hop in, buckle up, and let’s travel the most relaxing and rewarding stretches of asphalt in the world. These routes in Lapland are guaranteed to make your road trip unforgettable.

There aren’t many roads in Lapland whose scenery won’t take your breath away. With snow-capped mountains, stony fells, running water, sandy beaches and the chances for a reindeer photobomb, road trips in Lapland are beautiful, epic and utterly Instagrammable.  

1. The Most Beautiful Road in Finland  

For many, Route 97 0 , hugging the Teno River between the villages of Utsjoki and Karigasniemi , holds the title of most beautiful road in the country. This road was built atop the old footpath between the villages , and it alternates between descending to the river level for intimate access and ascending on high to reveal stunning valley vistas.  

2. This way to waterfalls

Rovaniemi’s suburbs fade away, and soon you’re coasting along Route 81 , Posio bound, a sparkling river on your right. Half an hour later, you come to a crossroads. You must decide … travel north along Route 9447 or continue on 81. Don’t worry. It’s not a life-altering decision; the drive is about 20 minutes either way. Both routes take you past distant farmhouses, dense thickets of trees, and river inlets that run under the road. Signs point you toward the hiking paths at Auttiköngäs, and the waters of Lake Auttijärvi beckon you for a dip. But hold out just a few minutes longer and you’ll pull into the parking lot for Korouoma, the fabled gorge with endless waterfalls and jaw-dropping lookouts.

3. The Polar Path  

E4 will happily carry you from the city of Oulu to the city of Rovaniemi, but it’s not the most peaceful, scenic route in the world. If you veer off E4 toward Pudasjärvi , however, the stress will melt away with every kilometer . Along Route 20 , you’ll go through forest after forest, pine trees cheering you on. Pull over anywhere for a berry or mushroom hunt. In Pudasjärvi , go for a dip in the lake. When you pass through Ranua , be sure to stop by the Wildlife Park and say hello to Finland’s only polar bears.

4. Welcome to Sámi country  

Less than ten minutes from the village of Ivalo , you get your first taste of the Sámi Sea, as the stony shores of Lake Ukonjärvi serve as an appetizer for the grandeur of Lake Inari. Here, H ighway E4 hugs the lake, offering glimpses of forested islands and glistening waterways. Large stones and stunted trees pepper the shore, as uniquely Arctic as the Northern Lights. When you reach Inari, the road veers away from the water to show you what special treats the village offers, such as the Inari Sámi Church, the famous PaPaNa pub, the Sajos Cultural Cener and Siida , the the National Museum of the Finnish Sámi . And don’t be surprised—or afraid—if a reindeer decides to wander along the road with you.  

5. Your Constant Companions  

The drive is only 50 km from Vuostimo to Sodankylä and can easily take less than an hour to traverse, but in those few dozen kilometres, you’ll skirt Finland’s oldest national park  with its grand stony canyons and bald Arctic fells, not to mention marshes, rivers and lakes. Even if you’ve made the trip from Lake Kemijärvi  a dozen times, you’ll go quiet at the sight of the fells accompanying you. And of course, when you reach the end of the road, you’re only halfway there, because you still need to experience the trip back.  

6. Off the Beaten Track  

Roads 955 and 9552 connect western Lapland with its fells and grand expanses to  the tundra vistas of northern Lapland. There’s no better road to experience the epic vastness of Lapland or its intimate solitude. When you reach the village of Pokka, stop and grab a bite from the Tieva-Baari Restaurant, and if you’re in no hurry, visit the holy Sámi Taatsi Seita (about 20 minutes from the village.) From Pokka to Inari, there’s the largest national park in Finland ( Lemmenjoki ) to your left and the Hammastunturi Wilderness Reserve on your right.  

7. Lapland’s Only Ferry  

On the way from Kemijärvi to Ruka-Kuusamo , if you take the road less travelled, ( specifically Route s 945 and 9452 ) , you’ll see why Kemijärvi claims the title of the Lakeland of Lapland. Here, it might seem you’re driving on bridges more often than roads , and these bridges are often at water level, bringing you in and out of wooded groves to experience the vast Lake Kemijärvi from every angle. An added bonus on this drive: the Räisälä ferry crosses a southern offshoot of the lake and is the only working ferry in Lapland.    

Looking for more details on traveling around Lapland?

Related posts

Land of the midnight sun, driving in winter in lapland, 8 best reasons to visit lapland in the summer, 8 best ways to experience the northern lights in lapland, 8 most instagrammable places in finnish lapland, faq - frequently asked questions about lapland, do the social.

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Travelling to Finland in summer: a week-long road trip

Article mis à jour le 14 Dec 2022

One week itinerary for your trip to Finland in summer

If you are looking for an unusual destination to visit in the summer , Finland is the place to go ! Composed of 70% forests and 10% water, the Finnish lands will seduce travellers in search of nature and calm. Finland is the perfect country to try the “slow life”!

Summer road trip in Finland: one week

During this one-week trip to Finland , I focused on the heart of the country, namely the Finnish Lakeland, the largest lake region in Europe!

Practical information for your road trip in Finland

↠ how to get to finland.

From France, I advise you to fly to Helsinki.

Find here the best prices for air tickets thanks to Skyscanner . Take advantage of -10€ on your first booking by registering via our link.

↠ Rent a car for your road trip in Finland

Use the Skyscanner comparison tool to find the best prices for your car rental.

↠ What budget for a week’s travel in Finland in summer?

Finland is a fairly expensive destination. Prices are correlated with the country’s wages, which are higher than in France. The local currency is the euro. Here are the details of the budget for a trip to Finland in summer :

Flights from Paris to Helsinki: 230€ per person (August 2022 prices) Car rental: 350€ for the week Petrol costs: 170€. Hotels: 150€ per night on average Restaurants: 70€ per day per person for 2 meals Total = 2 860€ for a 6 night stay or 1 430€ per person , excluding activities.

Please note: this budget can obviously vary depending on the price of car rentals and aeroplanes, but also depending on the standard of the hotels/restaurants you choose. I speak only from my experience.

↠ When to go to Finland?

Summer or winter, it is possible to have an exceptional trip to Finland!

Between the months of November and February, I recommend you to go to Finnish Lapland. Here on the blog you can find travel guides to Lapland to discover the magic of Santa’s country.

In summer, the experiences are obviously different but just as unmissable. It’s a must to experience the midnight sun. Basically, it never gets dark: it’s magical! The average temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees. You can swim very easily in the lakes, the water is very good thanks to the fact that the sun shines almost 24/24h. ?

↠ What should you pack to go to Finland in the summer?

The first thing that comes to mind is inevitably a mosquito repellent. To my surprise, Finland is overrun with mosquitoes as soon as the snow melts. So during the summer months when it’s hot, these little beasts, which we all hate, proliferate. At the same time, the playground is ideal for them with all the water and vegetation there is! Arm yourself with bug spray (even during the day) and everything will be fine.

Otherwise, think of the usual summer stuff: swimwear, light clothes, trainers for walking and a little jacket in case of a cool evening.

Travel to Finland: one-week summer itinerary

• Days 1 to 3: Jyväskylä region
• Days 4 to 6: Savonlinna region
• Day 7 (bonus): Helsinki

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki and departure to the Finnish lake district

Once the plane has landed and the rental car has been collected, drive straight to the Jyväskylä region (pronounced youvaskoula ?). It’s about a 3-hour drive.

Overnight stay and experience at Keurusselkä Resort

Keurusselkä Resort is a typical Finnish resort, located on the lake of the same name. Many activities are possible:

• Swimming in the lake
• Walking in the forest
• Water activities (kayaking, paddle boarding)
• Tennis and padel
• Spa (8€ per person)
• Private sauna by the lake (150€ for 2h) ? Online booking

Day 2: What to do in Finland in Jyväskylä

Enjoy the morning at leisure, swimming in Lake Keurusselkä or doing other activities.

Lunch in Jyväskylä

On the way to your next accommodation, stop in the small town of Jyväskylä for lunch. I chose the restaurant Viilu , located on the harbour area. You will have a beautiful view of the lake and you can enjoy fine cuisine.

For those who want, it is possible to enjoy the saunas on the spot!

Unusual experiences at Kapeenkoski Travel

My stay at Kapeenkoski Travel is one of the best memories I have of Finland. Not only are Titta and Jani very welcoming, but their estate, nestled in the heart of the forest, is beautiful.  You feel like you are in a movie, with beautiful nature and few people.

Plenty of activities are offered: fishing, hydrospeed, 100% traditional wood-fired sauna, forest walk… In the evening, you will be served dishes concocted with love, based on fresh and local products.

? Book your stay

Day 3: Continuation of the one-week trip to Finland in summer

Hike to hyyppäänvuori hill.

Put on your trainers and climb Hyypäänvuori Hill, which offers a breathtaking 360° view! Once at the car park, small wooden signs will guide you to the top. The walk is through the forest, so don’t forget your mosquito repellent during the summer months.

? Access: To park, go to this GPS point . You will see parking spaces on the left hand side of the road. Trail is 4km round trip with a rather steep climb.

Relaxation at the Revontuli Hotel

After the effort, the comfort! For the rest of the day, I invite you to head for the next accommodation, namely the Revontuli Resort. There you will find many activities: bowling, trampoline, paddle, water bike, sauna, jacuzzi… Impossible to get bored.

Several types of accommodation are available. I personally chose the package in the glass igloo, including 1 night on site, 1 dinner for 2, breakfast and access to the Beach sauna with jacuzzi (price: 399€). For those on a smaller budget, the other options are cheaper, I’ll let you check that out by clicking here.

? Book your igloo online

Day 4: Visit to the Savonlinna region in Finland

Hiking in south konnevesi national park.

To start the day off right, I recommend that you take the Kalajan Kierro Trail, which passes through Konnevesi National Park. There is an easy section of about 1 km round trip, but you can also do the whole hike which is 4.6 km. You will walk through the woods and see beautiful views of the surrounding lakes. ? Itinerary by clicking here

? Take your mosquito spray with you!

Kuru Resort Hotel

Are you looking for a real haven for a couple’s time? The Kuru Resort is the place for you! The hotel consists of 16 villas with a panoramic view of the lake or nature. Each villa has its own private sauna!

In the heart of the resort, you can swim freely in the lake, take a relaxation class, dine or even book a treatment at the Sisley spa.

? Rates and Booking

Day 5: Summer activities in Finland

Seal watching safari.

During the summer season, seals can be seen in Finland, especially in the Savonlinna area. Meet at the harbour of the Nature Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän for the start of the excursion. I didn’t see any seals but I wish you better luck than I did!

? Price: €87 per person. Click here

Other activities

At the same location, you can enjoy kayaking / paddling or relax at the SPA. Info & booking

Departure to Savonlinna

Savonlinna is a typical Finnish town surrounded by lakes and forests. I recommend you to take a walk through the market place and Olavinlinna castle.

Cruise on the historic steamer S/S Punkaharju

At the end of the day, enjoy a cruise on a steamer to admire the surrounding landscape . There is a bar on board where you can enjoy a drink! Choose the 5pm or 7pm cruise so that there is a beautiful light.

? Booking here

Where to eat in Savonlinna?

For dinner, go to the Linnakrouvi restaurant which is located right next to the castle! Nice service, varied choices and good value for money for Finland.

Where to stay in Savonlinna?

At the Resort Hotel Norppa , you will enjoy a pleasant lakeside setting with rooms and flats.

? Book on Booking

Day 6: Back to Helsinki.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

If you have the opportunity, you can book this free guided tour of the city.

For other activities, book as you wish on Civitatis or GetYourGuide.

Where to stay in Helsinki?

Find a wide range of accommodation for all budgets on Booking.com

I hope I’ve helped you with this one week road trip itinerary in Finland in summer ! Feel free to ask me any questions in comments and share the article if you enjoyed it.

Further Reading...

Road trip in Majorca – What to do in Majorca

What to do in Camiguin in the Philippines ?

What to do in the Gorges du Verdon ?

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DIY Finland Road-Trip: Lapland in Autumn For Best Northern Lights

If you are planning a Finland road-trip in autumn, great decision!

One of the best ways to experience the amazing autumn scenery is to take a Finland road-trip in beautiful Lapland . The locals describe this colourful foliage as “Ruska” where you will see trees and shrubs become a vibrant blend of fiery orange, red, and yellow.

In northern Finland , Ruska starts in September and lasts for about 2-3 weeks. You can pick wild berries and mushrooms as you explore the many national parks and trails in Lapland. You might even see some reindeer as you drive through the country.

The best part is that the Northern Lights are back in full force as the nights become longer in autumn. The milder 0-10°C weather is also perfect for outdoor Northern Lights chasing, so you can stay out longer to increase your chances.

If you prefer to stay indoors, you can stay in a glass igloo and fall asleep under the Northern Lights. You might be able to find amazing deals for hotels during this off-peak period.

Read more: 10 Best Glass Igloos In Finland For Northern Lights How Much Does Finland Travel Cost? Here Is A Breakdown Where To Stay In Rovaniemi: Best Lapland Accommodations

Accommodation: Hotel Utsjoki

Accommodation: meieriet hotel, accommodation: arctic aurora borealis cottage, accommodation: star arctic hotel, accommodation: santa claus holiday village.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Finland Road-Trip Tips

The landscape is relatively flat in Finland and the roads are mostly straight and in good condition. There is no snow yet so driving is easy and you don’t need to worry about snow tires. The speed limit ranges from 80-100km/h outside the built up areas, though you would not be encountering much traffic in Lapland.

In order to enjoy the autumn scenery, I recommend going at a slower pace and limit the drive time to 3 hours each day. This gives you enough time and energy to enjoy each location and its activities. Here are some driving tips for your Finland road-trip.

• It’s the law to use headlights at all times
• Drive on the right side of the road, overtake on the left
• Move your car off to the side after filling your gas tank before going inside for payment
• The road signs are dual-language, so you will see the name of the destination in both Finnish and Swedish
• There are speed cameras near built up areas and towns, try to keep to the speed limit when approaching busier places
• Bring along a car charging adapter and mobile phone stand if required

Renting a car in advance for your Finland road-trip is easy. There are car rental options in every major city and airport, with the option to return your car at a different location for a fee. We booked a small automatic car with unlimited miles and vehicle insurance via Europcar on RentalCars.com . If you are planning to visit other countries apart from Finland, there will usually be an additional fee of around 50 Euros.

Remember to bring the credit card with the name of the main driver, along with a valid driver’s license. As a tourist, a valid driver’s license should be under these categories:

• EU or EEA Member State
• Issued in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, or a country that has ratified the Geneva/Vienna Road Traffic Convention
• Written/translated into Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, English, German or French by a reliable source

We brought our driver’s license that was issued in English in Singapore and had no issues during car collection. You can check for more details of license validity here .

Chasing Northern Lights in Finland

The Northern Lights season begins in September until early April. Despite the popularity of Finland travel in winter, autumn is a great season for milder outdoor conditions. The autumn equinox in September and October also coincides with greater geomagnetic activity.

Lapland is situated in the Arctic Circle so you get excellent chances of viewing the Northern Lights as you go further north. In northern villages like Utsjoki and Kilpisjarvi , locals claim to see the Northern Lights every 4 out of 5 nights during their peak.

In general the best time each night is from 10pm to 2am when the sky is darkest. You can also check the KP index which measures the amount of geomagnetic activity in the Earth’s atmosphere from a scale of 0-10. The average night in Lapland has KP index of 1-3, which is good enough for Northern Lights to appear.

Weather conditions are critical when chasing Northern Lights, especially when it comes to cloud cover. I recommend spending around 7-10 days in Lapland to buffer for suboptimal weather. You can check the forecast nearer to your travel dates and maybe focus your efforts on driving out when the night sky is expected to be clear. Even if you don’t see any Northern Lights, you will definitely be able to stargaze and even try photographing the Milky Way.

Here are some useful resources for stargazing and Northern Lights chasing:

• Aurora Reach website/app that forecasts and monitors Northern Light activity with community check-ins and mobile notifications
• Night Sky App shows the constellations, Milky Way positions, and compass directions as you point your phone to the sky
• Space weather in Finland showing the estimated probability of Aurora based on region
• Youtube live video from Utsjoki in Finnish Lapland provided by Aurora Holidays

Day 1: Start your Finland road-trip by driving along Route 970 to Utsjoki

Distance for the day: 250km

Our Finland road-trip will begin in Ivalo which is only 1.5 hours away via domestic flight from Helsinki . Ivalo Airport is the northernmost airport in Finland and serves as the gateway to northern Lapland . You can pick up your rental car at the booth near the exit after confirming paperwork with the staff. We will be driving through Inari and Karigasniemi , taking Route 970 to get to Utsjoki .

If you need a snack after the flight, I recommend dropping by any K-supermarket in Ivalo. We bought cooked salmon and potatoes to eat in the carpark and it was delicious! The next place you can stop at for lunch is Hotel Guossi in Karigasniemi. It is a small town at the foot of Mount Ailigas and also near the border of Norway and Finland. Next, we will proceed north for the amazing Route 970 drive.

Route 970 has been termed the most scenic route in Finland because of the beautiful valley views of the River Teno that run between Finland and Norway. This part of the trip is meant to be taken slowly, so go ahead and take many pictures along the way.

Hotel Utsjoki is one of the best hotels in the far north of Lapland for watching the Northern Lights. If the weather is right, you will be treated to the most spectacular aurora showing in the comfort of this cabin-igloo hybrid.

Check the latest deals and availability for Hotel Utsjoki on Booking.com.

Day 2: Detour to Vardo (Norway) for the Varanger National Tourist Route

Distance for the day: 200km

At this point we are so close to Norway that we might as well explore the wild coastal roads of northern Norway , all the way to the end of Europe. The landscape along the Varanger National Tourist Route evolves into rugged seascapes of the Barents Sea . The weather changes unpredictably the further north you go, and it made us feel like we were in a different world.

There are several viewpoints and historical sites along this route, such as the Steilneset Memorial which commemorates the witch trials held in Vardo in 1621. Vardo is one of the larger towns at the end of this route and you can choose to stay here for the night before making the drive back. Fun fact – the first subsea tunnel in Norway was built to link Vardo island to continental Norway, and you will get to drive through this. Another highlight in Vardo is the Drakkar , a cool art project installation done by Russian students in 2016.

There are only a handful of accommodation options in this small town. Meieriet Hotel is run by an elderly couple and they made us feel very welcome. Although it was a cold and rainy evening, we felt warm and comfortable inside. Be sure to try their Norwegian Bacalao dish which is made using dried salted cod. Do note that you need to climb a flight of stairs to get to your room.

Check the latest deals and availability for Meieriet Hotel on Booking.com.

Day 3: Drive back to Nourgam for cottage stay

Next, we drive back to Nourgam to explore the fells, lakes, and even do some short hikes. Nourgam is an eastern part of the Utsjoki region, and I recommend staying in a cottage with a balcony or porch facing the river. It will be a great place to relax with some hot drinks as you watch the sunset. If weather permits, a Northern Lights display over the river would be magical.

The Arctic Aurora Borealis Cottage is in such a lovely location overlooking the river and the opposite hills. We loved staying here during autumn as we could see fall foliage all around the cottage.

It was a huge cabin with a loft overlooking the river view. If you’re coming with a group, this place is perfect for hanging out. There’s a fully equipped kitchen as well so you can make dinner and coffee on your own.

The best part is, it didn’t cost a bomb and was just value for money. We felt safe here and really enjoyed the secluded location.

Check the latest deals and availability for Arctic Aurora Borealis Cottage on Booking.com.

Day 4: Drive to Saariselka for Glass Igloo stay

Distance for the day: 240km

As you drive back to Utsjoki you can explore the historical church huts which were owned by Sami families in the 18th century. Our next stop is Saariselka , a resort village that serves as the starting point for many trails in Urho Kekkonen National Park .

Staying at Star Arctic Hotel was one of our highlights because it was at the top of the Kaunispaa Fell , offering amazing sunset and night sky views. It is also very popular in winter because of its proximity to the top of the ski slope. The Aurora cabins are facing North and away from the town center, such that light pollution is minimised for better Northern Lights viewing experience.

Dining in the resort’s restaurant, Kaunis, was also a treat as we basked in the sunset glow while enjoying fresh trout and reindeer steak. You can book the private sauna for 2 pax at 15 EUR, which includes shower and toilet amenities. It is very relaxing because they will pre-heat the sauna for you, and all you need to do is bring a change of clothes.

Check the latest deals and availability for Star Arctic Hotel on Booking.com.

It was about 8:30pm when the sun had set and there appeared to be fuzzy green clouds in the sky. Merrick’s iPhone 13 managed to capture the Northern Lights through a long exposure photo so we knew that our eyes were not playing tricks on us. We rushed to get our camera gear out to start shooting because we were so nervous that they will be gone soon.

Thankfully the Northern Lights became even more dramatic for the next 2-3 hours as the sky got darker. We stood outside our room for a long time trying to photograph and admire the lights. Eventually we retreated to the room for some hot tea before lying down on the bed to look at the stars and Northern Lights. This was the day I believed that Northern Lights were real.

Day 5: Explore Husky Farm and Urho Kekkonen National Park

Saariselka also offers husky and reindeer farm visits, and either your hotel or another vendor like Lapland Safari can help you to arrange them. You can either book the activities online, or simply call them to make arrangements and go to the office for payment at least 1 day beforehand. There aren’t many guides working during autumn, so it’s better to make bookings in advance. During our husky farm visit they showed us how they train the dogs for the winter sled-pulling season. We also enjoyed the chance to walk one of the huskies around the kennel.

The top of Kaunispaa Fell offers a beautiful panoramic view of Saariselka. In fact, many drive up here to watch the sunset and the Northern Lights because of its elevation. You can also try the amazing salmon soup at Kaunispaan Huippu Oy , a popular rest stop for food and souvenirs.

Urho Kekkonen National Park is a great place for hiking and mountain biking over the fell. There are many well-marked trails that you can explore on a day hike from Saariselka, with varying levels of difficulty.

The trails in Urho Kekkonen National Park are divided into “Out onto the Fell” which are easy and theme-based, and “Out into the Wilderness” which are more demanding. Here are some themed hiking trails that start and end in Saariselka suitable for a day hike:

• Aurorapolku: 2.1km (1hr, map )
• Iisakkipaa: 3km or 7km (2-5hr, map )
• Rumakuru: 14km (4-5hr, map )
• Prospektori: 7.4km or 9km (3-4hr, map )

The themed trails are marked with signposts with their own logo symbols, so just follow those to avoid veering off onto wilderness trails. If you are interested in the wilderness trails, you can follow any of the brown-coloured trails on this map’s terrain. There is public parking space near the Saariselka starting point so you can drive there to start your hike.

Day 6: Drive to Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village

On your way back to Rovaniemi you will pass through Tankavaara , which is another starting point for other trails in Urho Kekkonen National Park. There is a short 1km trail called Urpiaislenkki where you can take a chill walk and try berry picking. The morning air is crisp and it’s nice to be out in nature again. You can even visit the museum at Tankavaara Gold Village , or attend a gold panning workshop.

If you get tired during the drive, there are several summer cafes along the way that are situated beside lakes or reservoirs. You can take a coffee break and buy pancakes at places like Zippi & Suhaus and Cafe Harriana . These cafes seem to be closed from October onwards as the season changes.

Most people visit Santa Claus Village when they visit Rovaniemi just because its Finland’s trademark. It is located on the border of the Arctic Circle and many like to take photos of themselves crossing this line.

Another fun thing to do is to send a postcard mail from the Santa Claus’ Main Post Office for someone to receive during Christmas. It is a stone’s throw away from the airport and city, and you might get decent hotel rates in the Santa Claus Holiday Village given the off-peak period.

There are some nice lakes and trails to explore within 10-20 minutes drive, and you can even start scouting out locations for Northern Lights viewing. That’s the fun part about going on your own Finland road-trip!

Check the latest deals and availability for Santa Claus Holiday Village on Booking.com.

Here are more of my recommendations for where to stay in Rovaniemi .

Day 7: Rovaniemi city tour

There are a few popular attractions in Rovaniemi that you should visit:

• Arktikum Science Centre and Museum – focusing on Arctic issues and the history/culture of Lapland
• Korundi House of Culture – contemporary art exhibitions
• Science Centre Pilke – exploration of northern forests and the use of wood

They are all walking distance from each other, and you can purchase the Culture Pass to get access to all three museums. This is a multi-entry ticket valid for 7 days. My personal favourite is the Arktikum because of the stunning architecture and the informative exhibitions about Lapland’s way of life in the early days.

If you want to have dinner in the more popular restaurants like Nili Restaurant or Gustav , it is the norm to make a reservation beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Northern Lights in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi has higher light pollution compared to smaller towns like Saariselka, so it’s a good idea to seek out dark sites to watch the Northern Lights. The popular places are Norvajarvi and Olkkajarvi lakes which are just 10km away from the Santa Claus Village.

We stopped by Norvajarvi in the evening to enjoy golden hour and noticed that the sky looked clear. It was really beautiful and we knew it would be a great place for Northern Lights as it was far from the main road and its street lights.

When we returned to this spot at close to 10pm there were already 3 groups of people there. Some of them were locals, and some were people from a Northern Lights chasing tour group. We knew we struck the jackpot with the location scouting. We saw some Northern Lights but the clouds were threatening to cover up the ones over the lake.

After some time, we turned our eyes to look north and saw a vertical streak of Northern Lights dancing over the trees. It was very majestic and of course everyone wanted a photo with it. We finally managed to get this shot of us which also captures how beautiful the Northern Lights were against the starry sky. We spent almost 3 hours out there and finally left after midnight. What a nice way to conclude this Finland road-trip.

Day 8: End of Finland road-trip, back to Helsinki

Finally it’s time for the flight back from Rovaniemi to Helsinki . The rental car return process was simply a key drop at the airport with no one at the counter. If you encounter any issues, such as being unable to find the rental car park location, you can call the hotline and they will assist you.

I hope this DIY Finland road-trip guide can help you plan your next scenic getaway. It was really nice to enjoy the small things like wild berry picking and watching the sunset over the river. The Northern Lights were definitely the highlight of our trip, and I wish you all the best in your Lapland adventure. Remember to bring your camera!

If you find this post useful, save it for later by pinning the images below.

Do you want some help planning your next trip? Let’s plan it together !

Read more: Top 10 Road Trip Essentials How To Take Great Photos Of Yourself Hiking

Janice, a California-based travel writer from Singapore, discovered her love for hiking and camping during her studies in Los Angeles. Through her blog, she now shares detailed itineraries for adventures in California, Asia, and beyond. She also talks about gear recommendations and tips for beginners, hoping to inspire them to explore the great outdoors with confidence.

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Matthew Pang

Hi Janice, understand that you did your “DIY Finland Road” in autumn but I would like to know from you on whether your this itinerary applicable during the month of Dec (winter)? Especially on the self drive portion on the road!!

Hi Matthew, I think driving in winter might be challenging if you’re not a local because it’s common for google maps to not account for road changes/reroutes because of the snow. There are a lot of winter activities you can still DIY though – let me know if you’re interested in some of them e.g. husky sleds or reindeer rides. Drop me an email at [email protected] and I’ll share the links with you

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North Lapland roadtrip

Memorable north lapland road trip.

The Northernmost road trip in familiarizes travelers to authentic Lappish villages and incredible nature with warm-hearted services all around the region. Road trip starts from Tankavaara and travels to Saariselkä following the road through Ivalo towards Inari and Utsjoki area to the northernmost place in Finland, Nuorgam village.

During your trip you can also head towards west to Lemmenjoki or Karigasniemi. Do visit Sevettijärvi and Näätämö when heading towards North from Inari. While the regulations with border control allow it you can actually do the road trip as a round trip from Nuorgam to Näätämö by crossing the border to Norway and traveling alongside the Arctic Ocean and dip your toes to the sea.

Vesku the Reindeer recommends!

“Stumbling upon the magic of a road trip was a total game-changer for me! Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time traveler in Lapland summer, hitting the road is an absolute must-try. It’s not just a journey; it’s an adventure that pushes boundaries, unlocks hidden gems, and leaves you with a sense of freedom. Get ready to roll, break free from the ordinary, and let the open road redefine your limits. Trust me, you won’t just go on a trip – you’ll create memories that last a lifetime!” Vesku the Reindeer

Below you can see an example of how to travel the road trip:

• Visit Gold Museum in Tankavaara
• Spend 2 nights in Saariselkä. See accommodation selection>
• Unforgettable experiences in Saariselkä, Summer activities > Winter acitivities >
• Spend 2 nights in Inari See accommodation selection >
• Enjoy dinner in the restaurant of the year 2020 in Aanaar> , Inari
• Visit Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida in Inari
• Take Lake Inari cruise, book here >
• Take a river boat cruise at Lemmenjoki, book your cruise here>
• Spend a night in Utsjoki See accommodation selection >
• Experience activities on River Teno in Utsjoki See activities >
• Spend a night in Nuorgam See accommodation selection >
• Unforgettable experiences in Nuorgam See activities >
• Book rental gear for your trip here >

Start your journey in the middle of Gold culture in Tankavaara

Begin your trip by visiting the worlds only Gold Museum to get to know the areas gold culture and shimmering gold history. On your way to Saariselkä do you notice the spruce forest turn to pine forest? You have reached the northern spruce border.

Saariselkä the northernmost all inclusive outdoor resort in Europe

From Tankavaara continue your journey towards Saariselkä. Visit National Park of Urho Kekkonen by hiking or biking. Vast route selection takes you quickly to wilderness and among the fells and valleys. Right next to the village Aurora trail is located and takes you to Aurora hut where magnificent landscape opens to the National Park in front of you. This route gives opportunity for the whole family to easily enjoy nature as the Aurora trail is very easy to access and walk on.

News channel CNN declared Lake Inari as one of the most beautiful places in Europe: “Year-round paradise!” You can enjoy Lake Inari by strolling around the shores or by lake cruise that takes you to see historical sights on Lake Inari. Inari is the centre of Sámi culture in Finland and travelers are able to find activities and experiences for every single day!

From Inari to Utsjoki

Head towards North from Inari. The road cleaves a wilderness area past the Strict Nature reserve of Kevo arriving to Utsjoki in river valley of Teno.

In Utsjoki you can climb on top of Ailigas fell to see over border of Finland to Norway or you can rent a SUP board and paddle around Teno river which is known for fishing possibilities. You can see this by looking along the shores of the river as there are multiple wooden boats and fisherman’s cabins here and there.

From Utsjoki to Nuorgam

From Utsjoki the journey continues along river Teno towards the Northernmost village in EU, Nuorgam. You can reach highland fells by driving Lake Pulmankijärvi road. Experiences and activities the area provides with guides or on your own. Did you know that Pulmankijärvi lake is an old fjord of Arctic Ocean?

Näätämö-Sevettijärvi

You are able to travel from Nuorgam to Näätämö throughout coastline of Norway or take a turn to Sevettijärvi when driving towards North from Inari. Näätämö is a small village on the border surrounded by untouched nature and wilderness. Näätämö is a dream destination for activities like fishing with equal fishing services.

From Norway you will enter Näätämö first and then carry on towards Sevettijärvi which has a strong skolt sámi and orthodox culture present in everyday life and services offered in the village. From Sevettijärvi your journey continues towards Kaamanen and back to Inari.

Explore multiple destinations

From Lake Inari you can travel towards Ivalo and Saariselkä. Get to know the lively villages of the area with interesting sights along the way. In Lapland North region you will experience magic of the fells, be enchanted by the gold culture and touch the arctic culture. In Northern Lapland the Sámi and local people await for you along with remarkable sights in nature and culture.

Surrounded by National Parks and wilderness areas

Lapland North region has two of the biggest national parks in Finland, Strict Nature Reserve of Kevo, 6 wilderness areas and Inari hiking area. In Saariselkä alone there are 200 kilometers of marked routes to be explored. Get to know national parks and nature sights during your road trip in Northernmost Lapland.

Accommodation for every budget

Lapland North region offers just the right accommodation option for you no matter if you want to enjoy quiet surrounded by nature or stay close to all the services. In addition to high end cabin lodges and hotels there are plenty of options to choose from according to your taste and budget. Camping and caravan areas are available as well as wilderness cabins. You can also stay in an exotic igloo hotel and enjoy the Northern lights dance above your bed.

Camping and caravan areas in Lapland North region

Staying at a camping area offers you a great possibility to eperience the North Lapland road trip at your own pace. Explore in Saariselkä, stop at Ivalo river for a beach day, make a stop at Lemmenjoki in the biggest national park of Finland and carry on your trip through Kaamanen to the mighty river Teno.

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Get to know all 9 destinations

Get to know the lively villages in Lapland North region. You will experience fell magic, be enchanted by gold culture and touch the arctic local life. Here the authentic Lapland awaits you.

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Getting here and around, how to get here.

Inari-Saariselkä is far away in the North, yet just a few hours from Southern Finland. You can get to Lapland with multiple ways, and often the trip is an experience in itself.

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How to get around.

When travelling through the arctic hills, you must remember that distances are quite often long. Be sure to enjoy the views while making your way from a destination to another.

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Home » Blog » The Ultimate Northern Lights Road Trip Itinerary: Finland, Sweden and Norway

The Ultimate Northern Lights Road Trip Itinerary: Finland, Sweden and Norway

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We just got back from an incredible 16 day road trip through Lapland where we managed to see the Aurora Borealis for 12/16 days! Our ultimate northern lights road trip itinerary took us through the incredible fiords and mountains of Norway to the lush winter wonderlands of Lapland.

There is truly nothing that prepares you for seeing the aurora dance above your head for the first time. You cannot compare this experience to anything else in nature, and we want to help you plan the perfect Northern Lights trip so you can also witness this once in a lifetime phenomenon.

This blog will go over exactly when and where to see the aurora borealis, the best spots in Norway , Sweden, and Finland to see the northern lights, as well as go over a full northern lights road trip itinerary so you can replicate our exact trip yourself! 

How to Plan a Northern Lights Road Trip

I planned this exact itinerary by using a mix of our prior knowledge from our first trip to Rovaniemi , local guide recommendations, Aurora live camera locations, and lots of additional research. We’ll go over everything you need to know about planning your Northern Lights road trip out here.

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Lapland  

The aurora borealis comes out in Norway, Finland, and Sweden from September-April. This is when the nights are darkest and longest. However, in our opinion, the best months to see the Northern Lights are March, September, and October. 

This is because the temperatures are still warmer where you are not freezing while aurora hunting, there is a lower likelihood of clouds blocking your view, and March & September have the equinoxes, which can increase your chances of seeing stronger auroral activity. 

When we had previously gone to Rovaniemi in January 2023 for a full week, we did not see the lights a single time because it was so snowy and 99% cloud coverage. Whereas when we went in March, we saw them almost every single night. 

How long should I plan on visiting Lapland? 

If you are serious about seeing the best aurora borealis possible, we’d recommend giving yourself two weeks to complete this road trip itinerary. However, if you’re strapped on PTO or time, give yourself a minimum of one week and you can simply break this itinerary into smaller, more regional sections such as just the Lofoten Islands or just a road trip around Northern Finland. 

Which airport should I fly into for a Northern Lights Road Trip?

You have a few options depending on your budget and where you are flying from! For us, personally, we have explored Lapland both times by flying round trip from Rovaniemi, Finland (RVN) via Finnair. We typically have to connect in Helsinki, Finland because RVN is a pretty small regional airport. Typically, we’ve seen flight prices to RVN from Los Angeles (where we fly from) to be the cheapest option when compared to other options in the area.

Other Airports You Can Fly Into:

• Tromso, Norway (TOS)
• Ivalo, Finland (IVL)
• Kittilä, Finland (KTT)
• Svolvaer Helle, Norway (SVJ)

We’d recommend setting flight trackers on Google Flights and Skyscanner to track the cheapest flights. Additionally, sign up for Thrifty Traveler Premium , which is a subscription service that will send you cheap flight drop notifications if the fare drops at any point as well as Points & Miles deals! Our readers can use the exclusive code PASSPORT10 to save $10 off your membership (it’s saved us thousands of dollars)!

Driving Around Lapland

We have rented a car both times from Hertz at the Rovaniemi Airport we visited Lapland, and would definitely recommend doing this if you’re planning to follow this Northern Lights Road Trip Itinerary. Keep in mind, you need to call or email them in advance asking for the ability to cross borders in Sweden and Norway in your rental vehicle (it’s allowed, but just incurs a small fee).

Fair warning, there is a LOT of driving involved if you’re planning on doing this whole thing. If you don’t have a ton of time or don’t like driving, we’d recommend splitting this itinerary up into smaller pieces to make it more manageable for your time and preferences!

Don’t be too worried about driving in the snow during winter out here! The roads are super maintained and the cars often have snow tires on them.

What to Pack for a Winter Trip to Lapland

When packing for this arctic adventure, prioritize thermal clothing to insulate against the cold; think layers such as thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and a waterproof winter coat. Essential accessories include a warm beanie or earmuffs, gloves, rechargeable hand warmers, and a scarf.

Good footwear is crucial, so opt for insulated, waterproof boots to navigate the snow more comfortably. My personal favorite boots are from Fubuki Boots (for casual wear) and from Wolverine Boots (for hiking). If you are opting to head out and snowshoe at all, make sure to pack a headlamp, snowshoes and/or microspikes , and your hiking 10 essentials with a backpack. However, if you don’t want to pack snowshoes, you can always rent them as well as ice axe’s when you arrive.

If you’re a photographer, don’t forget to pack extra batteries, as the cold can drain them quickly. Lastly, a high-quality camera with manual settings is a must to capture the ethereal beauty of the auroras, along with a tripod to stabilize your shots in low light conditions. You can find all of our top photography recommendations for this trip here .

What Causes the Aurora? 

The Northern Lights are caused by solar wind interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. Increased solar activity, such as solar flares and sunspots, can lead to stronger and more frequent auroras. 

The intensity and occurrence of auroral displays are influenced by the activity of the Sun. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (aka CME) can dramatically increase the intensity of the solar wind, leading to more spectacular aurora displays, which can sometimes be seen at lower latitudes than usual.

The different colors of the aurora are determined by the type of gas molecules involved and the altitude at which the interactions occur. Oxygen molecules high in the atmosphere (above 150 miles) can emit rare, red auroras. More common are the green lights, which occur when charged particles collide with oxygen at lower altitudes (between 60 and 150 miles). Nitrogen molecules can produce blue or purplish-red auroras.

What are the chances of seeing aurora borealis?

There are 5 main factors that are going to affect your chances of seeing the Northern Lights while out on this road trip: 

• Clouds & Visibility: If you have fully cloudy skies, you won’t have aurora. We used the app Windy to track cloud coverage throughout our entire trip. You want to find a location near you that has clear visibility. Sometimes, making a simple 1-2 hour drive away from your location can get you out of the clouds and allow you to see the aurora so it’s important to consistently check conditions! 
• KP Index: The Kp index measures geomagnetic disturbances. A higher Kp index (4 and above) often indicates better chances of seeing the Northern Lights. However, since this aurora road trip itinerary keeps you above the Arctic Circle for the whole trip, you shouldn’t worry about KP Index as much. When you are above the Arctic Circle, you really only need a KP 1 or 2 in order to see them as you are located within the Auroral Oval, which is the area with the highest probability of auroral activity. KP plays much more of a factor if you are trying to see them further south. 
• Solar Wind Data : Real-time data on solar wind speed and the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) can be indicative of aurora. Higher solar wind speeds and a southward IMF (Bz component) can enhance auroral activity.
• Light Pollution: Avoid light pollution by moving away from city lights. The darker the location, the better the visibility of the auroras.
• Time of Day: The best time to watch the Northern Lights is typically between 9 PM and 2 AM local time, although they can appear at any time during dark hours.

Resources to Help with Your Aurora Hunting

Apps to Download 

• My Aurora: Best free overall Aurora app that was 100% accurate every time we saw the Northern Lights on our road trip.
• Meteo Agent: Gives a great hour by hour overview of what the KP Index will be like in your location.
• Windy : The best weather app for tracking the cloud forecast hour by hour.
• Space Weather Live : The best app to track solar storms and potential Aurora spikes when it comes to geomagnetic activity.

Now that you know what affects the aurora and how to properly track it for your road trip, we can get into planning your trip itinerary! 

Best Northern Lights Itinerary Around Finland, Sweden, and Norway

Stop #1: rovaniemi, finland.

Begin your aurora road trip in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Located right on the Arctic Circle, it’s an ideal spot for Northern Lights viewing. It is also one of the easiest airports to get to in terms of logistics from the USA, which is why we have home based in Rovaniemi both trips we’ve been out to Lapland. Make sure to check out the home of Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village; yes, even though it’s touristy, it’s worth checking out. There’s a ton of winter activities around the town like dog sledding, snowmobiles, ice karting, and more!

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

• Apukka Resort
• Arctic Treehouse Hotel
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

Stop #2: Kiruna, Sweden

Kiruna is more of a low key, hidden gem of a destination for aurora hunting. It was great because it felt much less crowded than the other destinations along this route and it was equally as magical. Plus, there’s little to no light polution in Kiruna so it was very easy to see the Northern Lights each night we were there, even from our hotel. The best things to do here are to go Husky Sledding or Snow Mobiling, or head into Abisko and visit some of the frozen waterfalls. You’ll definitely also want to check out the world’s first Ice Hotel, which is a short drive away from the city.

Where to Stay Near Kiruna

• Máttaráhkká Northern Light Lodge

Stop #3: Abisko, Sweden

After Kiruna, continue on to Abisko, which is about an hour’s drive away. Abisko is renowned for having some of the clearest skies in Sweden due to its unique microclimate. The Aurora Sky Station offers a phenomenal viewing experience atop Mount Nuolja. It does cost money and book out in advance, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to take part in that experience while Aurora hunting!

We decided, instead, to head out to the Lake Tornetrask Pier to chase the northern lights and got incredibly lucky with the show out there! Abisko, like Kiruna, has little light pollution, so it was jaw dropping to watch the Aurora dance above us.

Between Kiruna & Abisko, we spent 2 nights and 3 days exploring this area, but if you’re short on time, you could defintely just pop in for one night. In that case, we’d recommend basing yourself in Abisko over Kiruna.

Pro Tip: Even if the weather says it’s cloudy here, it might still be clear due to the unique weather, so it’s worth a shot of still chasing Auroras in that case! The nice thing is there is a live camera to check in real time!

Where to Stay Near Abisko

• Abisko Mountain Lodge
• STF Abisko Turistation
• Abisko Guesthouse and Activities

Stop #4: Lofoten Islands, Norway 

Now it’s time to leave Sweden behind and cross over into Norway to the stunning Lofoten Islands. This area was definitely our favorite place of the whole road trip itinerary! The Lofoten archipelago provides a dramatic backdrop of jagged peaks and fjords for your Northern Lights photography. And, by day, there are tons of quaint fishing villages and rugged coastal scenery to explore.

We spent the most amount of time here during our trip because Lofoten offered a ton of day time activities on top of great aurora hunting. During our 5 Days here, we did a ton of hiking and snowshoeing, went kayaking into some of the fjords, and went on a quest for the best cinnamon bun. Our favorite coastal villages were Reine, Sakrisoy, Ballstad, and Hamnoy. Keep an eye out for our full Lofoten Islands Winter Guide coming soon!

Where to Stay Near Lofoten Islands

• Hattvika Lodge , Ballstad (*Where We Stayed)
• Catogarden , Reine (*Where We Stayed)
• Sakrisøy Rorbuer , Reine
• Eliassen Rorbu , Hamnoy
• Lofoten Cabins , Kåkern

Stop #5: Tromso & Lyngen Alps, Norway

Next up, you’re driving quite a bit to get up to the northernmost part of Norway. Enjoy the incredibly epic views along the way as you drive the fjords to get up to Tromso and the Lyngen Alps.

If you like backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, you will absolutely love this area. This region probably had the best settings for aurora in that it has zero light pollution. Our hotel, Lyngen North , also had an incredible alert system that would turn off the lights if the Aurora would go off, and it would turn on a signal in the lobby to let you know the Aurora was out so that was super cool.

Stop #6: Ivalo, Finland 

Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Norway, but you’re heading into our favorite area of Finland! Ivalo has so much to do in the area as well as great Northern Lights hunting. During the day, head out on a snowmobile, a sledding tour, or try ice karting. Or, you can head to the nearby ski resort of Saariselkä for some skiing or snowboarding. We were able to do all of this at our lovely resort, Aur o ra Village Ivalo .

At night, if you’re feeling ambitious you can try an authentic Finnish sauna experience next to a frozen lake before or after you go aurora hunting.

Stop #7: Levi, Finland 

Levi is a great area to see the Northern Lights in Finland. Our favorite spots in the area to see them were up on the side of Restaurant Tuikku’s, and on the lake. Some other great aurora spots in Levi include Kätkä fell, Cafe Panorama Laavu, Levijärvi, Sirkkajärvi, and the Korkeaniemi lean-to (laavu). Immeljärvi.

When you’re not out aurora hunting, Levi is home to Finland’s largest ski resort, featuring 43 slopes and 27 ski lifts. So if you like skiing and snowboarding, you might want to add on some time here! You can also try skiing to the famous Santa Claus Cabin! If you’re traveling with your family, you might enjoy checking out Tonttula as well, which is the elves village near Levi.

We decided to stay at the Arctic Skylight Lodge in a neighboring town over from Levi, however, there are plenty of more local aurora glass igloo options in Levi proper as well.

Stop #8: Rovaniemi, Finland

Now, you simply have to make your way back to the Rovaniemi Airport, and that’s it for your epic aurora hunting road trip through Finland, Sweden, and Norway! We hope you have the most amazing trip. Let us know below if you’re planning on chasing the lights in the 2024-2025 season! And, if you want more Aurora Hunting tips, make sure to check out the Best Northern Lights Igloos in Finland !

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Find The Best Road Trips Around The world!

Finland Road Trip Itinerary – Santa Clause, Reindeer, Sauna & Mosquitos!

Table of Contents

Finland Road Trip Itinerary – Santa Clause, Reindeer, Sauna & Mosquitos!

I finally did it! I had reached the most northern part in Europe and the North Cape was totally worth the extra kilometers Louie and I had to drive to get to the famous cliff. The northern part of Norway had been an absolute pleasure. It was time for my  Finland Road Trip Itinerary!

Let’s go!

With my adventure on the Lofoten Islands and a visit to “The Globe” statue at the North Cape, my journey through the land of  Fjords had ended. I had to drive into a southern direction and about 200 km down the road was the border of Finland.

Finland; the land of Santa Clause, reindeer, sauna’s and mosquitos! I was excited was for this one. Oh yes, and slowly but surely I would experience nighttime again as I had not seen darkness for the last 3 weeks due to the midnight sun!

Finland Road Trip – What Route Should You Take?

On this Finland Road Trip, I came down from the North Cape. I passed the following cities: Rovaniemi, Oulu, Lahti and Helsinki. The distance was almost 1,500 Km with a total driving time of 20 hours.

Planning a trip to Finland is not that difficult. Everybody speaks very good English and all the roads and routes are of great quality. I was wondering though;

Would Finland be an interesting place to visit during the summer?

Best Time to Visit Finland

Whilst driving from the North Cape to Rovaniemi I started to notice something was off. I was thinking, “Wow, these road are really quiet. Where is everybody?” . Shops were closed, most large supermarkets were not open and it just seemed like a scene from “The Walking Dead”.

I did not think about it too much until I arrived in Rovaniemi and started talking to some local people.

Son, it is midsummer Finland holiday. All people from Finland move to the mountains and countryside to celebrate a holiday week. There will be nothing to do for you.

Great, just my luck! I drove all the way to Santa’s Village and hoping to visit some Husky Sledding and now it was a holiday week.

I found out that during the summer the best time to visit Finland is during the July/August period and during the winter from October to December and February to March. 

When traveling in the winter makes sure your car is suitable for driving in Finland in winter. This means checking your tires and type of car and of course the weather forecasts.

Places to Visit in Finland

There are a lot of beautiful cites in Finland, but the country is also known for its stunning wildlife and nature reserves. Let me show you!

Things to do in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi santa village.

When Santa Claus declared Rovaniemi as his hometown, he told how his home at Ear Mountain (Korvatunturi) was revealed at the beginning of the last century and how this closely guarded secret spread the world over. In order to retain the privacy of his secret location, the Elf folk decided to built a place where Santa could meet people from near and far at the Northern Arctic Circle.

Santa Claus spends his time at the Santa Claus Village every day of the year to take care of his mission in life; to enhance the wellbeing of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spreading the message love and goodwill of Christmas Spirit throughout the globe. Rovaniemi is The Official Home of Santa Claus.

Kakslauttanen – Igloo Hotel

Surrounded by nature, this Arctic Resort is located in the Saariselkä Fell region of Finnish Lapland. The property offers igloo hotelrooms and traditional wood chalets and has the world’s largest smoke sauna. Free WiFi and free parking are available.

The thermal glass igloos feature a bedroom with a glass roof and luxury beds. Some igloos include a bathroom with sauna, while others have shared shower facilities.

The chalets feature cooking facilities, a seating area and fireplace. A private sauna is also included. And of course, once you are there you must book a northern light tour !

Ps. – If you are interested to visit Rovaniemi during autumn, please check out this amazing blog post .

Things to do in Helsinki

And sure thing, all the way up to Helsinki it was like visiting ghost town after ghost town. Rovaniemi was known for Santa Village and the beautiful Iglo chalets, but due to the summer period these were also closed. I decided to drive quickly to Helsinki as I was sure that the capital of Finland would have more energy and things to do.

Once I arrived in Helsinki I was happy to see that the hostel I was staying at was full. What I found out later was that it was full of people who made the same mistake as I did!

From this moment, it became a funny subject as all the foreign hostel guest were explaining their first encounter with the news when they arrived in Finland.

We decided to make our own party and for 3 days we visited a quiet down-town Helsinki and saw some impressive architecture and city parks.

It is a beautiful and large city where you can visit a wide variety of museums, but also max out your credit card with all the large clothing and electronic brands available. And yes, these were open during the holidays!

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Our top 10 road trips in Scandinavia and Finland

Against the backdrop of COVID-19, road trips are one of the best ways to keep travelling. Explore our top 10 road trip suggestions for our region.

If you’re planning on travelling in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, road trips are the safest, most controlled way to do so due to the fact that you won’t be sharing a space with an undefined number of strangers. Road trips are also a fantastic option due to the fact that you see a more authentic side of any destination. Driving through the countryside allows you to see more up-close what life looks like in the quiet heart of a country, away from the trendy, fashionable capital cities.

However, despite the image of freedom and the open road, road trips actually take a significant amount of planning, particularly if you’re travelling for several days and cover hundreds of kilometres. With this in mind, we have taken the need for planning out of the equation by listing our top 10 road trip packages and itineraries in Scandinavia and Finland. Note that most of our accommodation options are charming, hand-picked boutique hotels and lodges instead of major chain hotels.

Roadtrip 1: Oslo to Bergen in Norway

The 6-day Oslo to Bergen road trip itinerary is a classic route that combines beautiful accommodation with spectacular views of Norwegian fjords, mountains and valleys. Enjoy historical hotels and fresh local produce.

Roadtrip 2: Norway by Design and History with Juvet Design Hotel

Norway by Design and History with Juvet is a 9-day premium option that combines romantic manors and hotels steeped in history and design with some of Norway's most spectacular and scenic areas. Drive the dramatic hairpin bends of the Troll Road and visit Sognefjord, Norway's longest fjord.

Day 1: Bergen Day 2: Fjærland - drive around Lusterfjord Day 3: Briksdals Glacier and Ålesund Day 4: Explore Ålesund and drive to Juvet Day 5: Visit the Geirangerfjord Day 6: Troll Road and Atlantic Road Day 7: Håholmen - Deep sea fishing or ocean walks Day 8: Trondheim – marvel at the Nidaros Cathedral Day 9: Departure day![Atlantic Hwy Norway ]

Roadtrip 3: Tromsø, Senja & Lofoten in Norway

The 8-day Tromsø, Senja & Lofoten itinerary is one of our all-time favourites. The drive from Tromsø via Sommarøy and Senja to Å in Lofoten is one of the most spectacular ones in the world, each bend revealing another majestic fjord, quaint village, white sandy beach or spectacular mountain peak.

Roadtrip 4: Log Cabins & Bears of Finland

The 8-day Log Cabins & Bears of Finland self-drive itinerary is something altogether different. Travelling along the eastern half of Finland, you have a unique chance to explore five different national parks and even see brown bears in the wild!

Roadtrip 5: Green Forests & Blue Lakes, Finland

The 9-day itinerary Green Forests & Blue Lakes takes you away from Helsinki and into the heart of the Finnish lake district. That is truly saying something considering that Finland has over 188,000 lakes . This is a beautiful, scenic, and serene road trip along the lakes, forests and rolling hills of eastern Finland.

Day 1: Helsinki to Lappeenranta - old towns, intriguing architecture and beautiful gardens Day 2: Lappeenranta - fortress town by Lake Saimaa Day 3: Lappeenranta to Imatra - Stay at an Art Nouveau castle Day 4: Imatra to Joensuu – forests, ridges and lakes Day 5: Joensuu - visit Koli National Park Day 6: Joensuu to Valamo to Anttolanhovi – Monks, wine and food Day 7: Anttolanhovi – relax by the lake Day 8: Anttolanhovi – visit Mikkeli and Savonlinna Day 9: Anttolanhovi to Lahti to Helsinki – Lakes and ski jumps![Green Forests & Blue Lakes - self drive in Finland ]

Roadtrip 6: From the Sea to the Lakes, Finland

The 10-day itinerary From the Sea to the Lakes follows Finland’s south-western coastline before taking a turn towards the centre and completing the circle. Discover Finland’s cultural heritage by visiting many of its castles, fortresses, manor houses and other places of historical and cultural importance.

Roadtrip 7: Gothenburg to Stockholm in Sweden

The 5-day Gothenburg to Stockholm self-drive itinerary allows you to get a taste of the picturesque Swedish countryside. Stay in the romantic Bjertorp Slott, an elegant 100-year old Art Nouveau manor hotel and explore the lush green countryside nearby.

Roadtrip 8: Stockholm return, Sweden

The 6-day Stockholm return self-drive itinerary takes you to the lovely coastal villages and castles in the lush Swedish countryside. Explore the many lakes, forests, and nature trails at your own pace.

Roadtrip 9: Denmark's Viking Trail Tour

The 7-day Denmark's Viking Trail Tour explores the spiritual and historical home of the Vikings. Gain insights into the everyday life of the Vikings while driving through Denmark’s finest scenery.

Roadtrip 10: Journey through Lapland in Norway, Sweden and Finland

Lastly, the 8-day Journey through Lapland combines the northern Norway, Sweden and Finland – something very different to the drives down south. The midnight sun is even stronger this far up, you get a stronger sense of the indigenous Sami cultures in the north, and the landscape is more rugged, with a beauty very much its own.

Day 1: Tromsø to Kiruna Day 2: Enjoy the amazing Treehotel Day 3: Head to Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle Day 4: Rovaniemi's Santa village Day 5: Rovaniemi to Karasjok (the heartland of Norway’s Sami people) Day 6: Karasjok to Honningsvåg Day 7: North Cape - the northernmost point of Europe Day 8: North Cape to Tromsø

Norway & Finland Trip: 7 Stops to Add to Your Lapland Itinerary

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Excited to do a combined Norway Finland trip? I was too. Hubby and I enjoyed this scenic arctic itinerary in autumn. 

The red beach of Pallas, gentle fells of Kilpisjärvi, views of Muotkatakka, the roaming Rovjok waterfall, the lively city of Tromso, the fishing village of Sommaroy, and the glacier of Blåvatnet. 

If you’re an outdoor enthusiastic like us, you’re going to love this scenic arctic itinerary that features both Finland and Norway. 

This itinerary makes a wonderful summer or autumn trip. It will give you incredible scenery, attractions and plenty of exercises too. 

You’ll need to be in good physical health to do some of the activities in this itinerary. You’ll definitely need good hiking boots and hiking poles will be very helpful too. 

This itinerary is perfect to do with a friend, spouse, or as a small group. I wouldn’t recommend it to small children. So, jump in your rental car, fill up the tank, get ready for the destination of a lifetime, and add the places below to your vacation guide. 

Table of Contents

Norway & Finland trip: Tips & basic information

Rovaniemi in finland, the red beach and arctic fells of pallas, beautiful views from kilpisjärvi, the roaming rovjok waterfall, lively tromso in norway , sommaroy in norway, glacier of blåvatnet.

• You will be crossing the border between Norway and Finland so make sure to have all needed traveling documents to travel in both countries.
• Renting a car is usually cheaper in Finland. I recommend having some kind of navigation app or system in use. 
• If you take a ferry in Norway, the staff will take a picture of your license plate and send the invoice to you later. Our invoice arrived after 8 months and it was less than 15 euros. 

7 Scenic places to visit in northern Norway and Finland 

If you plan on heading towards the Arctic region this summer season and are an outdoor fan, here is a list of things everyone should add to their itineraries. 

The starting point of your journey might be driving or taking the train to Lapland or arriving by plane to Rovaniemi. 

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Rovaniemi is about at the Arctic circle and is one of Finland’s most popular tourist destinations, with awe-inspiring landmarks you have to see, the most important being the Santa Claus Village where you can visit Santa Claus every day.  

Not in the Christmas spirit? That’s okay; you can also enjoy some time on the water, white water rafting on the Arctic river, or go Canoeing under the midnight sun. I have a complete Rovaniemi guide for you but here are some of my favorite accommodation options when in town:  

Places to stay in Rovaniemi:

• Arctic Light Hotel
• Sokos Hotel Rovaniemi

You head north and after driving for three hours, you’ll get to our next stop in Pallas. Just a short stroll from the dirt road you’ll find the Red Beach of Pallas .

On the red beach, you’ll have lovely views to the fells. There’s also a camping place with a hut over campers, a fireplace, and an outhouse. These huts are something you’ll see across Finland in most national parks. They are a wonderful and free accommodation system for avid hikers. Very simple, but effective. 

You can either stay the night in a tent on the Red Beach, continue the road trip, or then spend the night in Lapland hotel Pallas . If you stay there, don’t miss the highest peak of the National park, Taivaskero, quite nearby. It’s the place where they lit the Olympic Flame for the Helsinki Olympic Games in 1952 and you’ll find a marking about this at the top. The climb requires that you are in good physical condition. 

Drive further until you reach Kilpisjärvi. This road is very beautiful and my favorite time of the day is to drive it when the sun is setting and the waters on the left are shimmering in the evening light. 

Our next destination is just next to the road: Muotkatakka

Before Kilpisjärvi, Muotkatakka is a great spot to stop and admire the views. It’s perfect if you are not into hiking because in Muotkatakka the ascend is quite small and the views are still wonderful. If you cannot do the arduous hike of Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi, this is definitely a must. You can find the exact location via this map link .

Kilpisjärvi is a village in the municipality of Enontekiö near the Norweigan border. Kilpisjarvi is the only alpine village in Finland and is famous for its lake and fells, which tourists seek out to hike and explore.

In Kilpisjärvi, you can take a boat cruise with the boat Malla to the world’s northernmost spot for three national boundaries. Take a stroll around the yellow cairn and you have been in Finland, Sweden, and Norway in seconds. 

My favorite place to stay in Kilpisjärvi is Arctic Land Adventure where you can get up close and personal with reindeer at this Sami reindeer ranch. There are also wonderful chalets in the village center. 

This is an amazing hidden gem just next to the road after you drive a short distance from the Finland-Norway border. There are clear brown signs to it. Definitely a must! If you want to go all the way down be prepared to do some proper climbing. There are no steps or no extra help for you.   

Tromsø is the 12th most populous municipality in Norway, where it is home to many islands and mountains with amazing views and natural beauty to explore, including Tromos Fjords, which are natural, steep inlets carved by glaciers.

If you are looking for a little adventure, take the Fjellheisen cable car 421 meters above sea level to a panorama, where dinner is served using all local ingredients, or take advantage of the city life here by stopping by local art galleries, the local Museums, and the Historical Sites. 

Sommaroy (aka Summer Island) is an island in Norway where that doesn’t set for 69 days during the summer, giving the area plenty of time to enjoy the land and water around them. 

Sommaroy is an old fishing village with white beaches, plenty of herring fishing, and beautiful scenery everywhere you look. Once you get to this little island, you can take a Sommaroy cruise, and do a little ice fishing. We had lovely time at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel which I warmly recommend. 

A car drive and ferry away, you can see an actual glacier. This is definitely a full-day hiking day. Come packed with snacks and water. Also swimming suit if you want to take a dip in the incredibly blue lake under the glacier.

There’s my list of seven wonderful arctic places to visit in Finland and Norway. 

All of these places offer amazing scenery you will never forget and make the perfect sporty vacation spot whether you’re going on a romantic getaway, a fun vacation, or flying solo to experience the adventure of a lifetime.  

Would you want to visit both Finland and Norway in one trip? Let me know in the comments below.

More travel guides about Finland? Here are some of my favorite places in Finland:

• Detailed Travel Guide to Ruka-Kuusamo
• 25 Fun Activities to Do in Tampere
• 100 Ideas to Do in Helsinki
• 11 Things to Do in Turku
• How to Travel Sustainably in Finland

About Varpu I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..

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Monday 1st of May 2023

Hei. I enjoy your blog! If you only do the drive - how many days should you allow? We are traveling with old folks :-)

Sunday 4th of December 2022

Please send me an itinerary for Finland and norway

Friday 9th of December 2022

Hei Salim, thanks for your comment! Based on our experiences, I think this 7 stop route is a great option to use as the base of your trip. Have the best time!

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The Ultimate 7 Day Finland Itinerary for Winter

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 22 Comments

If you’re looking for the perfect winter wonderland destination, look no further than Finland.

We’ve had some incredible trips to Finland in winter. It was the first place I saw the Northern Lights , the snowy landscapes are spectacular, and there are loads of fantastic winter activities to choose from.

Finland is a fairly big country though, so you might be wondering how best to spend your time here when visiting in winter. Well, wonder no more. With our detailed 1 week Finland itinerary we’ve got you covered.

This itinerary will have you visiting many of the highlights of Finland, including Finnish Lapland and the capital city of Helsinki. It will take you deep into the Arctic Circle, give you the chance to sleep in a glass igloo, and even have you meeting Santa himself.

We’ve also put this itinerary together to offer you flexible transport options. Whilst we generally prefer to hire a car and self-drive, we appreciate not everyone will be comfortable driving in Finland in winter. So this itinerary can be done with or without a car.

In terms of time, we’ve put this guide together for around a week in Finland. We think this is a good length of time to visit Finland in winter.

Of course, you can visit for as long or short a time as you want, but if you are hoping to experience phenomenon like the Northern Lights, giving yourself a bit of extra time will significantly increase the chances of experiencing them.

Ok, that’s enough preamble. Let’s take a look at our detailed day by day itinerary for visiting Finland in winter.

Finland Itinerary for Winter

This itinerary covers a range of activities and sights in Finland. Obviously everyone’s interests will vary, so do please adjust it to suit your personal preferences.

Also, don’t forget that it can be very cold in Finland in winter, with temperatures likely to be well below freezing throughout your visit. We have a detailed guide to what to pack for Finland in winter , which we recommend taking a look at so you are prepared for your trip.

Day 1: Helsinki

We recommend that you spend your first couple of days in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. There’s a huge amount to do in the city, which has a great many museums, restaurants, a historical sea fortress, and other attractions.

On your first day in Helsinki, we’d suggest getting acquainted with the city center and visiting some of the attractions. The city center of Helsinki is fairly compact, and you can get pretty much anywhere with public transportation and walking.

A great starting point is the Helsinki City Museum . Here, you will learn all about the history and development of the city. It’s free, and open every day.

Just near to the city museum is Helsinki Cathedral . This large white building is one of the more recognizable landmarks of Helsinki. It’s spectacular to view from the outside, but you can also go inside too of course. It’s open every day, and free to visit.

If you want a more in-depth overview of the history, culture and people of Finland, then we can recommend a visit to the National Museum of Finland . This covers a huge time period, from prehistoric times to the present day, and is an excellent way to learn a lot about the whole country. It’s open Tuesday – Sundays, and there’s an entry fee.

We could go on listing museums in Helsinki, as the city has a huge number to choose from, catering for almost every interest. From design , to contemporary art , to photography , to architecture , there’s really an incredible choice. There’s even a museum about hotels !

You won’t have time to visit all of these of course, but we can definitely recommend visiting a few during your time in the city. There are lots of choices, so you can just choose a few that appeal to you.

If you do plan on visiting a number of the museums or other attractions in Helsinki, consider investing in either a museum card or the Helsinki Card (buy the latter here ).

These cover a range of attractions, and the Helsinki card also includes transport around the city, which will save you walking around in the cold. The Helsinki card can be great value for money – see our full review of the Helsinki card to see if it’s worth investing in for your trip.

Of course, there’s also more to do in Helsinki than visit museums. We can suggest taking some time to go Christmas shopping (even if it’s after Christmas, you can stock up for the next one!).

If you do visit in December before Christmas, then you will also definitely want to check out the Helsinki Christmas market and try some traditional Christmas foods and drinks. These include Glögi (a type of mulled wine) and star-shaped Christmas pastries.

Kankurin Tupa would be our recommended destination for Christmas shopping in Helsinki. This is a department store which specialises in Finnish items, and has a whole section dedicated to Christmas.

We can also recommend getting coffee and cake at one of Finland’s best known cafes, Ekberg 1852 . This has been in Helsinki since, you guessed it, 1852, and they have an excellent selection of Finnish delicacies which obviously include baked goods.

Finally, find somewhere for a delicious evening meal, and retire, having gotten your first day of sight-seeing in Finland under your belt.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

We have stayed at a number of accommodation options in Helsinki, including apartment rentals and hotels.

Some options we suggest you take a look at include:

• Hostel Diana Park
• Hellsten Helsinki Senate
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
• Hotel Katajanokka .

You can also see listings for Helsinki on Vrbo here .

Day 2: Helsinki

For your second day in Helsinki our suggestion is to head out to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress .

This is a UNESCO world heritage site, and in our opinion is a must-do attraction when visiting Helsinki.

There is a huge amount to see and do on the island, and you could easily spend from half a day to a full day here, depending on what you want to see and do.

First, you can explore the six islands that the fortress spans on foot, admiring the impressive fortress construction. As you’re visiting in winter, you will of course want to wrap up warmly and have good footwear. Be wary of icy ground which can make for slippery conditions.

There are also five museums on the island, although not all of these are open year-round. The ones that are open in winter are the Suomenlinna Museum and the Military Museum. I would definitely encourage you to visit the former at least, as this details the history of the fortress and the island.

Both of these museums have an entry fee, and they are also both included on the  Helsinki Card . Holders of this card also get ferry transport to and from Suomenlinna Fortress, which otherwise costs €5. Ferries run every day, and you can see the schedule here .

After Suomenlinna Fortress, you might still have time to fit in a few more sights. Some other attractions in Helsinki we would suggest which are near the ferry point from the island include the Helsinki Skywheel for great views across the city, Uspenski Cathedral and the Old Market Hall for food.

Finally, a really popular activity that you must try while you are in Finland is to take a sauna. This is one of the most traditional Finnish experiences you can have.

There are a few options when it comes having a sauna in Finland. Most hotels and even some apartments will come with a sauna, which will often be the easiest way. There are also public saunas in Helsinki.

You can also take a tour which includes a sauna. From Helsinki for example, take a look at this tour , which includes a traditional smoke sauna and the chance to do a cold icy plunge – if you’re feeling brave!

And that wraps up your second day in Finland and your last day in Helsinki. If you’d like some more ideas for what to do in the city, see our guide to things to do in Helsinki , which has many more ideas.

How to Get to Rovaniemi from Helsinki

Your next destination is Rovaniemi. You have a few options for getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The fastest option will be to fly. There are a number of airlines offering flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, with the flight time being around an hour. Flights are relatively inexpensive and there are multiple departures a day.

If you fly, you can either depart on the evening of day 2 or early in the morning of day 3. You can check flight times and prices, and  book online here .

You can also take the overnight sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This route is known as the Santa Claus Express, and the journey takes around 12 hours. If you choose to do this, you will need to leave on the evening on day 2. You can see timetables and book this train online  here .

It’s also possible to take a bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This takes around 13 hours. Just note that taking the bus will eat up quite a bit of your day so is the least time efficient option. Check bus times and prices, and book tickets here .

You can also drive to Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This is around a 9.5 hour drive of 500 miles / 800km. Again, this is a long journey and we’d advise against this as well as it will be a tiring journey that will use up your holiday. However, if you want to do this, you can compare car rental prices across a range of suppliers  on Discover Cars here .

If you are planning your own trip and booking your own transport, our recommendation for getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi would be to either fly or take the overnight train.

If you’d rather not have to worry about planning your own transport, you might also consider taking a guided tour. These will generally cover your transport and accommodation as well as some meals and activities, leaving you to focus on just enjoying yourself.

There are a few tours we suggest that have similar itineraries and activities to our itinerary, and include Helsinki, Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle. Note that most tours from Helsinki use the overnight train service, and focus on activities in and around Rovaniemi.

• this 6 day tour which includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi, and a number of activities
• this 5 day tour which includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi
• this 7 day tour which also includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi

If you take one of these tours, they will arrange all your transport and connections for you during your trip, which is definitely an option to think about.

Day 3: Rovaniemi

Welcome to Lapland! Rovaniemi sits right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the most northerly of the lines of latitude. Above this line you can experience the Midnight Sun in summer, as well as days in winter when the sun never rises at all!

Rovaniemi makes an excellent base for a wide range of winter activities in Finland . These includes Northern Lights viewing, ice karting, snowmobiling, husky sledding, reindeer sledding, sleeping in a snow hotel, ice fishing – the list goes on!

For this itinerary, which I’ve put together on the basis that you don’t need a car, the plan is to base yourself in Rovaniemi for three days and to do a number of winter activities from the city. There are also several attractions in and around Rovaniemi to visit.

This itinerary will of course also work perfectly well with a car. I’ve visited Rovaniemi in winter with and without a car on my two visits. If you plan to rent a car, you can arrange to pick up a rental car either at the airport or in the town center once you arrive. The only consideration if you do hire a car is to ensure that your accommodation includes free parking.

Now, on with the itinerary. Note that many of the museums and attractions in Rovaniemi are not open every day, with Monday being a popular day for them to close. So depending on your timings you might want to juggle this itinerary around a little bit.

First, I’m going to suggest you head to the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This is around a 10-minute drive outside the city. If you’re arriving from the airport, it’s between the airport and Rovaniemi, so makes for a logical first stop if you arrive in the morning.

You can get to Santa Claus Village by driving, taking the   S anta’s Express bus , a local bus, or by taxi.

There’s a lot to do at the Santa Claus village, and it’s a great place to check off a few of your winter activities. First though, you’re going to want to actually meet the man himself.

Yep, as the name suggests, the Santa Claus village is actually home to Santa Claus himself. He lives here year round with his elves, planning for the big day, and sorting and reading all the mail he receives.

It’s free to visit Santa, although if you want a photo or video with him there’s a fee for that.

As well as visiting Santa, you can also visit Santa’s post office. A fun thing you can do here is mail a Christmas card that will be kept and posted at Christmas time. So even if you visit Rovaniemi in January, you can get all your Christmas cards mailed!

Beyond Santa, there’s plenty more to see and do at Santa’s Village. You can take a photo of you standing on the Arctic Circle marker, and can also arrange other activities such as a reindeer sled ride, a husky ride, or a snowmobile ride.

Of these, we’d suggest that a husky ride would be a great option. Bear Hill husky is our favourite husky operator in this region, and I actually took a two day husky safari with them. They operate a number of tours with pickup from Santa’s village, including this one .

You can also book an experience like this which includes your visit to Santa Claus and a snowmobile ride to a reindeer farm.

You can also do a longer 7 hour tour if you want a more complete experience.

Assuming you take the shorter tour, our suggestion for the rest of your day is to visit Rovaniemi and familiarise yourself with the town. There’s plenty to do here. We’d particularly recommend a visit to Arktikum .

This museum and science center is perfect for learning all about the people, history and culture of the area. There are a number of permanent exhibits here, with the content on life in the arctic being my favourite.

Once you have explored some of the highlights of Rovaniemi, you will likely want to have your evening meal.

If you’re still feeling adventurous, we can highly recommend scheduling some time to try and spot the Northern Lights. You can do this yourself by finding somewhere away from the city lights. If you don’t have a car, the area by Arktikum is a popular spot.

Alternatively, you can take a dedicated Northern Lights tour. Some of these also include other activities like snowmobiling or a traditional Finnish sauna. These are a good option because the Northern Lights are definitely not guaranteed, so doing another activity will ensure you are occupied and having fun, with seeing the Northern Lights as a bonus!

Some options to consider for seeing the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi are:

• This 5 hour tour where you look for the Northern Lights whilst having a traditional firewood sauna experience
• This photography-focused Northern Lights tour
• There are lots more Northern Lights tours from Rovaniemi to choose from, which you can see here .

If you want to get photos of the Northern Lights, you will need to read up a little in advance as they can be quite challenging to photograph. I have a complete guide to how to photograph the Northern Lights , which I can definitely suggest you take a look at so you are prepared.

I also recommend you download an app for your smartphone that will notify you of aurora activity. I have tried a few of these, and have settled on My Aurora Forecast Pro.

I have found it to be the most reliable app that doesn’t drain my phone battery, but has always reliably alerted me to aurora activity. This is available for both Android  and  iOS , and is available in both free (ad-supported) and paid versions.

We think that’s enough for your third day in Finland! Of course, you can schedule a Northern Lights tour for any of your days in Rovaniemi, but we recommend popping out every evening if you can to at least try and see them yourself, as they can be fickle. If you have a car, driving a little out of the city will afford you the best viewing experience.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

You’re obviously going to need somewhere to stay for your time in Rovaniemi. We’ve tried a few different accommodation options, and have shortlisted the following as our favourites.

• Hostel Cafe Koti – a well rated hostel with a good restaurant on site
• Guesthouse Borealis – convenient for the train station and great value
• Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus – centrally located well rated 3* hotel
• Arctic Light Hotel – boutique hotel in the centre of Rovaniemi
• Arctic Treehouse Hotel – unique accommodation just outside Santa Claus village

We can also recommend checking out the options for Rovaniemi on Vrbo here .

Day 4: Rovaniemi

We’re going to suggest a full day trip today out of Rovaniemi and down to the town of Kemi on the coast.

Here, you’re going to take a truly unique trip – a ride on an icebreaker boat!

Launched in 1961, the Sampo is a genuine icebreaker built for serious arctic conditions. She had a long and distinguished career in the Gulf of Bothnia, where for thirty years she kept the shipping lanes clear of ice.

In 1987, the town of Kemi bought the Sampo, and since 1988 she has been operating as a tourist attraction from the town port.

This was one of the most fun experiences that I had in Finland in winter. Riding an ice breaker across a frozen sea is a really amazing adventure that is quite unique. The sound of the breaking as the ship ploughs through it is incredible, and I could have just watched the ice breaking and the bow and the frozen sea stretching off to the horizon all day.

However, there’s more to a trip on the Sampo than just watching the ship do her thing. You can also don a full dry suit, and go for a swim in the frozen sea! The ship creates a hole in the ice, and the passengers then take it in turns to don full dry suits and bob around.

This was a lot of fun, although it was definitely less like swimming and more like floating. During this time, it was also possible to take a walk on the snow covered ice, which was also a unique experience.

All in all, I can highly recommend the trip on the Sampo icebreaker. The ship is also very comfortable, and there’s a restaurant on board. Depending on the ticket you choose, there’s an option which includes a buffet meal on board as well.

It’s worth checking the dates and times for the icebreaker well in advance of your trip as it doesn’t sail every day, so if this is something you want to do you will need to plan your trip around it. It also often sells out in advance. You can see times and prices here .

If you are driving, it’s around 90 minutes each way from Rovaniemi to Kemi. If you want to travel by train you can take the train from Rovaniemi to Kemi, and select shuttle pick-up from the Kemi train station to the harbor.

Or you can book a day tour which includes your round-trip transport directly from Rovaniemi to the ice breaker.

Day 5: Rovaniemi

For your last full day in Rovaniemi I’m going to suggest you have a full day of winter activities. After all, you came to Finland in winter to have a winter adventure!

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to winter adventures, so I’ll just provide some options and let you decide what you might enjoy the most. Some of these activities are shorter, so you could do more than one if you wanted, whilst others are full day trips.

Hiking / Snowshoeing

One of the best way to experience winter in Finland is to get out into the countryside and take a walk!

Of course, walking in snow can be a bit challenging, as we tend to sink in. The solution? Snowshoes! These are large and wide devices which clip onto your shoes, and spread your weight out on the snow. This lets you walk without sinking in.

If you want to explore on your own, you can either buy a pair of snowshoes or rent them.

Another option is to take a tour. For example, this tour has you snowshoeing through the snow covered forests near Rovaniemi, before trying your hand at another popular Finnish winter activity – ice fishing!

There are some other great hiking tours you can take from Rovaniemi. I’d particularly recommend going hiking in the Korouoma National Park. This is found 160km from Rovaniemi, so will take a couple of hours to drive to. However, in winter the park is famed for its frozen waterfalls, of which there 14.

The best way to see these is to take a hike in the park. You can either drive yourself, or you can take a tour from Rovaniemi which should include an experienced guide and the correct outerwear and footwear.

We’d recommend either this half day hike or this full day hike .

Ice Fishing

A really popular activity amongst Finnish people in winter is ice fishing. This sport has you drilling a hole into the ice on a frozen lake or river, and then using special ice fishing equipment to try and catch a fish.

We have tried ice fishing a few times, and to be honest, we have never caught a fish.

That said, other people on the tours we’ve taken have caught fish, as has our guide, so it is definitely possible!

Even though we’ve never caught a fish, we’ve always had a lot of fun ice fishing. It’s a wonderful way to get out into the outdoors, and most tours include some kind of food or at least hot drinks cooked over a fire.

The best way to go ice fishing is definitely to take a tour. Whilst you could hire your own equipment and go yourself, it is definitely a lot safer to accompany a local expert when heading out onto frozen lakes and rivers!

There are a number of ice fishing tours that depart from Rovaniemi, including the following.

• A 2.5 hour tour which focuses on ice fishing – great if you just want to get an idea of what it’s all about without committing to a longer trip.
• This 4 hour tour includes both snowshoeing and ice fishing
• A 7 hour full day tour that includes ice fishing, a traditional Finnish sauna experience as well as a BBQ lunch – which will include your fish if you catch any!

You can also pair up an ice fishing experience with snowmobiling. For example, this is a 5 hour snowmobile and ice fishing day, whilst this is a half day tour with snowmobiling and ice fishing .

Snowmobiling

I love snowmobiling, and every time we’ve visited Finland I’ve done my best to go snowmobiling at least once.

Snowmobiling is, in my opinion, a huge amount of fun. It’s also a great activity to pair with other activities, such as watching the Northern Lights or going ice fishing. You use the snowmobile to get to where you are going, do the activity, and then ride the snowmobile back.

Of course, you can also have a “pure” snowmobiling experience too, where you just ride the vehicle.

Snowmobiles are nearly all for two people, so when you go on a snowmobile tour there will usually always be one person driving, and one person as the passenger. On all the tours I’ve been on the guides have always ensured that people swap so both can have the experience of driving if they want. Additionally, it’s usually possible to pay a supplement to ride on your own if you prefer.

If you are visiting Finland with children, you should be aware that most snowmobiles can’t be operated by children under 15 years of age.

Some children can ride as passengers, but this isn’t universal, so you will want to check the tour details and contact the company to be sure before booking. For example, this is a family friendly snowmobile tour.

Some snowmobiling tours from Rovaniemi to consider include the following.

• This tour which just has you snowmobiling and is a good way to get a feel for riding these machines.
• This half day tour which includes snowmobiling, a visit to a reindeer farm, and a husky and reindeer sled ride. If you want to experience a number of activities in one tour, this is a great option.
• This half day tour which includes snowmobiling, ice fishing, campfire, and lunch.
• This evening snowmobile tour to see the Northern Lights which also includes a traditional Lappish BBQ. This tour is family friendly, and would make a great evening out after doing other activities in the daytime. Plus you might catch the Northern Lights!

Hopefully this gives you plenty of ideas for the types of snowmobiling tours you can do from Rovaniemi.

Husky Sledding

If you prefer your snow transport to be bit more traditional but still lots of fun, then husky sledding is likely going to be something you’ll enjoy a great deal.

As the name suggests, husky sledding involves a team of huskies, and a sled. Huskies are a special breed of dog which are well adapted to long periods of intense activity as well as cold conditions. Put more simply, they love running in the snow.

Husky sledding has you harnessing a team of husky dogs to a sled. There are usually between six and eight dogs, and each sled will generally have a driver and a passenger. The driver will stand at the back of the sled to steer and brake, whilst the passenger relaxes and enjoys the view.

Husky sledding is a really popular activity when visiting Finland in winter, and one we highly recommend. I’ve written a whole post outlining my experience dog sledding in Lapland , which you should find useful.

Like most of the other activities on our list, there are lots of operators running husky sledding tours in Rovaniemi. We recommend and have used Bear Hill Husky, they really care about their dogs, and they have a range of sledding experience to suit everyone. Some examples to consider are as follows.

• The offer shorter tours which usually include 45 minutes of actual dog sledding over a 2.5 hour visit. As well as the sledding, you also get the opportunity to learn about and meet the dogs – and get plenty of photos. For example, see this morning tour .
• If you want a more immersive and complete experience, they also offer a longer full day tour which includes around seven hours of husky sledding as you cover a distance of 30-40km. This also includes a campfire lunch, hot juice, and cookies.

We think one of these options would be great for anyone looking for a wonderful husky sledding experience in Lapland.

Visiting an Amethyst mine

The final option we have on our list of things you could do on your last day in Rovaniemi is to visit an Amethyst mine .

There’s one working amethyst mine in Finland, and it’s found on the top of a hill in the Pyha-Luosto National Park .

This national park is home to the remnants of a mountain chain which is over two billion years old. It’s a popular place for a range of outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, hiking and skiing.

However, it’s the amethyst mine that I think you should visit. This is found in Lampivaara, and here you can learn all about amethyst mining, as well as having a go at mining for amethyst yourself!

If you have your own vehicle it’s around a 90 minute ride from Rovaniemi to Lampivaara. Here, there’s a tracked vehicle which ferries people up to the top of the mountain to visit the mine. This experience needs to be booked in advance, which you can do here .

Of course, there’s lots more to do be in Rovaniemi and surrounds beyond everything we’ve listed here, which is why we think it makes for a great base to explore. For more inspiration, see our guide to things to do in Rovaniemi .

Days 6 & 7: Head North

From Rovaniemi, my suggestion is to head further north into Lapland. This will give you even more chances to see the Northern Lights, as well as stay at some really unique and more remote locations.

You’ll also have more chances to do lots of winter activities including dog sledding, ice fishing, ice karting, seeing Santa, staying in ice hotels, spending time in a Finnish sauna, snowmobiling, and skiing.

As always, you have choices for where you decide to go! Here are our three suggested options for you to choose from, depending on your interests. Of course, if you are driving yourself, you can visit more than one of these options.

The first option you have is to head north to Saariselka. This is found 250km / 155mi north of the arctic circle, making this an excellent place to see the Northern Lights.

You can reach Saariselka by car or public bus from Rovaniemi. There’s also Ivalo airport , 25km to the north of the city, which has services to Helsinki and other European destinations.

When we visited Saariselka, we stayed in the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort . This is one of the most popular places to stay in a glass igloo in Finland, and was where the concept of glass igloos first originated.

I stayed in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen, and it was a night I will never forget.

Naturally there’s more to Kakslauttanen than glass igloos. The resort has a wide range of accommodation options, depending on what you are interested in. I can definitely recommend staying in a glass igloo for one night on your trip just for the experience. There’s also a range of winter activities available here.

You can see our full review of Kakslauttanen here .

Where to stay in Saariselka

Whilst we very much enjoyed our stay at Kakslauttanen, it’s not the only option in Saariselka. You might consider one of the following options:

• Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos – A well reviewed and popular option with cottages featuring glass domed ceilings and a private sauna
• Log House Kuukkeli – if you’d prefer to stay in a more traditional property, this guesthouse is built in the traditional log cabin style and offers great value accommodation
• Northern Lights Village – features glass roofed cabins with private bathrooms and its own reindeer paddock.
• Saariselkä Kuukkeli Inn – a well reviewed more budget oriented option. Rooms have free-wifi, and shared bathrooms

During your time visiting Saariselka you’ll find plenty to do to keep you occupied. If there are any winter activities you want to take part in, you can of course do them, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, husky sledding, snowshoeing and more. Naturally, you’ll also want to spend time searching for the Northern Lights!

Most accommodation providers will be able to arrange these activities for you directly.

Another popular area you can visit from Saariselka, either as a day trip or overnight, is Inari. This is a little further north,  and is in fact home to Finland’s northernmost holiday resort.

This is a very sparsely populated region, and is a focal point of the Sámi culture. You can learn about this culture and people at Siida , home to the Sámi Museum and the Northern Lapland Nature Centre. This is open throughout the winter on every day except Monday, and there’s a fee to visit.

Another option is to visit the Kittilä region. This is a particularly good option if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, as it’s home to Levi , Finland’s largest ski resort.

So if you want to get some skiing or snowboarding in on your trip to Finland, this would be the best place to do just that.

There’s lots more to do in the Kittilä area than skiing though.

The area is popular for a range of winter activities, with hiking and cross-country skiing in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park being a popular option. You can also go snowshoeing, ice fishing , ice karting, husky sledding and snowmobiling of course!

In Lanio, you’ll find the Lapland Hotels SnowVillage . This village is made every year from thousands of tonnes of ice and snow, and features a hotel, restaurant, bar, and even a chapel. There are also log cabins on site. You can stay here overnight or just visit for the day. The theme varies each year, with 2018-19 having a Game of Thrones focus.

Another excellent attraction that we enjoyed visiting in Kittilä was Samiland . This is found at Levi Summit, which you can reach by taking a lift from the ski resort.

Samiland features an indoor and outdoor exhibit space dedicated to the Sami people, and covers the history, culture and mythology of the people, as well as their traditional building and mythology. There’s a small entry fee which is well worth it.

You can reach Kittilä by car or bus from Rovaniemi. The distance is 150km / 93mi. Kittilä airport serves Kittila/Levi, with flights from Helsinki and a number of destinations across Europe.

Where to stay in Kittilä

There are a range of accommodation options in Kittilä. Some options to consider are as follows.

• Design Hotel Levi – perfect for those of you wanting to be able to ski from your door, this hotel is found right at the foot of the Levi resort ski lifts
• Lapland Hotels SnowVillage – if you want to live out your dream of sleeping in a snow hotel while in Finland, this is the place to come!
• Hotel Kittilä – 15 minutes from the Levi Ski resort, this is a great value option
• Guesthouse Golden Goose – found in the centre of Kittilä village, this is a well rated guesthouse with an on-site sauna
• Levi Northern Lights Huts – found on an old reindeer farm, this is the place to stay in Levi if you want the glass roof experience

Wherever you choose to go from Rovaniemi, we think that spending your last couple of days deep inside the arctic circle, chasing the Northern Lights and taking part in more winter activities, would be the perfect way to end your trip in Finland.

Then, you can return to Rovaniemi, drop off your hire car if you have one, and fly home. Alternatively, there are flights available from Kittilä or Ivalo airports.

That’s it for our winter itinerary of Finland! Now we want to share some practical advice to help you plan your trip.

Map of 7 Day Finland Winter Itinerary

To help you visualise this itinerary we’ve put together a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Finland Itinerary Overview

Here’s an overview of this itinerary for quick reference:

• Day 1: Helsinki – Helsinki City Museum, Helsinki Cathedral, National Museum of Finland
• Day 2: Helsinki – Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki Skywheel, Uspenski Cathedral, Old Market Hall
• Day 3: Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village, Husky Tour, Arktikum
• Day 4: Rovaniemi – Day trip on Sampo ice breaker, Northern Lights
• Day 5: Rovaniemi – Snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, husky sledding, amethyst mine
• Day 6 & 7: North Finland – Saariselka, Kittilä

How to Get Around Finland in Winter

You might be wondering what the best way to get around Finland in winter is.

Well, you have a number of options.

For longer distances, such as the trip between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, we would recommend either taking the train or flying.

Flying will be the fastest option, and is likely to be the cheapest as well if you book well in advance. You can check flight times and prices, and  book online here . For the train, you can see timetables and book online here .

For shorter distances, such as exploring around Rovaniemi and getting between the sights on our itinerary, you have a couple of options.

First, you can rent a car and drive. We prefer to self-drive when we travel where possible as it gives us more flexibility with what we stop to see, where we go and when we leave.

Car rental in Finland is comparable to other parts of Europe. In winter, cars will come with studded tyres, and the roads are well maintained.

If you want to drive in Finland using this itinerary, we’d recommend hiring a car in Rovaniemi for pickup from the airport. You can compare car rental prices and book online here .

Of course, we appreciate that driving in the extreme winter conditions that Finland experiences is not going to be for everyone. With this in mind we have set this itinerary up so you don’t have to drive if you don’t want to.

By combining public transport and a variety of tours which include transport, you can absolutely experience Finland in winter without needing to hire a car or worry about driving.

Tours of Finland in Winter

If you love the sound of the trip I’ve put together, but don’t like the thought of planning it all out, booking activities, hotels and transport, then you might consider taking a tour instead.

There are of many tour options to consider, which we have summarised as follow.

• this selection of tours which includes a number of options in Lapland

Hopefully one of these works out for you if you choose to take a tour of Finland in winter.

You can see more tour options for Finland on TourRadar here , they list tours from a wide range of operators at various price points, so you can find the one you want. We have used TourRadar to book tours in destinations around the world and always had a good experience.

Further Reading for Visiting Finland in Winter

And that’s it for our one week winter itinerary for Finland. We hope it’s given you lots of ideas to help you plan your trip. Before you head off and start booking your adventure, we did just want to share with you some more resources we’ve put together on our time in Finland, to help you with your planning.

• We have a guide to things to do in Rovaniemi , to give you more inspiration for what to do in the town
• We have a comprehensive guide to all our favourite winter activities in Finland
• Finland is very cold in winter, and the key to a good trip is to pack appropriately! To help you out, we have put together a detailed guide to what to pack for Finland in winter
• If you’re looking for more destinations to visit in Finland, see our guides to visiting Porvoo , visiting Oulu and visiting Rauma
• Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, and one we definitely recommend you spend some time. See our guide to things to do in Helsinki , a suggested 1 day Helsinki itinerary , and our review of the Helsinki card to help you plan your time here
• Another of our favourite winter locations in Finland is Iso Syote. See our guide to visiting Iso Syote here .
• Want to try some unique accommodation? See our review of this famous glass igloo hotel in Finland
• It’s not all about winter – Finland is an awesome summer destination too! See our guide to visiting Finland in summer
• Finally, if you’re looking for a guidebook, you might checkout the Lonely Planet guide to Finland or the Insight Guide to Finland

And that’s it for our 7 day itinerary for Finland in winter. As always, we are happy to answer your questions – just pop them in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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There are 22 comments on this post

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Cyndi Puah says

8th March 2024 at 3:22 pm

may i know itinerary and the cost of the package

Laurence Norah says

8th March 2024 at 3:52 pm

The itinerary is laid out in the guide above, and it’s designed for people to follow themselves, it’s not a guided experience. If you’d like a guided tour of Finland, I can recommend checking out the options on TourRadar for Finland here , they have lots of tours at different prices from many operators, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

Have a great time in Finland!

19th June 2023 at 3:36 pm

Do you have any suggestions on extending this to Northern Norway. Perhaps a 10-14 day trip?

19th June 2023 at 4:13 pm

You absolutely could extend this trip to Northern Norway and that would make for a wonderful adventure. However as we’ve only visited southern Norway, we don’t have any specific advice for you. We hope you have a great trip though!

17th December 2022 at 2:10 pm

hi, thanks for the detailed blog. do you have any contacts for local private driver that we can engaged to bring us around or see northern lights?

18th December 2022 at 11:51 am

We don’t have any personal contacts for drivers, however, there are plenty of operators who can drive you to see the northern lights. Here is a list of some examples. So this is definitely a service you can book! If you wanted a longer tour, over multiple days, I’d suggest checking on sites like Viator or TourRadar to see what is available.

Pearlyn says

29th September 2022 at 6:00 am

Hi Laurence, this is really a great post that summarises what I need ! I’m planning to head to rovaniemi and lapland for 8 days ,would you recommend signing up tours from websites like nordic visitor etc? Do you have a recommended tour that covers both rovaniemi and lapland ? if the transport is included then that will really make it a lot more fuss free Thank you !

1st October 2022 at 5:47 pm

Hi Pearlyn!

Thanks very much! So I’ve not used Nordic Visitor before but I am aware of them and they get good reviews I believe, so that should be fine. What I would suggest is taking a look at the Finland tours on TourRadar here – they list tours from most of the companies who run tours, and you can filter by duration and price. So that should help you narrow down your options. For example, a tour like this might be an option, but there are quite a few to choose from 🙂

Have a great trip!

Shelly says

30th August 2022 at 1:56 am

Hi, So I’m really interested in the ice breaker tour but if I go in Dec. would the tour be mostly be in the dark? Would we be able to see the ice and things around us?

30th August 2022 at 11:14 am

Great question. So daylight hours in December are definitely limited. A great website is this one , where you can plug in a location and it will show you the sunrise and sunset times, as well as the dawk/dusk times (civil twilight).

For December it shows that you are looking at sunrise between 10am and 10.45 (depending on when in December), and sunset between 2.17pm and 2.50pm. Dawn and dusk add just under two hours to that, so it won’t be totally dark, but it will be definitely be darker.

So yes, you should be able to see the ice around you, and you will also get either a sunrise or sunset from the boat, depending on which cruise you take.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Shelly Mcintosh says

30th August 2022 at 12:19 pm

Thank you so much! In your opinion what is the best time to go? What gives me the best chance to see the northern lights and also do all the wonderful winter activities. I was planning a trip in Nov but I see the ice breaker doesn’t start till dec and I see Dec has Limited daylight. By the way this was by far the best blog I have come across! So useful and informative.

30th August 2022 at 1:01 pm

My pleasure Shelly, and thanks! So we have visited Finland in December and the days are definitely quite short, especially in the northern areas. My favourite time is February, there is more guarantee of snow, the days are already a lot longer and there is still a good chance of seeing the northern lights. My best Northern lights experience was actually in February. So if that’s an option that would be my preference.

Have a wonderful trip, and feel free to ask any more questions as you plan!

20th April 2022 at 2:57 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

This is amazing blog I have never come across. It’s so detailed and to the extend you’d brought me into Finland while reading. Phenomenal!

I am planning to make a December family trip with 3 children from age 11 to 15. Your itinerary definitely suit to my plan. I am wondering how easy of the public transportation like bus from point to point as you’ve mentioned? It’s unlike other EU countries where we can get train easily.

20th April 2022 at 4:36 pm

Thanks very much, we’re glad you found it helpful 🙂 So the public transport is pretty easy to use in Finland. You will just want to check schedules for where you plan on going. If you are following this itinerary, then the easiest option is to take the train (or fly) from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. If you plan on going further north, you’ll need to take a bus. We’ve taken a few long distance buses in Finland and they have all been fine. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Samir Patrawala says

12th October 2021 at 1:20 am

Dear Laurence,

I am Sameer from Explorus Travel, India. Just read your detailed itinerary for Finland in Winter. It’s a kind of encyclopaedia for me. Amazing!

I have a question: Most of the photos on this page are clicked in daylight (they are bright, sunny pics). But what I read is that Sun almost doesn’t rise at all in Dec / Jan in Rovaniemi. So how can one get an opportunity to click such sunny and bright photos in absence of sun light / day light? Isn’t the stay experience in Dec boring and dull in absence of light? I mean how much can one enjoy darkness without good photos? Or are your photos clicked during those two hours when there’s little day light?

Many thanks in advance.

Kind regards

12th October 2021 at 10:53 am

Great to hear from you! So these photos are from a few different visits, some in January and some in February. The experience of how much light there is will vary depending on where you are in Finland. In Rovaniemi, the darkest day of the year is the 22nd December, where there’s only 2.5 hours of sunlight. However, there is still sunlight. If you visit in mid-February, you get 8.5 hours between sunrise and sunset. So there is plenty of light. I would generally suggest not visiting over the very darkest days in December, but it quickly changes and the days get longer if you visit in February or even late January.

Hope this helps!

Sameer Patrawala says

12th October 2021 at 11:35 am

Thank you so much for your prompt and satisfactory response.

Would you recommend Northern Norway for Northern Lights in December last week or Rovaniemi Finland? I am asking in terms of maximum available day-light.

Kind regards Sameer Patrawala Explorus

12th October 2021 at 12:25 pm

My pleasure 🙂

So Northern Norway is way inside the Arctic Circle. In the last week of December, or in December at all in fact, you won’t get any sunlight. You can see sunrise and sunset times for a place like Tromso in Northern Norway here: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/norway/tromso?month=12&year=2021

Rovaniemi is on the edge of the Arctic circle, which is why you don’t get the permanent darkness. If you are looking for the northern lights, then usually the further north you go the better your chances. However, I have seen incredible displays from southern Finland too, so it’s all just a question of luck really. If you want some sunlight though, northern Norway in December might not be the best option!

Trizzy says

26th September 2021 at 6:50 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, First off, amazing and detailed itinerary! This is the type of blog I love to read when researching- keep it up! 🙂 Also, would you say early November is a good time to visit Finland and see the northern lights?

Many thanks again!

26th September 2021 at 10:36 am

Thank you very much Trizzy! So yes, November would be a fine month to see the northern lights. The only thing to bear in mind is that there might not be snow everywhere in early November (this changes each year of course), so if you wanted snowy landscapes as well as the northern lights, it’s something to keep in mind. Of course, there could also be lots of snow! But it’s not guaranteed.

I hope this helps!

Jessica says

9th April 2020 at 5:27 pm

I am following your travel blog for a while now. Love your content and photos. I am actually planing to visit Finland later this year as soon as this quarantine is over and I have one question. Do you recommend visiting smaller cities in Finland? For example this town Sastamala – I have friend there and don’t know what to expect as it is small town and there isn’t as much information online.

9th April 2020 at 6:50 pm

Hi Jessica!

Thanks very much. So the smaller cities in Finland are worth visiting, we have been to places like Oulu, Rauma and so on. There is usually something of interest in each town or city, and if you have a friend there they should be able to give you some advice as to what there is to do and see 🙂 So I would check with them and see what they say!

have a great trip when you get to go, and stay well!

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The Best Road Trips in Helsinki You Need to Take This Year

Helsinki is not only an interesting city in itself but also a perfect base for road-tripping in Finland. From seaside towns to an epic hunt for Northern Lights, here are the 10 best road trips to experience in Finland.

1. best road trip for foodies.

Art Gallery, Church, Natural Feature, Shop

Porvoo is a historic coastal city only about 50 kilometres away from Helsinki. The easy access and Porvoo’s cute and homey atmosphere make the city a perfect little getaway. It is known for its pretty Old-Town area with colourful wooden houses but also for its thriving foodie scene, with amazing chocolate shops, cafés and restaurants. You can spend a day or two exploring Porvoo or pop into the city just for a day and be back to Helsinki for the evening.

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Hiking Trail, Swimming Pool, Health Spa

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Museum, Shop, Forest

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Hiking Trail, Natural Feature

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Natural Feature

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Southern Finland Road Trip

Expect on your itinerary.

Best months to drive

Road trip costs.

How much does it cost to go on a Southern Finland Road Trip in Finland?

Southern Finland Road Trip Itinerary

Start helsinki.

• Fast - The infrastructure and traffic allow an average speed of >80 km/h (or 50 mi/h) on this stage. This means a speedy and smooth ride for you without any unplanned delays.
• Modest - The infrastructure and traffic allow an average speed of >50 km/h (or 30 mi/h) on this stage. This means a reasonably smooth ride for you without unplanned delays.
• Slow - The infrastructure and traffic allow an average speed of well below 50 km/h (or 30 mi/h) on this leg. This means a slow ride for you. Unplanned delays are to be expected at any time.
• HEL - Helsinki Vantaa Airport

1 Helsinki - Porvoo

2 porvoo - lappeenranta, 3 lappeenranta - lahti, 4 lahti - hameenlinna, 5 hameenlinna - tampere, 6 tampere - rauma, 7 rauma - turku, 8 turku - helsinki,   helsinki, southern finland road trip at a glance.

• Start : Helsinki
• End : Helsinki
• Distance : 1,067 km
• Stay : 7 days
• Getting there : Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL)
• When to drive : June, July, August, September
• More info : More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.

Facts for safer driving in Finland

Recommended trips.

Midsummer parties and rare seals: How to experience the magic of Finnish Lakeland by e-bike

W hen I was first invited to cycle Finland’s Puumala Archipelago Ring Road, I eagerly accepted. Despite being a little rusty, I convinced myself that 60 kilometres on an e-bike would be a breeze. 

And it was - until 55 kilometres in. Despite rigorously conserving the battery for the final hills, the bike began to slow and jolt. Then, the horror: my battery suddenly died completely. Left by the roadside, I pushed the bike uphill, accompanied only by a few curious cows watching my slow progress. 

Although thoroughly enjoyable, my first cycling adventure in Saimaa Lakeland left a nagging feeling. I wanted to complete the whole 60-kilometre tour, not sit in a van with the bike in the boot for the last few kilometres. 

Fast forward a couple of years, and I'm back in the Saimaa region with my mum, aunt, dad and uncle - two e-bike pros and two complete novices.

Armed with a bag full of snacks and a thermos of coffee, I’m determined that this time we’ll conquer the Puumala Archipelago Ring Road in full.

How to plan an e-bike trip in Finland’s Saimaa Lakeland

Of Finland ’s 188,000 lakes, Saimaa is the largest - and one of the most beautiful. Winding across islands, bridges and eskers, the circular Puumala Archipelago Route offers the best way to see it.

We hired our eLite bikes from Saimaa Bikes , which provides rentals in the area from €70 per day for adults, complete with helmets, first-aid kits and safety vests. 

They are delivered to our start point at Sahanlahti Resort - known for its stunning location on Saimaa’s shores and its award-winning local cuisine - right on time at 9am. After picking up a route map from the resort, we set off on our cycling adventure.

Along the cycle paths , you'll also find route markers and service stops to repair broken bikes.

Knowing the best pit stops from my previous trip, I choose a scenic spot for a late breakfast. Norppalaavu, a free lakeside lean-to shelter located 12 kilometres from Sahanlahti, has designated fire spots and toilet facilities (a wooden hut in the parking lot). 

I had imagined us leisurely sipping coffee and soaking in the views over Saimaa's glittering waters. But we get distracted by picturesque Puumala en route, with its wooden church and harbour marketplace.

Pressed for time to catch the midday bike ferry , our breakfast break at Norppalaavu is cut from thirty minutes to five.

• Completed the Camino de Santiago? Here are some alternative walking routes to try
• This European country is launching the world’s longest circular hiking trail to combat overtourism

How to access the Puumala Archipelago Ring Road

The Puumala Archipelago Route includes two ferry trips. Luckily, only one of them pits you against the clock.

If you cycle the ring road clockwise, the first ferry is the year-round Hätinvirta car ferry, which takes passengers to the island of Niinisaari every 20 minutes. From here, a 16-kilometre road passes farmlands and crosses bridges to another island, Lintusalo. 

Here, the route's second ferry departs from Nestorinranta Resort and is exclusively for bike and motorbike passengers. This ferry operates once per day from June to August, so it’s important to check the timetable so you don’t miss the connection.

Tickets can be bought online or on the ferry. Since it can only accommodate 20 passengers, pre-booking is recommended, especially on sunny days. A ticket, including your bike, costs €18, and the ferry crossing takes 40 minutes. 

Scenic ferry rides and seal-spotting

Sitting on the ferry and enjoying the serene views of the Puumala Archipelago showcases some of Finland’s best parts.

The Saimaa area has been the Finns’ favourite location for summer cottages for decades, but in recent years international tourists have started to find the calm and relatively cool summer spot, too. In 2024, Saimaa Lakeland was awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy, which is expected to boost visitor numbers further. 

• Albania, Cyprus, Ireland: Europe’s best non-Schengen countries for when you’ve used up your 90 days

“Most foreign visitors come from Switzerland,” says Pirjo Kapanen, who operates the bike ferry with her husband. “But really, there are cyclists from all over Europe coming here during summer.” 

On my previous trip around the ring road, I spotted my first Saimaa ringed seal on this ferry. This time, there are no seals or their pups on the rocks. But, Kapanen, who was born by the shores of Lake Saimaa, points out a smooth rock poking out of the lake as the ferry passes it. Locals call it ‘Härkähylkeenpää’ - the head of a male seal - because it could be mistaken for a giant one.

In fact, the endangered seals - named for the small circle patterns that dapple their fur - are a big part of Saimaa’s identity. Once near extinction, the seal population has grown since the 1990s due to vigorous conservation campaigns. Today, there are some 400 ringed seals swimming in Saimaa’s lakes. 

My cycling trip ended with Midsummer memories

After the ferry docks at the tiny Hurissalo harbour, it's a 15-kilometre ride, first on gravel and then on asphalt, to the route's final highlight: Lietvesi Scenic Road, which winds from one little islet to another. 

Just after this comes the newly opened Pistohiekka Resort. With a lakeside sauna and restaurant, the property’s sandy beach was once a popular spot for legendary Midsummer parties.

“But that was in the 70s, before punk music ruined it all,” my father reminisces as we finally have all the time in the world to enjoy a cup of coffee in a scenic lay-by. The same spot where we used to stop on our family road trips around Saimaa with a van.

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Midsummer parties and rare seals: How to experience the magic of Finnish Lakeland by e-bike

When I was first invited to cycle Finland’s Puumala Archipelago Ring Road, I eagerly accepted. Despite being a little rusty, I convinced myself that 60 kilometres on an e-bike would be a breeze.

And it was - until 55 kilometres in. Despite rigorously conserving the battery for the final hills, the bike began to slow and jolt. Then, the horror: my battery suddenly died completely. Left by the roadside, I pushed the bike uphill, accompanied only by a few curious cows watching my slow progress.

Although thoroughly enjoyable, my first cycling adventure in Saimaa Lakeland left a nagging feeling. I wanted to complete the whole 60-kilometre tour, not sit in a van with the bike in the boot for the last few kilometres.

Fast forward a couple of years, and I'm back in the Saimaa region with my mum, aunt, dad and uncle - two e-bike pros and two complete novices.

Armed with a bag full of snacks and a thermos of coffee, I’m determined that this time we’ll conquer the Puumala Archipelago Ring Road in full.

How to plan an e-bike trip in Finland’s Saimaa Lakeland

Of Finland ’s 188,000 lakes, Saimaa is the largest - and one of the most beautiful. Winding across islands, bridges and eskers, the circular Puumala Archipelago Route offers the best way to see it.

We hired our eLite bikes from Saimaa Bikes , which provides rentals in the area from €70 per day for adults, complete with helmets, first-aid kits and safety vests.

They are delivered to our start point at Sahanlahti Resort - known for its stunning location on Saimaa’s shores and its award-winning local cuisine - right on time at 9am. After picking up a route map from the resort, we set off on our cycling adventure.

Along the cycle paths , you'll also find route markers and service stops to repair broken bikes.

Knowing the best pit stops from my previous trip, I choose a scenic spot for a late breakfast. Norppalaavu, a free lakeside lean-to shelter located 12 kilometres from Sahanlahti, has designated fire spots and toilet facilities (a wooden hut in the parking lot).

I had imagined us leisurely sipping coffee and soaking in the views over Saimaa's glittering waters. But we get distracted by picturesque Puumala en route, with its wooden church and harbour marketplace.

Pressed for time to catch the midday bike ferry , our breakfast break at Norppalaavu is cut from thirty minutes to five.

Completed the Camino de Santiago? Here are some alternative walking routes to try

This European country is launching the world’s longest circular hiking trail to combat overtourism

How to access the Puumala Archipelago Ring Road

The Puumala Archipelago Route includes two ferry trips. Luckily, only one of them pits you against the clock.

If you cycle the ring road clockwise, the first ferry is the year-round Hätinvirta car ferry, which takes passengers to the island of Niinisaari every 20 minutes. From here, a 16-kilometre road passes farmlands and crosses bridges to another island, Lintusalo.

Here, the route's second ferry departs from Nestorinranta Resort and is exclusively for bike and motorbike passengers. This ferry operates once per day from June to August, so it’s important to check the timetable so you don’t miss the connection.

Tickets can be bought online or on the ferry. Since it can only accommodate 20 passengers, pre-booking is recommended, especially on sunny days. A ticket, including your bike, costs €18, and the ferry crossing takes 40 minutes.

Scenic ferry rides and seal-spotting

Sitting on the ferry and enjoying the serene views of the Puumala Archipelago showcases some of Finland’s best parts.

The Saimaa area has been the Finns’ favourite location for summer cottages for decades, but in recent years international tourists have started to find the calm and relatively cool summer spot, too. In 2024, Saimaa Lakeland was awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy, which is expected to boost visitor numbers further.

Albania, Cyprus, Ireland: Europe’s best non-Schengen countries for when you’ve used up your 90 days

“Most foreign visitors come from Switzerland,” says Pirjo Kapanen, who operates the bike ferry with her husband. “But really, there are cyclists from all over Europe coming here during summer.”

On my previous trip around the ring road, I spotted my first Saimaa ringed seal on this ferry. This time, there are no seals or their pups on the rocks. But, Kapanen, who was born by the shores of Lake Saimaa, points out a smooth rock poking out of the lake as the ferry passes it. Locals call it ‘Härkähylkeenpää’ - the head of a male seal - because it could be mistaken for a giant one.

In fact, the endangered seals - named for the small circle patterns that dapple their fur - are a big part of Saimaa’s identity. Once near extinction, the seal population has grown since the 1990s due to vigorous conservation campaigns. Today, there are some 400 ringed seals swimming in Saimaa’s lakes.

My cycling trip ended with Midsummer memories

After the ferry docks at the tiny Hurissalo harbour, it's a 15-kilometre ride, first on gravel and then on asphalt, to the route's final highlight: Lietvesi Scenic Road, which winds from one little islet to another.

Just after this comes the newly opened Pistohiekka Resort. With a lakeside sauna and restaurant, the property’s sandy beach was once a popular spot for legendary Midsummer parties.

“But that was in the 70s, before punk music ruined it all,” my father reminisces as we finally have all the time in the world to enjoy a cup of coffee in a scenic lay-by. The same spot where we used to stop on our family road trips around Saimaa with a van.

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