
Finland
Finland - Self-drive tour of Southern Finland between nature and culture
Finland - Self-drive tour of Southern Finland between nature and culture
Duration
11 days
Start/End
Helsinki
Tour type
Individual
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
From Helsinki you drive into the lake district to Hankasalmi, on to Tampere, to the coast at Pori and Turku and back via Espoo. National parks, walks along large lakes, an archipelago coast and sauna – two of your hotels lie in the middle of nature.
Experience the best of both worlds – unique nature and Finnish culture. Southern Finland captivates with national parks, numerous lakes, modern cities, and an archipelago-dotted coastline. The fascinating and vibrant cities of Helsinki and Turku stand in stark contrast to the tranquility and vastness of the Finnish forests. Hike along the shores of expansive lakes and discover Finnish sauna culture. Two of the included accommodations, nestled amidst breathtaking natural scenery, offer pure relaxation.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Helsinki
Hotel in Helsinki
Individual arrival in Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you check into your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Helsinki on your own. You can choose to travel by plane from an airport near your home. You can then pick up your rental car at Helsinki Airport. Alternatively, you can travel to Helsinki by ferry and bring your own car.
Arrival in Helsinki
Day 1
Hotel in Helsinki
Individual arrival in Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you check into your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Helsinki on your own. You can choose to travel by plane from an airport near your home. You can then pick up your rental car at Helsinki Airport. Alternatively, you can travel to Helsinki by ferry and bring your own car.
Day 2
Helsinki
Hotel in Helsinki
Helsinki is the perfect combination of city, nature, adventure, and relaxation. The city boasts unique architecture and diverse attractions. Recommended sights include Finlandia Hall, the Parliament Building, the Oodi Central Library, and the Temppeliaukio Church (built on a rock). Another highlight is the Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square. A trip to the fortress island of Suomenlinna, located in the beautiful archipelago off Helsinki, is also worthwhile.
Helsinki
Day 2
Hotel in Helsinki
Helsinki is the perfect combination of city, nature, adventure, and relaxation. The city boasts unique architecture and diverse attractions. Recommended sights include Finlandia Hall, the Parliament Building, the Oodi Central Library, and the Temppeliaukio Church (built on a rock). Another highlight is the Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square. A trip to the fortress island of Suomenlinna, located in the beautiful archipelago off Helsinki, is also worthwhile.
Day 3
Helsinki – Hankasalmi
Hotel in Hankasalmi
approx. 290 km
Today's route takes you into the Finnish interior. You'll travel via the famous winter sports resort of Lahti to Jyväskylä. The region is known for its breathtaking lakes, vibrant urban culture, and several national parks. For the next two nights, you'll stay in truly unique accommodations: Enjoy the stunning views of nature from your cozy glass igloo.
Helsinki – Hankasalmi
Day 3
Hotel in Hankasalmi
approx. 290 km
Today's route takes you into the Finnish interior. You'll travel via the famous winter sports resort of Lahti to Jyväskylä. The region is known for its breathtaking lakes, vibrant urban culture, and several national parks. For the next two nights, you'll stay in truly unique accommodations: Enjoy the stunning views of nature from your cozy glass igloo.
Day 4
Hankasalmi
Hotel in Hankasalmi
Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Your package includes the option to rent equipment for exploring nature. Alternatively, you can play golf, or, if the weather is bad, go bowling. Our tip: Visit one of the four surrounding national parks and hike through the dense forests. Another option is a canoe trip on one of the many lakes. Since the region is known for its sauna culture, a visit to a sauna is a must. For example, visit the Saunakylä sauna village, located in Jämsäs Juokslahti.
Hankasalmi
Day 4
Hotel in Hankasalmi
Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Your package includes the option to rent equipment for exploring nature. Alternatively, you can play golf, or, if the weather is bad, go bowling. Our tip: Visit one of the four surrounding national parks and hike through the dense forests. Another option is a canoe trip on one of the many lakes. Since the region is known for its sauna culture, a visit to a sauna is a must. For example, visit the Saunakylä sauna village, located in Jämsäs Juokslahti.
Day 5
Hankasalmi – Tampere
Hotel in Tampere
approx. 200 km
Today you'll travel west for just under 2.5 hours. Your destination is Tampere, picturesquely situated on a narrow isthmus between two large lakes. This major city, known for its long industrial history, boasts numerous public saunas, a unique Moomin Museum, and the largest market hall in the Nordic countries.
Hankasalmi – Tampere
Day 5
Hotel in Tampere
approx. 200 km
Today you'll travel west for just under 2.5 hours. Your destination is Tampere, picturesquely situated on a narrow isthmus between two large lakes. This major city, known for its long industrial history, boasts numerous public saunas, a unique Moomin Museum, and the largest market hall in the Nordic countries.
Day 6
Tampere – Pori
Hotel in Pori
approx. 110 km
After breakfast, you'll continue your journey towards the west coast. Pori is particularly known for its numerous art galleries, museums, and concert halls. Just outside the city lies the 6 km long sandy beach of Yyteri, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.
Tampere – Pori
Day 6
Hotel in Pori
approx. 110 km
After breakfast, you'll continue your journey towards the west coast. Pori is particularly known for its numerous art galleries, museums, and concert halls. Just outside the city lies the 6 km long sandy beach of Yyteri, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.
Day 7
Pori – Turku
Hotel in Turku
approx. 140 km
The tour continues along the picturesque west coast. On the way to Turku, we recommend a stop in the charming town of Rauma. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impresses with its many wooden houses. From there, you'll travel on to Turku, Finland's oldest city, where you'll stay for two nights.
Pori – Turku
Day 7
Hotel in Turku
approx. 140 km
The tour continues along the picturesque west coast. On the way to Turku, we recommend a stop in the charming town of Rauma. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impresses with its many wooden houses. From there, you'll travel on to Turku, Finland's oldest city, where you'll stay for two nights.
Day 8
Turku
Hotel in Turku
Turku is the gateway to the Finnish archipelago. We recommend a trip to the islands just offshore, some of which are connected by bridges. Unique natural scenery awaits you. The city itself offers several historical sights, such as Turku Castle. Stroll along the Aura River and end the afternoon relaxing in one of the many charming cafés.
Turku
Day 8
Hotel in Turku
Turku is the gateway to the Finnish archipelago. We recommend a trip to the islands just offshore, some of which are connected by bridges. Unique natural scenery awaits you. The city itself offers several historical sights, such as Turku Castle. Stroll along the Aura River and end the afternoon relaxing in one of the many charming cafés.
Day 9
Turku – Espoo
Hotel in Espoo
approx. 150 km
The last longer drive of your tour is about to begin. You'll travel to Espoo and on to Nuuksio National Park. Here you'll stay in a special lodge that has already received several awards for sustainability. Enjoy the tranquility of nature and participate in various activities.
Turku – Espoo
Day 9
Hotel in Espoo
approx. 150 km
The last longer drive of your tour is about to begin. You'll travel to Espoo and on to Nuuksio National Park. Here you'll stay in a special lodge that has already received several awards for sustainability. Enjoy the tranquility of nature and participate in various activities.
Day 10
Espoo
Hotel in Espoo
Today you should take advantage of a trip through the national park and enjoy the pristine nature one last time! Our partner offers a variety of activities both on-site and in advance. Afterwards, you can relax in the complimentary sauna – a truly Finnish experience!
Espoo
Day 10
Hotel in Espoo
Today you should take advantage of a trip through the national park and enjoy the pristine nature one last time! Our partner offers a variety of activities both on-site and in advance. Afterwards, you can relax in the complimentary sauna – a truly Finnish experience!
Day 11
Espoo – Helsinki and return journey
approx. 25 km
After a delicious breakfast, you'll travel for about 30 minutes back to Helsinki Airport or the respective ferry terminal. Individual onward journey home. TIP: EXTENSION Book an extension to your stay on the popular holiday island of Åland. The ferry departs from Turku, and the journey past numerous small islands is truly unique.
Espoo – Helsinki and return journey
Day 11
approx. 25 km
After a delicious breakfast, you'll travel for about 30 minutes back to Helsinki Airport or the respective ferry terminal. Individual onward journey home. TIP: EXTENSION Book an extension to your stay on the popular holiday island of Åland. The ferry departs from Turku, and the journey past numerous small islands is truly unique.
Price from
€1,500.00
Services
What's included
6 nights including breakfast in good mid-range hotels in a room with shower/toilet
2 nights including breakfast and 3-course dinner in a glass igloo with shower/toilet
2 nights including half board at the Haltia Lake Lodge in a room with shower/toilet
Sauna use in Hankasalmi and Espoo
1 activity in Hankasalmi: rental of seasonal equipment (e.g. canoe, SUP, fat bikes, etc.), opportunity to play golf or 1 hour of bowling
Pocket travel guide of your choice
Street map available upon request
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Tip
Rental cars (we would be happy to create a suitable offer for you)
Ferry crossings, tolls and fuel, unless listed as included.
Optional excursions, activities and entrance fees
Meals not included in the services
personal expenses
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Balanced
This self-drive tour is ideal for those who enjoy driving themselves and exploring the countryside independently. Daily distances range from 25 to 290 kilometers, and include several ferry crossings. Along the way, there's plenty of time for walks, sightseeing, and local activities.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Notes on the trip
Route
Approximately 920 km from Helsinki
Excursion options
Morning hike through the forest (approx. 1-1.5 hours): €49 per person. Experience nature awakening before breakfast. The start time varies depending on the season, but is usually around 6:00 a.m. The nature and atmosphere in the morning are unique and will invigorate you in a completely different way. With a bit of luck, you might even spot some nocturnal animals. Evening swim in the lake (approx. 2 hours): €49 per person. After a 30-minute hike in the evening, you'll reach a pristine lake. Here you can take a dip, then relax with herbal tea or a cup of coffee and enjoy the peaceful surroundings in the red twilight. Your guide will tell you interesting facts about the flora and fauna, as well as stories about the national park. Canoeing in Nuuksio (approx. 2-3 hours): €99 per person. Discover the hidden beauty of the national park on a tranquil canoe trip across two lakes. This tour is ideal for beginners; no paddling experience is necessary. Minimum participants: 6 to 8. If this number is not reached, the partner reserves the right to cancel the trip. No excursion for you? Feel free to contact us!
Notes
Changes to the itinerary are possible. This trip is generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. In individual cases, we are happy to check whether we can still accommodate your travel wishes. Please contact us.
