
Finland
Finland - Self-drive tour Grand Finland tour
Finland - Self-drive tour Grand Finland tour
Duration
14 days
Start/End
Helsinki
Tour type
Individual
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
In 14 days you drive from Helsinki via Lappeenranta and the Finnish Lakeland with Linnansaari to Kuopio, Vuokatti and Iso-Syöte and on to Rovaniemi in Lapland. You return along the coast via Kalajoki, Hämeenlinna and Turku.
Discover the vastness of Finland. Helsinki, Finland's enchanting capital, lies directly on the coast and on the islands just offshore. Across the western coast, you'll find entire archipelagos of islands and beaches. Your journey takes you further north through the Finnish Lakeland. A beautiful region with sprawling lakes and forests, taiga, and rolling hills awaits you. Your travels continue far north to Lapland, to Santa Claus's hometown.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Helsinki and transfer to Lappeenranta
Hotel in Lappeenranta
approx. 230 km
Individual arrival in Finland. We recommend taking breaks in Porvoo and Kotka along the way. You'll love Porvoo's old town with its wooden houses and the port city. Two nights in Lappeenranta. 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 and transfer to Lappeenranta
Day 1
Hotel in Lappeenranta
approx. 230 km
Individual arrival in Finland. We recommend taking breaks in Porvoo and Kotka along the way. You'll love Porvoo's old town with its wooden houses and the port city. Two nights in Lappeenranta. 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
Castle Island
Hotel in Lappeenranta
Today, head to Linnansaari National Park in search of the rare Saimaa ringed seals. You'll also find many beautiful hiking trails here.
Castle Island
Day 2
Hotel in Lappeenranta
Today, head to Linnansaari National Park in search of the rare Saimaa ringed seals. You'll also find many beautiful hiking trails here.
Day 3
Lappeenranta – Kuopio
Hotel in Kuopio
approx. 270 km
Drive through the lake district. The castle town of Imatra lies on the Russian border. Savonlinna with its castle and the Valamo Monastery are on the way to your destination for the day, Kuopio.
Lappeenranta – Kuopio
Day 3
Hotel in Kuopio
approx. 270 km
Drive through the lake district. The castle town of Imatra lies on the Russian border. Savonlinna with its castle and the Valamo Monastery are on the way to your destination for the day, Kuopio.
Day 4
Kuopio – Vuokatti
Hotel in Vuokatti
approx. 190 km
The journey continues northwards. Your destination for the day is Vuokatti, a well-known winter resort that also has plenty to offer in summer. You can enjoy many active excursions here; the hilly landscape is perfect for hiking, or you can rent a canoe and paddle across one of the lakes.
Kuopio – Vuokatti
Day 4
Hotel in Vuokatti
approx. 190 km
The journey continues northwards. Your destination for the day is Vuokatti, a well-known winter resort that also has plenty to offer in summer. You can enjoy many active excursions here; the hilly landscape is perfect for hiking, or you can rent a canoe and paddle across one of the lakes.
Day 5
Vuokatti – Iso-Syöte
Hotel in Iso-Syöte
approx. 220 km
From Vuokatti, the next leg of your journey takes you further north to the border of Lapland. Here lies Iso-Syöte, nestled in a diverse landscape of mountains, taiga, and spruce forests.
Vuokatti – Iso-Syöte
Day 5
Hotel in Iso-Syöte
approx. 220 km
From Vuokatti, the next leg of your journey takes you further north to the border of Lapland. Here lies Iso-Syöte, nestled in a diverse landscape of mountains, taiga, and spruce forests.
Day 6
Iso-Syöte – Rovaniemi
Hotel in Rovaniemi
approx. 200 km
If you choose the route via Kemijärvi, you'll enter the more mountainous region of Lapland. Kemijärvi is situated on the lake of the same name. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and your destination for today, lies on the Kemijoki River. Santa Claus fans can visit Santa Claus Village here, while everyone else can enjoy the fascinating exhibition at the Arktikum. Rovaniemi is also known as the capital of Lapland.
Iso-Syöte – Rovaniemi
Day 6
Hotel in Rovaniemi
approx. 200 km
If you choose the route via Kemijärvi, you'll enter the more mountainous region of Lapland. Kemijärvi is situated on the lake of the same name. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and your destination for today, lies on the Kemijoki River. Santa Claus fans can visit Santa Claus Village here, while everyone else can enjoy the fascinating exhibition at the Arktikum. Rovaniemi is also known as the capital of Lapland.
Day 7
Rovaniemi – Kalajoki
Hotel in Kalajoki
approx. 330 km
The journey south leads along the Kemijoki River to the Gulf of Bothnia. Kemi lies at the northern end of the bay. The Gem Gallery houses faithful replicas of numerous crown jewels. Oulu, directly on the Baltic coast, is considered Finland's technology center. Kalajoki, where you'll be staying, boasts beautiful beaches.
Rovaniemi – Kalajoki
Day 7
Hotel in Kalajoki
approx. 330 km
The journey south leads along the Kemijoki River to the Gulf of Bothnia. Kemi lies at the northern end of the bay. The Gem Gallery houses faithful replicas of numerous crown jewels. Oulu, directly on the Baltic coast, is considered Finland's technology center. Kalajoki, where you'll be staying, boasts beautiful beaches.
Day 8
Kalajoki – Seinäjoki
Hotel in Seinäjoki
approx. 270 km
Vaasa lies on the Kvarken Strait. The port city is shaped by the land uplift. You'll find a small old town seven kilometers inland in Korsholm. During the civil war in 1918, Vaasa was briefly the capital. Your destination for the day, Seinäjoki, is known for its tango festival.
Kalajoki – Seinäjoki
Day 8
Hotel in Seinäjoki
approx. 270 km
Vaasa lies on the Kvarken Strait. The port city is shaped by the land uplift. You'll find a small old town seven kilometers inland in Korsholm. During the civil war in 1918, Vaasa was briefly the capital. Your destination for the day, Seinäjoki, is known for its tango festival.
Day 9
Seinäjoki – Hämeenlinna
Hotel in Hämeenlinna
approx. 260 km
The journey leads back to the lake district. Tampere is situated between two lakes near a waterfall. Continue to Aulanko near Hämeenlinna. Two nights in Hämeenlinna.
Seinäjoki – Hämeenlinna
Day 9
Hotel in Hämeenlinna
approx. 260 km
The journey leads back to the lake district. Tampere is situated between two lakes near a waterfall. Continue to Aulanko near Hämeenlinna. Two nights in Hämeenlinna.
Day 10
Hämeenlinna
Hotel in Hämeenlinna
This day offers many possibilities. A ticket to Häme Castle is already included. You can also, for example, take a boat trip on the lake or a trip to Iittala, Finland's most famous glassworks.
Hämeenlinna
Day 10
Hotel in Hämeenlinna
This day offers many possibilities. A ticket to Häme Castle is already included. You can also, for example, take a boat trip on the lake or a trip to Iittala, Finland's most famous glassworks.
Day 11
Hämeenlinna – Turku
Hotel in Turku
approx. 160 km
Turku is also known as Åbo, as a large portion of its inhabitants are Swedish-speaking. The old artisans' quarter, the cathedral, and the castle are all worth a visit. A trip to Nagu, located on several islands just off the coast, is also highly recommended.
Hämeenlinna – Turku
Day 11
Hotel in Turku
approx. 160 km
Turku is also known as Åbo, as a large portion of its inhabitants are Swedish-speaking. The old artisans' quarter, the cathedral, and the castle are all worth a visit. A trip to Nagu, located on several islands just off the coast, is also highly recommended.
Day 12
Turku – Helsinki
Hotel in Helsinki
approx. 180 km
A visit to Naantali and its old town is worthwhile before heading towards the capital. We recommend taking the coastal route rather than the direct motorway. Hanko and Ekenäs, both situated on peninsulas in the Gulf of Finland, are well worth a visit. Two nights in Helsinki.
Turku – Helsinki
Day 12
Hotel in Helsinki
approx. 180 km
A visit to Naantali and its old town is worthwhile before heading towards the capital. We recommend taking the coastal route rather than the direct motorway. Hanko and Ekenäs, both situated on peninsulas in the Gulf of Finland, are well worth a visit. Two nights in Helsinki.
Day 13
Helsinki
Hotel in Helsinki
Helsinki is wonderful to explore using public transport, but it's also very convenient to walk – it only takes about 40 minutes to walk from one end of the city to the other. A trip to the nearby island of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is absolutely worthwhile!
Helsinki
Day 13
Hotel in Helsinki
Helsinki is wonderful to explore using public transport, but it's also very convenient to walk – it only takes about 40 minutes to walk from one end of the city to the other. A trip to the nearby island of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is absolutely worthwhile!
Day 14
Helsinki and return journey
Depending on your departure time, you'll have some time to explore the city. Finland's capital is impressive. A must-see is the market square with its cathedral, Orthodox church, presidential residence, and inner harbor. Near the train station, you'll find the Parliament building, the main street, and the large Finlandia cultural center. Individual onward journey home. TIP: EXTENSION Book an extra night in Helsinki from €140 per person in a double room including breakfast.
Helsinki and return journey
Day 14
Depending on your departure time, you'll have some time to explore the city. Finland's capital is impressive. A must-see is the market square with its cathedral, Orthodox church, presidential residence, and inner harbor. Near the train station, you'll find the Parliament building, the main street, and the large Finlandia cultural center. Individual onward journey home. TIP: EXTENSION Book an extra night in Helsinki from €140 per person in a double room including breakfast.
Price from
€1,100.00
Services
What's included
13 nights including breakfast in good mid-range hotels in a double room with shower/toilet
Entrance to Häme Castle in Hämeenlinna
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
Nature-led
This self-drive tour is ideal for those who enjoy driving themselves and exploring the countryside independently. Daily distances range from 160 to 330 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
Optional
Extra bed (adults)
pro Person, Season 01.05.–30.09.2027
€905.00
per person
Extra bed for child up to and including 12 years
per child, season 01.05.–30.09.2027
€435.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Route
ca. 2,380 km ab/bis Helsinki
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.
