Self-Drive Tour Finland

Categories Independent Tours Self Drive Tours All-Year Tours Scandinavia

Finland is called " The Land of the Thousand Lakes" and you have the opportunity in this self-drive tour to enjoy some of the lakes!

Itinerary

Arrival, Helsinki – Porvoo (70 km)

Arrival to the Helsinki-Vantaa airport and pick-up your rental car. If time allows, possibility to drive to Helsinki and get to know the city. We recommend a visit to some of its most important sights such as the Senate Square, the Uspenskij Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument and the Temppeliaukio church. Drive to Porvoo, which is the second oldest town of Finland. The driving route follows the King’s Road, which is the most significant travel route in the Nordic countries, and follows an old postal route. The road has been used by kings and their couriers, bishops and townsmen, artists and armies ever since the 1300s. Mansions, farms, taverns, alehouses and inns that housed and accommodated travellers arose all along the King's Road, Today the King's Road is a network of fascinating travel services but some stretches of the original road are still in use. The total length of the road is 253 km. On the way to Porvoo, it is possible to visit Haikko Manor, the home of the famous painter Albert Edelfelt and the old church of Sipoo, built in the 15th century. Arrival to Porvoo and start with a walking tour in the Old Town with its well-preserved wooden houses, visit the medieval church, and the Town Hall Square. Drive to Tukkila Farm, 15 km from the centre of Porvoo, and enjoy the hospitality of the locals. This farm has since 1830 been located next to the beautiful river scenery of Porvoo. Tukkila is known for the breeding of horses, sheep and llamas. Possibility to try a traditional Finnish smoked sauna. Overnight in Pariisin Ville Hotel or similar

Porvoo – Savonlina (334 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue towards the Finnish Lakeland. Pass Kouvola and Lappeenranta, and arrive to Punkaharju. Drive the panoramic road along the Punkaharju Ridge. Possibility to visit the Retretti Art Centre, one of the most important art centres of Finland. In the Punkaharju area you will find important nature reserves, holiday resorts, and one of the most interesting museums of Finland: the Lusto Forest Museum which we strongly recommend. Continue your tour with a short drive to Savonlinna, a dynamic little town famous for an annual Opera Festival. We recommend a visit to the Olavinlinna Castle.

Accommodation at 3 star+ class hotel in Savonlinna, centrally located

Savonlinna - Nurmes (267 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Savonlinna and drive via Heinävesi to the New Valamo Monastery, located in calm, beautiful environments. Continue to Joensuu, the capital of the North Karelia region. Continue for a tour around Lake Pielinen, one of the biggest lakes of Finland, before continuing to the Koli National Park. Time for a panoramic walking tour in the park. We recommend a visit to Ukko Nature Center as well as the ‘Pirun Kirkko’ (‘the Devil’s Church’), a 34 metres’ long cave within a short hike along a marked trail. Drive to Nurmes, a small town on the Northern shore of Lake Pielinen. Optional activities possible at Nurmes, such as lake fishing.

Accommodation at 3 star+ class hotel in Nurmes, centrally located

Nurmes - Kuopio (129 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue to Lieksa. We recommend a visit to the open-air museum in Lieksa called Pielisen Museo and to drive from Lieksa to Ruunaa Nature Reserve to enjoy the lake view with rapids (also a good location for fishing). Continue to Vuonislahti, offering the possibility to visit to the atelier of famous Finnish sculptor Eva Ryynänen, and the church carved of wood. Drive to Kuopio, the capital of the Savo region. We recommend a visit to the Puijo Tower for a panoramic view. Another possibility is to reserve a lake cruise on Lake Kallavesi.

Accommodation at 3 star+ class hotel in Kuopio centrally located

Kuopio – Tampere (295 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue through the central Finland towards Tampere. On the route it is possible to stop at Jyväskylä, a town famous for its architecture by Alvar Aalto. Continue towards Tampere and arrive at the hotel.

Accommodation at 3 star+ class hotel in Tampere, centrally located

Tampere– Helsinki/Vantaa Airport (171 KM)

Breakfast at the hotel. We recommend to spend the morning in Tampere, and enjoy this lively summer town. Possibility to visit the Näsinneula Tower for a panoramic view or visit one of the most popular amusement parks of Finland, Särkänniemi. For art lovers, a must-see is the Sara Hildén Art Museum. Continue to Hämeenlinna for the possibility to visit the Hämeenlinna Castle or the birth place of the most famous composer of Finland, Jean Sibelius. In the late afternoon drive to Tuusula which is located at a convenient distance to the Helsinki-Vantaa.

Notes