Finland self drive tour
Finland, a nation cherished by nature, boasts enchanting forests, lakes, and the unique charm of the Nordics. A self-drive across Finland means leaving your tire marks on woodland paths and by lake shores, enjoying tranquility and freedom.
Located in Northern Europe, Finland is famous for its magnificent natural scenery and unique cultural charm. Covered by vast forests and thousands of lakes, it is known as the "Land of a Thousand Lakes."
Finland, situated in the eastern part of Northern Europe, borders Russia to the east, Norway to the north, Sweden to the northwest, and faces the Baltic Sea to the south. With a land area of about 338,000 square kilometers, most of it is covered by forests and dotted with lakes.
Finland has a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters in the south, and a subarctic climate in the north. In winter, most of Finland is covered with thick snow, especially in Lapland, making it an ideal place for chasing the Northern Lights and winter sports.
🌺 Route Overview
1️⃣ Helsinki
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2️⃣ Porvoo
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3️⃣ Tampere
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4️⃣ Savonlinna
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5️⃣ Turku
✅ Helsinki
In Helsinki, I drive through the historic streets, as if hearing the city's soft chant. Under the warm sun of Hotel St. George, I savor local exquisite cuisine, feeling the intertwining of Nordic modernity and tradition.
Accommodation recommendation: Hotel Kämp — Experience luxurious Nordic style. Cuisine recommendation: Olo — Explore Finnish modern cuisine. Attractions: Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, Suomenlinna. Suggested stay: 2 nights
✅ Porvoo
The old streets of Porvoo exude the warm scent of wooden houses. Surrounded by nature’s beauty at Hotel Haikko Manor, each bite at Restaurant Meat District whispers tales of times past.
Accommodation recommendation: Hotel Onni — Cozy small-town ambiance. Cuisine recommendation: Ravintola Sinne — Taste local flavors. Attractions: Old Town, wooden buildings, art galleries. Suggested stay: 1 night
✅ Tampere
Tampere, a city surrounded by lakes, where Lillan Hotel offers relaxation and comfort. The aroma at Pella’s Cafe is not just coffee but the gentle murmur of the city.
Accommodation recommendation: Lapland Hotel Tampere — Experience Lapland's unique style. Cuisine recommendation: Ravintola C — A blend of modern and traditional. Attractions: Finnish Museum, Tampere Cathedral, Pyhäjärvi Lake. Suggested stay: 2 nights
✅ Savonlinna
Waking up in a cabin at SaimaaHoliday Oravi, I'm greeted by a captivating natural painting outside. The cuisine at Kalastajan Koju Savonlinna sings a profound ode to nature.
Accommodation recommendation: Lossiranta Lodge — Enjoy serene lakeside views. Cuisine recommendation: Ravintola Majakka — Fresh catches by the lake. Attractions: Olavinlinna Castle, lake scenery. Suggested stay: 2 nights
✅ Turku
Heading to Turku, I find comfort at Scandic Julia. The delicacies at Kaskis are a refined interpretation of the city’s culture.
Accommodation recommendation: Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel — Modern comfort overlooking Aura River. Cuisine recommendation: Kaskis — Quaint and cozy local cuisine. Attractions: Turku Castle, Turku Cathedral, Old Market. Suggested stay: 2 nights
🌺 Self-Drive Tips
🚗 About Renting a Car:
Pick-up location: Helsinki Airport
Drop-off location: Helsinki Airport
Rental Requirements:
Original passport International credit card Valid driving license (minimum of one-year driving experience)
Finnish Traffic:
Speed limits: 50 km/h in cities, 120 km/h on highways.
Wildlife: Be cautious of wild animals when driving in rural areas.
Parking: Paid parking may be required in city centers.
As my self-driving journey concludes, not only the beautiful landscapes but also every little moment on the road linger in my heart. Finland's lakes and forests have witnessed my travel; each town, each road, is a poem in my life. Returning with a deep longing for the Nordics, I know every landscape here will softly sing in my memories.
While planning a self-drive trip like this, if you're considering extending your travels to France, remember to schedule your france visa appointment. For a smooth journey, consulting with schengen visa agents for your france schengen visa appointment can be invaluable. Like managing a schengen visa appointment, planning a road trip requires attention to details for a memorable experience.
