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HomeRoad TripsEuropeNorth EuropeScandinaviaFinlandEast Finland
East Finland

East Finland Road Trip

Helsinki - Lahti - Kuopio - Kajaani - Nurmes - Joensuu - Savonlinna - Lappeenranta - Porvoo

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Road conditions Road conditions
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
East Finland Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages8 km1,371 h/stage2.2

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a East Finland Road Trip in Finland?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 648EUR drive & more 188EUR sleep & more 792EUR eat & more 1,152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,132EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,780EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 864EUR drive & more 250EUR sleep & more 1,342EUR eat & more 1,728EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,320EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,184EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,160EUR drive & more 338EUR sleep & more 1,980EUR eat & more 2,304EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 4,622EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 6,782EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,700EUR drive & more 375EUR sleep & more 660EUR eat & more 1,152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,187EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,887EUR
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East Finland Road Trip Itinerary

The East Finland Road Trip is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful country of Finland. Starting in the capital city of Helsinki, the route takes you through the towns of Lahti, Kajaani, Joensuu, and Lappeenranta, covering a distance of about 1371km. This trip is best experienced over a period of 12 days, allowing you to take your time and enjoy the sights along the way. The best time to take this road trip is during the summer months, when the days are long and the sun is shining. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to explore UNESCO Heritage Monuments, as well as take advantage of the excellent road conditions in Finland. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, however it is important to note that it can become expensive. With a high budget, you will be able to take advantage of all the best attractions and activities that this East Finland Road Trip has to offer.
number of days 12 number of days
route length 1,371 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Helsinki

Distance 1,358 km Driving time 17.3 h Pace: fast 407.3 kWh Airports HEL
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Helsinki is the perfect starting point for the East Finland Road Trip. This bustling city is the capital of Finland and the hub of Finnish culture and history. With a vibrant city center, Helsinki offers plenty of sights and attractions to explore. Start your journey with a visit to the Senate Square, the historic center of Helsinki. From this square, you can take a stroll through the city and visit the Presidential Palace, the National Museum and the University of Helsinki. For a taste of local culture and history, take a visit to the National Museum of Finland, with its collection of Finnish art and artifacts. For a more modern experience, explore the trendy neighborhoods of Kallio and Punavuori. Here, you can find plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to enjoy. Or, take a stroll through the Esplanadi park, where you can find a vibrant mix of restaurants and shops. Don't forget to visit the nearby island of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore the old fortifications and enjoy a picnic overlooking the sea. For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL). There are car rental services available at the airport for those wishing to explore the East Finland Road Trip by car. With car rental, you can easily explore the entire East Finland region and its stunning landscapes.

1 Helsinki - Lahti

Distance 99 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 29.6 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Helsinki to Lahti? This 99 km drive will take you less than two hours and you'll be able to explore some of the most interesting places in Finland. On your way, you'll find the historical Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the beautiful Castle of Häme. You'll also be able to visit the historical city of Porvoo, one of the oldest cities in Finland, and the picturesque town of Loviisa. Don't forget to take a break at the beautiful lake of Tuusula, and visit the famous house of the famous poet J.L. Runeberg. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Lahti, where you can explore the beautiful Sibelius Hall and the beautiful city centre. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

2 Lahti - Kuopio

Distance 292 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: fast 87.6 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Welcome, road-trippers! Are you looking for an exciting and unforgettable journey? Then you should consider a road trip from Lahti to Kuopio. This 292-kilometer drive will take you less than 4 hours, and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Finnish countryside. Start your journey in Lahti, where you can explore the city's historical center and enjoy its beautiful parks and lakes. Then, head to the city of Heinola, where you can visit the old Church of St. Lawrence and the Heinola Museum of Natural History. Continue your drive to Jyväskylä, where you can visit the Alvar Aalto Museum and enjoy the city's many parks and lakes. After that, you can drive to the city of Saarijarvi, where you can explore the old church and the beautiful lake. Finally, you will reach your destination, Kuopio. Here, you can visit the Kuopio Cathedral and the Kuopio Market Square. You can also enjoy the city's many parks and lakes, such as the Saimaa Canal. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to explore the other attractions along the way. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

3 Kuopio - Kajaani

Distance 178 km Driving time 2.3 h Pace: fast 53.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Start your journey in Kuopio, Finland, and explore the beautiful 178 km route from Kuopio to Kajaani. This scenic road trip is a perfect way to explore the local culture and nature. You can visit the Kuopio Market Square and take in the sights of the historic buildings, or explore the nearby Kuopio Cathedral. After that, you can take a break at the beach at Puijo and enjoy the view of the lake. The next stop along the way is the city of Iisalmi, where you can visit the Iisalmi Church and the Iisalmi Museum. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. Continue your journey to the town of Kajaani, where you can explore the Kajaani Castle and the Kajaani Art Museum. You can also visit the Kajaani Zoo and take a stroll through the city's parks. This road trip is a great way to experience the beauty of Finland and take in the culture and history of the region. With a driving time of fewer than 3 hours, you can easily make the most of your journey. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

4 Kajaani - Nurmes

Distance 112 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: fast 33.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the Kajaani-Nurmes road trip stage! We invite you to explore the 112 km route between these two cities in Finland. You can expect to drive for less than two hours and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the countryside. The journey starts in Kajaani, a city renowned for its nature, culture and history. Visit Kajaani Castle, a medieval stronghold, or the Kajaani Art Museum, located in an old brewery. The city also boasts a beautiful harbor, so make sure to take some time to explore it. Your next stop is Nurmes, a small town known for its rich cultural heritage. Visit the Nurmes Church, built in the 16th century, or the Nurmes Museum, which features exhibits about the town's history and culture. The local market is also worth a visit, offering a variety of traditional Finnish products. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to pay attention to the scenic roads while you drive. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

5 Nurmes - Lieksa - Joensuu

Distance 152 km Driving time 2.2 h Pace: fast 45.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for a fantastic road trip? Start in Nurmes, Finland, and make your way through Lieksa to Joensuu. The 152 km journey should take you less than 3 hours, but there is so much to see along the way that you'll want to take your time. Lieksa is a must-see, with its stunning lake views and peaceful atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to take a stroll in the park and explore the nearby nature trails. Joensuu is also a great destination, with its vibrant city centre and plenty of cultural attractions. The scenic road is worth a drive, and you'll want to take a few stops to take in the breathtaking views. Be sure to look out for the local wildlife and explore the nearby forests. You can find more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful Finnish countryside!

6 Joensuu - Savonlinna

Distance 139 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: fast 41.8 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Welcome to the beautiful road trip between Joensuu and Savonlinna! This 139km journey is filled with amazing sights and attractions. Start your trip in Joensuu, the capital of North Karelia and explore its historical sites, beautiful parks and scenic views. Make sure to check out the old wooden church of Joensuu, the Karelian Museum, and the Joensuu City Theatre. As you make your way to Savonlinna, you will be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Finnish countryside. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature. Once you reach Savonlinna, take some time to visit the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, the Savonlinna Cathedral, and the Savonlinna Opera Festival. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

7 Savonlinna - Lappeenranta

Distance 158 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 47.3 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
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Take your road trip to the next level and explore the beauty of Finland! Starting in Savonlinna, you will drive 158 km to reach Lappeenranta. Along the way, you will be surrounded by picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. Make sure to stop and enjoy the views! The first stop should be the Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, an impressive 15th century castle perched on an island in the middle of a lake. It’s a great place to take pictures and learn about the history of the area. Continue your journey to Lappeenranta, the largest city in the southeastern part of Finland. Here, you can explore the harbor, the market square, and the old fortress. The harbor is especially beautiful in the summertime, and the fortress is a great place to learn more about the city’s history. For a truly unique experience, visit the Sandcastle Lappeenranta, a giant sandcastle that is built every summer. It is a great place to take pictures and admire the local art. To make your trip even more special, consider camping along the way. There are plenty of campsites in the area, so you can take your time and enjoy the beautiful Finnish nature. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip to Finland!

8 Lappeenranta - Hamina - Porvoo

Distance 180 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: fast 54.1 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road interesting  historic site accommodation options junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Lappeenranta, Finland and ending in Porvoo. This 180 km journey will take less than three hours, and you will pass through the beautiful city of Hamina. Along the way, you will find many historical and cultural sites, as well as stunning views of nature. In Lappeenranta, don't miss the chance to explore the old fortresses, and the impressive harbor. In Hamina, visit the old city center and the beautiful market square. And finally, in Porvoo, don't miss the chance to visit the Old Town, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. As you drive through, make sure to keep an eye out for the stunning views of the countryside. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the itinerary.

9 Porvoo - Helsinki

Distance 49 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 14.6 kWh Airports HEL View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Helsinki is the perfect ending point for the East Finland Road Trip. Located in the south of Finland, it offers a unique experience for all kinds of travelers. Come and explore the city's fascinating mix of cultures and attractions, from the historic Senate Square to the beautiful Temppeliaukio Church. Afterwards, you can take a boat ride to the nearby Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. Explore the city's numerous parks and gardens, such as the Esplanadi, the Cathedral Park and the Sibelius Monument. Finish your journey with a visit to the National Museum of Finland and get a glimpse into the country's colorful past. If you're traveling by car, Helsinki is easily accessible via the E18 motorway. The nearest international airport is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), located about 19 km from the city center. Make Helsinki the final destination of your East Finland Road Trip and explore the city's many attractions and sights. You'll be sure to have an unforgettable experience.

East Finland Road Trip at a glance

Surely, the presented East Finland Road Trip has become an ideal inspiration for your future holidays.
Our itinerary can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting stopovers of your choice.
If car travel is a travel option you prefer, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of elements to keep in mind to turn your adventure into pure pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for holidaymakers who are interested in car rental or renting a camper in Finland.
When sightseeing around Finland, you should kept in mind the local road regulations. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any cost while sightseeing in a vehicle. Holidayers should remember that the permitted blood alcohol level is extremely low and cannot exceed 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limit, which is 50km/h, when driving around the urban areas may result in speeding offence. Outside the cities, holidaymakers can travel at at speeds up to 80km/h. In Finland, you can drive at the speed limit of 120km/h on motorways. In order to stay safe, it is best to drive with your headlights on at daytime and equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. Well, depending on the needs of the holidayers, the money that you have to pay may vary. A wide range of budget configurations is showed below.
Travel expenses connected with fuel in the cheapest offer will be around 188 EUR. Economy accommodation options can cost holidayers roughly 792 EUR. The travel expenses connected with food and restaurants within this option can cost up to approximately 1,152 EUR. Travellers will have to pay about 648 EUR if they opt for the budget rental car option as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from approximately 2,132 EUR to roughly 2,780 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, the gasoline for 9 stages around Finland can cost around 250 EUR. Cost amounting to 1,342 EUR can be expected by all holidayers who are searching for standard overnight stays. When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost approximately 1,728 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental car can expect a cost of around 864 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay approximately 4,184 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend more or less 3,320 EUR.
The available premium option has been prepared with the most demanding holidayers in mind. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 6,782 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering vehicle rental and 3,320 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of around 2,160 EUR. In the premium option of the adventure, the cost of the gasoline needed to cover all stages around Finland is around 338 EUR. Tourists who are considering top services in all aspects of their tour should expect to pay around 2,304 EUR for restaurants and food and about 1,980 EUR for accommodation.
East Finland Road Trip is also a superb opportunity for all camper lovers. If you are considering this transport option, the expenses may amount to around 2,700 EUR. Camper fans will spend roughly 375 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the trip. Holidayers who will go for camper rental should expect to pay approximately 660 EUR for overnight stays and roughly 1,152 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above-mentioned expenses in detail.
The best travel opportunity when exploring the part of Finland presented in our itinerary idea is between June and September. There are countless beautiful road trips and scenic drives that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options. Hopefully, the wide spectrum of options will surely live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.

Facts for safer driving in Finland

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 80 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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