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.
12
number of days
1,371 km
route length
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budget
family
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Finland Road Sign
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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
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Itinerary
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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!
Lahti - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Lahti
- Kuopio
Distance 292 km
Driving time 3.4 h
Pace: fast
87.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Kuopio - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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3
Kuopio
- Kajaani
Distance 178 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: fast
53.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Kajaani - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Kajaani
- Nurmes
Distance 112 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
33.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Nurmes - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
Nurmes - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Nurmes
- Lieksa
- Joensuu
Distance 152 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
45.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Joensuu - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Joensuu
- Savonlinna
Distance 139 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
41.8 kWh
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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!
Savonlinna - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - www.needpix.com
Savonlinna - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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7
Savonlinna
- Lappeenranta
Distance 158 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: fast
47.3 kWh
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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!
Lappeenranta - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
Lappeenranta - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Lappeenranta
- Hamina
- Porvoo
Distance 180 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
54.1 kWh
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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.
Porvoo - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - www.pxfuel.com
Porvoo - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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9
Porvoo
- Helsinki
Distance 49 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
14.6 kWh
Airports
HEL
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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.
Helsinki - Finland - Europe - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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East Finland Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Helsinki
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End:
Helsinki
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Distance:
1,371 km
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Stay:
12 days
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Getting there:
Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL)
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When to drive:
June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an enchanting journey through Finland's majestic landscapes and vibrant cultural tapestry with the East Finland Road Trip. Initiate your adventure in the dynamic capital of Helsinki, before meandering through the scenic cities of Lahti, Kajaani, Joensuu, and Lappeenranta. This 1371km odyssey is perfectly paced over a 12-day itinerary, offering travelers the chance to fully embrace the serene beauty and historical richness of eastern Finland.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Helsinki: The cosmopolitan heart of Finland, renowned for its cutting-edge architecture, design museums, and the bustling Market Square.
- Lahti: An internationally recognized hub for winter sports enthusiasts, featuring the Lahti Ski Museum and the architecturally stunning Sibelius Hall.
- Kajaani: A haven of tranquility with its idyllic castle ruins set against a backdrop of pristine lakes and forests.
- Joensuu: The gateway to the awe-inspiring Koli National Park, which offers some of Finland's most iconic vistas from atop Ukko-Koli Hill.
- Lappeenranta: A historic city nestled on the shores of Lake Saimaa, known for its fortress and proximity to the Russian border, offering a unique blend of Finnish and Russian cultural influences.
Best Time to Go:
The summer season, from June to August, is the optimal time to set off on the East Finland Road Trip. Revel in the magic of the Midnight Sun, with extended daylight hours illuminating your path and milder temperatures enhancing your explorations of nature and cityscapes alike.
Potential Risks:
While the journey offers an abundance of experiences, travelers should be aware of the high cost of living in Finland. Accommodation, dining, and activities can strain the budget of those who are not prepared, making financial planning a crucial component of the Trip.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Drive with ease on Finland's well-maintained Road network, navigating through scenic routes and byways.
- Discover Finland's heritage with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Verla Groundwood and Board Mill and the Struve Geodetic Arc.
- Secure your accommodations and outline your itinerary in advance to ensure a seamless travel experience, particularly during the peak summer season when demand is high.
A good choice for:
The East Finland Road Trip offers a blend of natural splendor and cultural immersion, making it an unforgettable escapade for those eager to delve into the heart of Finnish life. With thoughtful budgeting and pre-Trip planning, this Road Trip promises to be an enriching journey that captivates the soul of every traveler.
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