Karelia Road Trip

The Karelia Road Trip is a unique journey that takes you through Finland and Russia. Starting in Helsinki, Finland, and ending in the same city, the route will take you through Lappeenranta, Nurmes, Petrozavodsk, and St. Petersburg, covering a total distance of approximately 2548 km. The recommended time to complete this journey is 12 days, and the best time of the year to embark on this trip is during the summer months. Along the way, you will be able to experience the historical sites and monuments of both Finland and Russia, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The roads are generally in good condition, but please be aware that you will be passing through a border crossing. This road trip is suitable for every driver and provides a very high level of experience and memories. However, it should be noted that this trip is best managed with a high budget. Regardless, the Karelia Road Trip is an unforgettable journey that will leave you with lifelong memories.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is the perfect starting point for any road trip. Located on the shore of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a vibrant and modern city with a rich cultural history. From the old churches and monuments to the bustling harbor, Helsinki is full of interesting sights and activities. For those starting their "Karelia Road Trip" from Helsinki, the city has its own international airport (HEL, IATA code) with car rental options available. From here, you can explore the city and its surroundings. The city center is best explored on foot and is home to historical landmarks such as the Senate Square and the Helsinki Cathedral. The nearby island of Suomenlinna is a popular destination for a day trip, with its many museums and fortifications. If you're looking for a bit of nature, you can take a drive to the Nuuksio National Park, located just outside of Helsinki. Here you can explore the pristine forests and lakes, spot wildlife, and take a dip in one of the many swimming spots. No matter what your interests, Helsinki has something for everyone. With its beautiful scenery, modern amenities, and vibrant culture, it's the perfect starting point for any road trip.

Embark on a road trip from Helsinki to Lappeenranta and experience the best of Finland! You will travel for 222 km and it will take you less than 3 hours to get to your destination. Along the way, you will have the chance to explore some of the most interesting places in the country. Start your journey in Helsinki and make a stop in Porvoo, a beautiful small town with an old-town charm and a picturesque harbor. Here you can find some of the most interesting historical sites, such as the Porvoo Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. Keep driving and you will reach Lappeenranta, a city with a rich culture and many attractions, such as the Lappeenranta Fortress and the Lappeenranta harbor. Don't forget to take a few pictures of the stunning landscapes you will encounter on your way. Moreover, some UNESCO Heritage Sites are also located along the route. Make sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip and explore the best of Finland!

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Lappeenranta to Joensuu, a journey of 306km and fewer than 6 hours of driving. Start your journey in Lappeenranta, known for its beautiful harbor and rich history. As you drive, take in the scenic views of the countryside and make sure to stop at any interesting historical sites along the way. Your next stop is Savonlinna, a city renowned for its beautiful lakeside setting and medieval Olavinlinna Castle. Take a stroll around the castle grounds and enjoy the picturesque views of the lake. Continue your journey to Joensuu, a vibrant university city full of culture. Explore the city’s many attractions, such as the Joensuu Art Museum and the Karelian Museum. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, hop in the car and embark on this memorable road trip!

Start your road trip in Joensuu, Finland and embark on a journey through Koli National Park and Nurmes. This 132km stretch of road will take you less than two hours to drive, but it's packed with interesting sights and activities. As you drive, you'll be surrounded by lush forests and picturesque lakes, so be sure to keep your eyes open for wildlife and stunning views. In Koli National Park, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking trails to canoeing and fishing spots. There are also many historical sites to explore, such as the Koli Nature Centre and the Koli Chapel. Take some time to wander around the park and take in the breathtaking views of the Finnish countryside. Finally, your road trip will end in Nurmes. Here, you can explore the old wooden buildings, visit the Nurmes Church, and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and forests. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from, so be sure to take a break and refuel before continuing your journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy the drive!

Embark on an exciting road trip through the beautiful Finnish countryside, starting in Nurmes and ending in Kem. This 502 km journey will take you less than 7 hours, so you can enjoy the scenery along the way. As you make your way through Kuhmo, be sure to take in the historical sites and stunning views of the rolling hills. You will cross the state border during this stage of your journey, so be sure to have your documents ready. With so much to see and do in each location, you won't want to miss a thing. In Nurmes, take a stroll through the city center and explore the local shops and restaurants. In Kuhmo, visit the Kuhmo Arts Centre and admire the unique architecture. Finally, in Kem, take a tour of the historical sites and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake. With so much to see and do, you won't want to miss a thing. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage of your tour.

Ready for an amazing road trip experience? Then buckle up and get ready to explore the majestic beauty of two of Russia's most vibrant cities! Starting in Kem, you'll be heading to Petrozavodsk, a 409 km drive that will take you less than 5 hours. Along the way, you'll be able to explore some of the most interesting places that Russia has to offer. Kem is home to the Solovetsky Monastery, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in Russia. You can also explore the nearby Solovetsky Islands, which offer breathtaking views and a variety of activities. Once you reach Petrozavodsk, take a stroll around the city and explore the historic sites and monuments. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and parks to explore. As you make your way through the scenic route, be sure to take in the views of the majestic lakes, forests, and mountains. Along the way, you'll also find some of the most beautiful churches and monasteries in Russia. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Petrozavodsk to Sortavala? This journey will take you through some of the most beautiful and picturesque landscapes of the Karelian region. The total distance is 296 km, and it should take you no more than 6 hours. As you drive, you'll be surrounded by lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rolling hills. Keep an eye out for the stunning views of the White Sea and the Onega Bay. Your first stop should be in the town of Medvezhyegorsk. Here you can visit the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the only wooden church in the region. Make sure you don't miss the beautiful views of the river Shuya and the nearby lake. Next, you'll arrive in the town of Kondopoga. Here you'll find the Kondopoga Museum of Local Lore, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region. And don't forget to take a break and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the local parks and squares. Your final destination is Sortavala. Here you can explore the Sortavala Fortress, one of the oldest fortresses in the region. You'll also find the Sortavala Museum of Local Lore, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Now, get ready to hit the road and enjoy the ride!

Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Sortavala, Russia to St. Petersburg? This journey will take you on a 296 km drive, taking less than 4 hours. Along the way, you will experience some of the most stunning views in the region. Start your journey in Sortavala, a town located on the Karelian Isthmus, which is surrounded by beautiful forests and lakes. Make sure to take a walk around the town and check out the local churches and the ruins of the Sortavala castle. Continue your journey to St. Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here, you will be able to explore the city’s impressive architecture, stroll along the canals, and visit some of the city’s many museums and galleries. Make sure to take a boat tour to get a unique view of the city. Along the way, you will be able to stop at some of the many small towns and villages, where you can explore their unique culture and taste some of their local delicacies. Make sure to keep an eye out for the stunning views of the forests, lakes, and rivers that you will pass along the way. 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!

Embark on a 385 km road trip from St. Petersburg to Helsinki, passing through the charming city of Vyborg. This stage of your journey will take you across the Russian-Finnish border and through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit some of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the historic center of St. Petersburg and the fortress of Vyborg. As you drive, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, and be sure to stop at some of the quaint villages and small towns that dot the landscape. In just under five hours, you will arrive in Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland. While in Helsinki, be sure to explore the city's beautiful architecture, its many museums and galleries, and its vibrant nightlife. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, and recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your journey.

The end of your Karelia Road Trip is Helsinki, one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. With its vibrant culture, great nightlife and fascinating history, Helsinki is a must-see destination. Start your exploring of Helsinki at the Senate Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a grandiose cathedral and impressive architecture. From there, take a stroll down the Esplanade Park, a beautiful promenade lined with shops, cafes, and monuments. To get a glimpse of the city from high above, take a ride on the Helsinki Cable Car and enjoy stunning views of the city. Visit the iconic and stunning Rock Church, a Lutheran church built into a massive boulder. Take a walk in the Uspenski Cathedral, a traditional Russian Orthodox church, and marvel at its intricate interior. If you're looking for a unique experience, explore the Temppeliaukio Church, which is carved into solid rock. For a taste of Finnish culture, visit the National Museum and learn about the history of Finland. The Ateneum Art Museum is also worth a visit, showcasing works from some of the world's most famous artists. For those arriving by air, Helsinki International Airport (HEL) is the closest international airport. Helsinki is a great ending point for your Karelia Road Trip and will leave you with wonderful memories of Finland.

If our Karelia Road Trip sparked some travel ideas in your head – great that was the purpose!
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting attractions of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around Finland, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a list of things to keep in mind to make your adventure smooth. These tips will surely become useful for holidaymakers who opt for vehicle hire or camper hire in Finland.
There are a number of traffic rules to be followed while on a tour around Finland. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all costs while driving. In Finland, the permitted blood alcohol level is low and equals only 0.5‰. The maximum permissible speed when travelling around the build-up areas is 50km/h. When travelling in rural areas, you should stick to the maximum speed of 80km/h. On highways, the permissible speed is 120km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. The total cost of the whole tour can vary depending on the budget option of your choice. A wide range of budget configurations is showed below.
If you’d like to benefit from the cheapest offer to cover the planned 2,548km while travelling around Finland, it can cost roughly 350 EUR. You should take into consideration that economy accommodation options will cost roughly 792 EUR. Those who want to benefit from this option will spend more or less 1,152 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay around 648 EUR if they go for the budget rental car offer as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from roughly 2,294 EUR to about 2,942 EUR.
Tourists who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay roughly 463 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the tour. Cost amounting to 1,342 EUR can be expected by all drivers who are looking for standard accommodation options. The general cost of food and restaurants within this range is more or less 1,728 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of about 864 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 4,397 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend approximately 3,533 EUR.
The available premium offer has been prepared for the most demanding travellers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 7,069 EUR for drivers who are considering car hire and 3,533 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium hire vehicle should expect a cost of approximately 2,160 EUR. When it comes to the top standard configuration of the tour, you need to spend the maximum of 625 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. Tourists who will go for top services in all aspects of their trip should expect to pay approximately 2,304 EUR for restaurants and food and about 1,980 EUR for overnight stays.
Our tour will also become interesting for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. If you choose this mode of transport, the expenses may amount to approximately 2,700 EUR. Travellers will spend about 688 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Tourists who opt for camper rental should expect to pay about 660 EUR for accommodation and around 1,152 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the presented details in an easy to follow way.
The part of Finland showed in our road trip idea is great to be visited between June and August. There are plenty of picturesque road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if Karelia Road Trip has inspired you. The great variety of trips will definitely cater to the needs of the most demanding holidaymakers.