Route 14 Scenic Drive

Route 14 Scenic Drive is a short but classic lakeside cruise in Eastern Finland, running about 35km from Punkaharju to Savonlinna. Plan about 1 day for this trip so you can stop often, walk a bit, and enjoy the lake views instead of just rushing through.

The drive starts in Punkaharju, a famous ridge area surrounded by clear lakes, pine forests, and narrow strips of land between water on both sides. This is one of Finland’s most iconic landscapes, and much of the route follows or briefly connects to Highway 14, with small side roads leading to viewpoints, lakeside piers, and forest trails. The scenery is all about water and woods: long straight stretches through forest, then openings where you get wide views over Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake system. Make time to stop at the Punkaharju ridge area itself; there are marked viewpoints, short walking paths, and small bays where you can get right down to the water.

As you continue toward Savonlinna, the road stays fairly relaxed, with occasional gentle curves and rolling terrain. Traffic is usually light outside the peak summer season, and services are spaced out but sufficient: you can find fuel, small cafés, and places to grab a snack or coffee along or just off the main road. The drive ends in Savonlinna, a small lakeside city known for its old town atmosphere and island setting. The main must-see here is Olavinlinna Castle, a medieval stone fortress built on a rocky islet. While it is not part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of Finland’s most impressive historic attractions and worth at least a couple of hours to explore. If you have extra time, consider a short lake cruise from the harbor to see the castle and the lake landscape from the water.

The best time of year to drive the Route 14 Scenic Drive is late spring to early autumn, roughly from May to September. In May and June you get fresh green forests and long, bright evenings. July and early August are warmest and liveliest, with more services open and plenty of activity around the lakes. Early autumn (September) can be especially beautiful if you catch the first fall colors and still-pleasant temperatures, though some seasonal places may start to close. In winter the route is also passable, but this becomes a very different kind of trip: short daylight hours, snow and ice, and fewer open services, so it’s better suited to experienced winter drivers.

Road conditions are generally good asphalt all the way, but this is a forest-and-lake region, so be prepared for a few specific risks. Wildlife, especially elk and deer, can cross the road suddenly, particularly at dawn and dusk, so keep your speed moderate and watch the roadside carefully. In wet weather, some stretches can feel a bit slippery, and visibility may drop quickly in heavy rain or fog near the lakes. In winter and early spring there may be ice, packed snow, and occasional slush, plus narrow plowed shoulders. There are not many sharp mountain-type curves or steep grades, but you should still respect speed limits, watch out for occasional roadworks in the summer season, and remember that scenic stopping spots are not always official parking areas—pull fully off the roadway and only where it’s clearly safe and allowed.

Punkaharju is a small lakeside town in Eastern Finland, famous for its narrow ridge roads, crystal-clear lakes and peaceful forests. It’s a perfect kick-off spot for the Route 14 Scenic Drive, especially if you’re into slow travel and photo stops every few minutes.

The star attraction is the Punkaharju Ridge itself, a long, forested sand ridge between Lake Puruvesi and Lake Pihlajavesi. Driving or cycling across it gives you classic Finnish postcard views in all directions. There are plenty of lay-bys where you can pull over, take photos, or walk down to the water.

In town, check out:

• Finnish Forest Museum Lusto – interactive museum about Finnish forest culture, easy to combine with a short hike nearby.
• Punkaharju Nature Reserve – marked trails, old pines, great spots for swimming in summer and quiet walks year-round.
• Retretti Cave area (when open for events) – a quirky underground space that sometimes hosts exhibitions.
• Lakeside saunas and beaches – many guesthouses and campsites offer sauna access and canoe or SUP rentals.

Punkaharju works well as a base for day trips to nearby Savonlinna (with its medieval Olavinlinna Castle) if you’re staying a bit longer.

For air travelers, the closest international airport is Lappeenranta Airport (LPP), roughly 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Punkaharju, depending on your route and stops.

At Lappeenranta Airport, you’ll usually find major car rental companies (like Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Sixt) operating either on-site or via downtown offices with airport pick-up options. It’s smart to book in advance, especially in summer, to make sure you get a car that’s comfortable for longer drives and has enough trunk space for roadtrip gear.

Leaving Punkaharju, you’ll roll straight into one of Finland’s most iconic scenic drives, with the ridge road skimming between lakes on both sides. The views change constantly, so it’s worth taking it slow over this 35 km stretch, which usually takes under an hour to drive.

As you follow the road, pay attention to the historic landscape around Punkaharju itself – this area has been cherished for centuries and it really shows in the old routes and classic viewpoints along the ridge. In sections the road will be narrow, winding between forest and water, so keep your eyes on the asphalt and use the lay-bys for photo stops rather than slowing down on the lane itself.

Rolling into Savonlinna, the mood shifts from pure nature to lakeside town life. Make time to visit the impressive Olavinlinna Castle, a proper medieval fortress rising from the water, where you can dive into local history and wander its courtyards and towers. It’s the perfect reward after a short but memorable drive.

More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the bItineraryb of this stage.

Savonlinna is a small lakeside town in Eastern Finland and a perfect finale for a road adventure, especially if you’ve been cruising the Route 14 Scenic Drive. Surrounded by the lake system of Saimaa, it feels like the road just melts into water and islands.

The main headliner here is Olavinlinna Castle, a 15th‑century fortress sitting on its own rocky islet. You can tour the ramparts, climb towers, and if you hit summer, you might catch rehearsals or performances of the Savonlinna Opera Festival echoing across the water. Even if you’re not an opera person, seeing the courtyard and the views over the lake is worth the stop.

Right in town, the old wooden quarters and the harbor area are easy to explore on foot. Park the car and wander past old timber houses, cafés, and boat piers. In summer, check out the small market square (Kauppatori) by the water for local snacks like “lörtsy” pastries and fresh berries.

If you want to stretch your legs after the drive, head to the Punkaharju Ridge area, a short hop away, known as one of Finland’s classic scenic spots. It’s basically a narrow sand and rock ridge with forest and road in the middle, and lake on both sides. Great for short hikes, photo stops, and lakeside breaks right from your car door.

For something a bit different, look into a lake cruise from Savonlinna’s harbor. Some boats do short loops among islands and under low bridges, giving you that “end of the road, start of the water” feeling that fits perfectly as the last chapter of a road trip.

If you’re flying in or out, the closest major international airport is in Helsinki: Helsinki Airport (HEL), about 4–5 hours away by car, making Savonlinna an easy final stop on a Finland road trip.