Family Road Trip in the Land of Thousand Lakes

With a motorhome, you can enjoy the freedom of the road and choose any direction to head to during your next motorhome holiday trip! In this article, Touring Cars has thoroughly planned and developed a route that you can take for your next motorhome adventure in Finland.

Finland and its marvellous landmarks can be visited throughout the year, offering unique experiences and breathtaking views, in all four of its seasons. Please note that Finnish weather is unpredictable and so it is smart to pack warmer clothes just in case. We recommend trying out this route during the warmer months of the year, from around late spring to early autumn, due to many attractions being closed for the winter.

The Everyman's Rights are valid in all Nordic countries, allowing one to camp in the wild with a motorhome without asking anyone for permission. In addition, you can pick fresh forest superfood such as berries and mushrooms and enjoy the purest natural water retrievable from 32 400 springs. Even the 187 888 lakes and 647 rivers can be enjoyed to their fullest, by fishing, ice fishing or swimming.

Whether you are planning to solo-travel or have an activity-filled holiday with family, Finland has everything needed to offer you an unforgettable and fulfilling motorhome adventure. Please, take a look at our road trip suggestions and pick the best spots for your journey through this Nordic paradise.

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only. Touring Cars does not make warranty of any kind, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or availability of the roads. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL TOURING CARS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SUGGESTED TRAVEL ROUTE. YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS SOLELY YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY.

For more information on the weather forecast in this destination, please, visit the website of the national meteorological institute of Finland. 

Day 1 

Arriving and exploring the capital of Finland

Before starting an adventurous motorhome holiday around Finland, perhaps you will be intrigued by the beauty and history of this country’s capital city - Helsinki. Therefore, we recommend arriving to Helsinki a few days prior to your first rental day to get properly familiarised with this Nordic city.

During the few days before the beginning of your rental, we recommend staying in a hotel. Public transport between the Helsinki Airport and the city centre is extremely convenient and developed. It only takes about 30 minutes to reach the centre from the airport when taking a train (I/P) or taxi. Upon arriving at your hotel, do not waste any time, simply begin to immerse yourself into the Finnish culture by exploring the sustainable and wonderful city of Helsinki.

Consider taking a walk in the late afternoon or evening in downtown Helsinki to some nice restaurant. We recommend visiting restaurants such as Lappi Ravintola, Konstan Möljä, Ravintola Kolme Kruunua and or Restaurant Salve that offer authentic Finnish local food.

After a pleasant dinner, walk a little more and visit places such as the Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanadi Park, the Market Square and the Uspenski Cathedral, all located at walking distances from each other. A great way to end your day would be visiting Allas Sea Pool for a swim in the open swimming pool, which overlooks the city, and to relax in a Finnish sauna. What an incredible opportunity it is to enjoy the city’s views right from the swimming pool, right?

Water is a vital element in Finland and part of the Finnish character. Did you know that Finland's tap water is among the highest quality waters in the world?

Day 2 

Exploring the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Are you intrigued by starting your day with exploring a Finnish cultural treasure that was owned by three different nations throughout three centuries?

The sea fortress Suomenlinna is located only a 15-minute ferry ride away from the Market Sqaure. With good luck, from the market you will be able to purchase locally grown vegetables, fruits and berries to keep you going through the day! The construction of the UNESCO World Heritage Site began in the mid-18th century when Finland belonged to Sweden. However, after fortress construction was finished, it has been owned by Sweden, Russia, and Finland in three centuries. We recommend dedicating a few hours for exploring and getting to know the history of this incredible place before continuing your day.

Note! They arrange also exciting adventure tours The treasure of King Gustav III for children during summer time. For more information on Suomenlinna, please visit https://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/

Upon your arrival back to the centre, we recommend visiting a landscaped park – Kaivopuisto, in which you can take a walk, choose the best landscape spot to enjoy picnic, or even spot Suomenlinna Sea Fortress from one of the lovely coastline cafes.

After a morning spent immersed in history, we suggest trying out something more modern and contemporary such as visiting the city's Kamppi Chapel and the Oodi library. Additionally, the Töölönlahti Bay provides a beautiful walking route and is right next to the Oodi library.

End your second day by visiting the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, located close to the Töölönlahti Bay. Afterwards, include a visit to the Sibelius Park, where you will be able to enjoy the stunning beauty of the artistic Sibelius Monument as well as enjoy a cup of Finnish coffee with a cinnamon bun at the Regatta cafe.

Day 3 - (Approx. 40 km)

It’s time to hit the road!

Take the P train from the city centre to reach the Vantaankoski train station in under 20 minutes, from where one of our customer service representatives can meet you and provide a complimentary transfer to our rental station. Upon arrival at the rental station, our professional personnel will provide you with an individual orientation to your rental motorhome. After the familiarisation process, you will be ready to depart on an adventurous journey to experience Finland at its best!

Experience the wilderness inside the city limits

After receiving the keys to your premium rental motorhome, take your belongings inside the camper, make yourself at home and start your road trip to experience the Finnish natural beauty!

First head to the national park Nuuksio, located only an hour away from the Helsinki rental station. Nuuksio National Park is one of the 40 National Parks located in Finland! Spend at least three hours here exploring the magical place and immersing yourself into the vastness and beauty of Finnish nature.

This place offers diverse hiking and cycling opportunities, fresh superfood such as berries, and lakes and ponds that can be swam in without restrictions. It is also possible to rent a canoe to explore the park upon the lakes Haukkalapi or Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi.

Note! Nuuksio is home to threatened species such as the Siberian flying squirrel and wood lark. When you visit this area, make sure you keep an eye out for them.

Spend an evening like a Finn

After a long and exciting day spent in Finnish nature, start a campfire and grill sausages. You can even book a reservation (in advance) for a slot in a sauna located by a lake. Saunas are a core aspect of the Nordic culture, so make sure to visit a traditional Finnish Sauna on your road trip in Finland. To find more information regarding making reservations, camping and much more, please visit this page.

Day 4 (Approx. 140 km)

Explore the oldest Finland’s city

After waking up in Nuuksio, start driving towards Turku which is both the oldest Finnish city and the former capital of Finland and located only two hours away.

If you know any Swedish, you have the opportunity to practice it in Turku, as both Finnish and Swedish are used there in daily interactions.

Note! Did you know that both Finnish and Swedish are official languages in Finland due to the history with Sweden?

You can park your rental vehicle at a parking ground or site and leave on a walk to the medieval city of Turku. We recommend visiting at least the Turku Cathedral, the Old Great Square and the Old Market Hall located in the heart of the city. Afterwards, relax at a local coffee shop with grabbing a cup of coffee and trying some delicious Finnish pastries such as Riisipiirakka (Karelian Pie) or Korvapuusti (Cinnamon bun).

What could be better than spending an afternoon by strolling along the river, while sunshine gently touches your skin? The Aura river flows through the entire city of Turku and connects to the Archipelago Sea. After your coffee break, get on your feet again to stroll along the riverbanks and walk towards one of the oldest Finnish castles - the 13^th century Turku castle.

Trip to a Finnish Disneyland

After a fulfilling day of exploring this medieval town, it is time to hit the road again towards a Finnish Disneyland - Moomin World! Moomin World is located just a 30-minute drive from Turku.

You might have heard of Moomins - interesting fairytale characters which resemble hippopotamuses by appearance but are actually trolls and act as the stars of Moomin books and television series. The characters were created by Tove Jansson, a Swedish-speaking Finnish illustrator. Visit the Moomin World with you children to provide them with unforgettable memories. Allow them to get to know the fairy tale characters loved by all fins and perhaps even allow them to purchase a Moomin plushie at a souvenir shop. Find more information regarding this family destination here: https://www.moominworld.fi/.

If you feel that the Moomin world would not be the greatest hit for your travel group, try out golfing at the professional golf court Aurinko Golf Oy, play miniature golf in the indoor Hohtogolf West Coast or go on a boat cruise around Turku. Find a camping site or drive to the nearest uncrowded location to park your premium motorhome and have a good night of sleep before continuing your journey.

Turku Archipelago

If you have any extra days, visit the Turku Archipelago by boat or ferry. It is made up of over 20,000 islands and offers spectacular views over the Baltic Sea! During your exploration of the Turku Archipelago, you can leave your motorhome in the city for the day and enjoy kayaking, cycling and island hopping.

Day 5 (Approx. 170 km)

Where history meets the present

After waking up refreshed, visit the historical wooden town which is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Old Rauma, which looks like it is straight from a fairytale, is known for its long tradition in bobbin lacemaking and its well-preserved colourful wooden buildings. Let this magical place, located only 1.5 hours away from Turku, be your next stop on your road trip in Finland.

Visiting Old Rauma is like taking a step back in time. Its cobblestoned centre includes a few cafes, restaurants as well as panoramic views, all with a 'retro' essence. If you can, try to find the narrowest street in Finland- Kitukränn, which is located in this picturesque town. Why not spend a few hours in this historic Finnish town and enjoy the still existing beauty of the past?

If you are travelling to Old Rauma at the end of July, you are in luck- you will be able to attend the annual Lace Week! There, you can purchase beautiful handmade lace decorations, attend lace exhibitions and even examine the process of making these lace artifacts live!

Visit Finland's longest beach! 

Located only an hour from Rauma, Yyteri beach is known as Finland's longest beach.

Yyteri beach is an approximately 7 km stretch along the western Baltic shore. This location is popular among local and international visitors, so make sure you pass by the sand dunes and spend a few hours at the beach. There you can surf, paddleboard, play golf, volleyball and visit a spa and relax in a traditional Finnish sauna.

If you are visiting Finland during July, do not miss out on the annual international jazz festival 'Pori Jazz' held in the coastal city of Pori. Tickets must be bought in advance.

Finnish Lakeland

After a few exhilarating days of exploring western Finland, head towards the Finnish Lakeland district, where you will have a chance to slow down and enjoy the nature.

On the first leg of your journey, we recommend heading to Nokia - a town located 1,5 hours away from Pori. In Nokia you must try a local delicacy called 'kuuma koira' (Finnish hot dog) for dinner, before continuing your journey to Tampere. Tampere is only 20 minutes away from Nokia, so you should be able to reach this city before sunset and spend a night at a camping ground of your choice.

Day 6 (Approx. 130 km)

'Manchester of the North'

After a goodnight sleep in one of our premium rental motorhomes, it is time to explore Finland’s former industrial centre – Tampere, known as the “Manchester of the North” due to city’s past as a hub of the textile industry.

To help you navigate through the city, consider visiting the Pyynikki observation tower, from where you can see the entire city and plan your route. Make sure to taste the delicious doughnuts from the cafeteria of the observation tower, which are baked with a secret recipe.

We recommend visiting the Finlayson area (Tampere Old Town), which is an industrial hub, surrounded by red brick factory buildings, representative of both the town's historic and modern aspects. During your visit, make sure to check out Werstas, the Finnish labour museum with free entry and the world's first Spy museum. After immersing yourself into Tampere's past, walk along the river Tammerkoski, to visit the Tampere market hall which sells the local delicacy 'mustamakkara' - a blood sausage served with lingonberry jam and cold milk.

If you travel with your kids, we suggest visiting Hatanpää arboretum (greenery vast park) and Särkänniemi (amusement park).

Finland’s sauna capital

Did you know that the Finnish sauna culture is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list? Why not visit an authentic sauna of your choice, in the sauna city of Finland.

• Wooden Sauna- the traditional Finnish sauna, found in cottages and houses, is heated by burning wood in a stove, and throwing water on the rocks above it. It can reach temperatures up to 80-110°C. They are often built beside lakes or rivers, allowing one to freshen up when it becomes too hot by jumping in the water. After feeling refreshed, one returns to the sauna to repeat this process. After a few rounds, your relaxation and happiness will increase, and you will be living just like a Finn!
• Electric Sauna - Traditional electric heated saunas can be found in apartments and homes. This is the easiest and the most convenient way to enjoy a relaxing time in sauna. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes for a sauna to get heated up by switching it on and throwing water on the rocks. Most often these saunas have a shower room nearby that is equivalent to a lake/river experience. So, you can repeat the procedure of freshening up by taking a cold shower and returning to a heated electric sauna.
• Smoke Sauna - Nowadays the smoke saunas are the oldest types of saunas in Finland and are highly appreciated by Finnish people. This sauna type does not have a chimney which makes the smoke stay inside and creates a pleasant smoky aroma. In Kalevala, the national epic of Finland, which held a significant role in the development of the Finnish language and national identity, smoke saunas are described to be a source of human power and a form of treatment.
• Infrared Sauna - a modern way to enjoy relaxation and refreshment alongside health nourishing effects. Unlike other sauna types, infrared saunas do not heat the air around you, but instead, infrared lamps heat your body directly. This allows heat to penetrate more deeply into your skin, causing an excess of sweat at lower temperatures, like 50-60°C.
• Steam Sauna - similar to traditional saunas, but instead of using heated air to warm up the body, steam saunas are warm due to steam formed from the generator being filled with boiling water. They can reach temperatures of up to 40-50°C with a 100% humidity level. Steam saunas could be compared to Turkish hammams. So, if you prefer relaxing in a less heated environment, you can choose a steam sauna for your next visit!

Note! Suomen Saunaseura Ry announced that they estimate that there are currently nearly 3,2 million saunas in Finland, including all types of saunas at cottages, city apartments, public saunas and all interesting mobile sauna models such as those built on wheels, in wood barrels and on floating boats.

Slow down – feel the nature

After a short stay in the industrial town of Tampere, delve into the eminent beauty of Finland's nature. Visit Struve Geodetic Arc, Oravivuori Triangulation Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located a 2-hour drive from Tampere. It is situated on a hill which offers incredible views over Finnish nature and the lake Päijänne. You can reach the top of the hill by taking the Oraviviuori trail.

End your day by parking your motorhome somewhere in the nature, set up your camping set outside and grill some sausages whilst enjoying the serenity of Finnish nature and breathing the cleanest air there is, according to the World Health Organisation.

Day 7 (Approx. 60 km) 

Exploration of the Jyväskylä region  

When waking up surrounded by nature with the possibility to prepare breakfast by an open fire or take a swim in the nearest lake, you will feel refreshed and ready to continue your motorhome adventure. It is time to head towards the city of Jyväskylä, which is only an hour drive away from the Oravivuori Triangulation Tower.

If architecture and design interest you, Jyväskylä is the place for you. Located in the heart of Finland, this place includes 29 significant landmarks designed by the internationally recognised architect and designer Alvar Aalto. His contribution to Finnish architecture is incredibly significant, and his works bring tourists from all over the world to admire his unique style. While sauntering through the streets of this town, pass by some of Aalto's most prominent works, such as the Alvar Aalto museum, the Muurastalo experimental house and the Säynötsalo town hall.

Jyväskylä is a place that has a fine balance between a busy city life and a calming nature. To explore this unordinary place, we recommend taking a stroll by the Jyväsjärvi with a starting point in the Jyväskylä Harbour. You can, of course, cycle through the city. Did you know that bikes can be attached to the motorhome on a bike rack? If you are travelling with a bike, make sure to inform our sales office of your preferences.  

View from the top  

For spectacular views, head to Laajavuori. You can hike to the hilltop, enjoy the light breeze, play frisbee golf and marvel at the city views. If you are travelling during the winter, you can spend an extra day sliding down ski slopes here. Laajavuori is great for winter outdoor enthusiasts as it has five ski jump hills!

End your day by heading back to the centre to enjoy the Jyväskylä city lights from the Harju observation tower. Additionally, you can visit Nero stairs – another tourist attraction in this city.  

Annual event - “City of Light”  

If you are interested in seeing Jyväskylä lit up in lights, visit Jyväskylä during the last week of September. They host a 'city of light' event, which is a three-day event that gathers 100,000 visitors to the city of Jyväskylä each year! A bit under 100 light installations are scattered throughout the city with the purpose to make use of the latest lighting technology in the city infrastructure while creating a comfortable environment for the visitors of Jyväskylä. Therefore, when travelling around Finland during this time, make sure to stop by Jyväskylä for this event to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere whilst discovering interesting light installations all around the city.

Day 8 

In harmony with nature

After spending a memorable day in the heart of Finland, dive into the wild and feel at harmony with nature. Jyväskylä region is home to four amazing national parks: Leivonmäki, Southern Konnevesi, Pyhä-Häkki and Salamajärvi.

Choose which national park to visit based off your interests, as each offers a wide range of interesting outdoor opportunities such as hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, biking, diving, snorkelling and even horseback riding! If you have any surplus of time, visiting two or more national parks is always an option. 

For more information and descriptions of each national park, please visit this page.

Day 9 (Approx. 150 km) 

The heart of the Finnish Lakeland 

Start your day off right by plunging into the nearest lake followed by an activity of collecting lingonberries and blueberries. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, and feel ready to start your drive towards Kuopio, located 2 hours away from Jyväskylä.

In the Kuopio centre you can visit local stores as well as the legendary market square where you can purchase additional local traditional food items. Stop by the Hanna Partanen bakery, which is the oldest Kalakukko bakery in Finland. Kalakukko is a traditional Finnish baked-good with a delicious combination of bread and local fish. In addition to this, bakeries offer all traditional Finnish pastries and mouth-watering doughnuts. After spending time in the centre, park your motorhome somewhere nice, make dinner and enjoy playing the garden game Mölkky until the sun sets.

Day 10 (Approx. 230 km)

A marriage of nature and culture

After spending a relaxing morning in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland, you will be able to continue your journey towards one of the best Finland’s National Parks. Koli National Park is located 2-hour drive from Kuopio, so we recommend you waking up early, to be able to spend a fascinating day in one of the Finland’s most magnificent natural scenes!

Koli National Park’s highest hill - Ukko-Koli offers incredible views over lake Pielinen. The view opening from this hill is one of the most famous national landscapes of Finland! So, get ready to climb and hike a lot when you visit this national treasure of Finland.

The same sceneries have inspired many legendary artists in Finnish history such as composer Jean Sibelius, painter Eero Järnefelt and the first professional author Juhani Aho who was nominated for the Nobel prize in literature twelve times.

We suggest paying visits to the Tarhapuro waterfall, the Räsävaara observation tower, Uhrihalkeama, Koli's Devil's church and the Koli nature centre Ukko. During the warmer months of the year in Koli, you can find joy in activities such as canoeing, rowing, hiking, climbing, cycling, mountain biking, swimming and even birdwatching.

Please allot sufficient time for exploring Koli's beautiful scenery and all it has to offer. For more information on trails that you can take in Koli National Park, please visit this page.

Road trip to Joensuu

After an active day of hiking, prepare to sit down for a short drive to another town located in Eastern Finland- Joensuu. There you can leave the motorhome at one of the camping grounds and rest a little before continuing your journey around the Finnish Lakeland.

Drive along the legendary Via Karelia road for a closer exploration of this region known for Kalevala, the epic Finnish mythology. If you are an outdoor enthusiast heading to Joensuu, we suggest visiting Petkelijärvi, the hidden Gem among national parks in Finland.

Note! For a closer exploration of this region known for Finnish Kalevala epic story mythologies and traditional folklore, we recommend driving along legendary Via Karelia road. Take a look at different themed road suggestions at the official Via Karelia web site.

Day 11 (Approx. 320 km)

Savonlinna

Savonlinna - a small town with rich cultural life, which is located in picturesque surroundings, where you will spend your next day. This destination is reachable in a 2-hour drive from Joensuu, so make sure you wake up earlier to fully enjoy the beauty of this place!

Your first stop in this rustic, yet intriguing city will be Olavinlinna Castle build in the 15th century, that lays between two waterways. Olavinlinna Castle holds popular festivals throughout the entire year, including an annual Savonlinna Opera Festival that takes place in July. So, make sure you pay a visit to this historical beautiful place before continuing your journey.

Lake Saimaa

Lake Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake, which surrounds Savonlinna town. Saimaa lake has a range of activities to offer for all kinds of travel groups. Some of these include canoeing, kayaking and paddling. If you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, this vast open lake will be like a cherry on top of a cake for your motorhome holiday in Finland.

Endangered ringed seal

In case you prefer a more relaxed way of exploring the waters of Saimaa lake, we recommend booking a safari trip to watch an endangered seal species that you cannot find anywhere else in the world, but here! There are approximately 400 ringed seals (in Finland known as Saimaan Norppa) in the Saimaa region, and you can be lucky to spot a unique animal, known to live in these waters. The best time of the year to spot mammals will be May and June, when the ice melts and seals warm themselves on the rocks.

See the recorded Livestream of ringed seal from WWF Wildlife

The world’s biggest wooden church

After a short introduction to the Saimaa lake, it is time to dive back in Finland’s history. Your next stop will be a short trip to the world’s biggest wooden church located in a proximity to Savonlinna. The Kerimäki church is a miracle of its own time with impressive design that is worth a short visit of every tourist.

Punkaharju

Afterwords, type Punkaharju into your navigator and begin driving towards it on a scenic road. It is only 30km away from Kerimäki church. In Punkaharju area you will be able to stretch your legs and enjoy the silence and beauty of nature either by hiking, cycling or rowing. Consider renting frisbee golf equipment and trying an outdoor sport which is very popular among Finns. You will be able to find many special playing courts for a frisbee golf round located around the Punkaharju area to enjoy nice and relaxing summer afternoon in the open air with your loved ones.

After a fulfilling day with your family, you can hit the road towards Lappeenranta, which you can reach in 1.5 hour driving from Punkaharju. The application park4night will help you choose a nearby camping ground, where you can spend a night before your final day of the road trip.

Day 12

Saimaa archipelago (Approx. 240 km)

On the final day of your motorhome holiday, visit Finland's largest lake by taking a sightseeing cruise in a ship, steamboat or motorboat. What could be better than starting a day by admiring the outstanding views of the Saimaa canal and archipelago? A standard canal cruise takes approximately 2-3 hours, so you can spend a morning on the water before taking off on the road.

After a revitalizing morning spent in Lappeenranta, hit the road again and head to the charming city of Porvoo.

Porvoo

After a relaxing morning in Lappeenranta, you will hit the road again and make a stop for a few hours in a charming city of Porvoo. Porvoo is a medieval town, which is a popular tourist destination due to its close location to Finland’s capital city. This is a town of colours that draws its charm from a combination of red barns located by the river and cobblestoned streets of an Old Town which has many great lunch places as well as antique stores, from where you can purchase souvenirs.

Helsinki

After a laid-back exploration of Porvoo, it is time to finish your journey by heading to our Helsinki rental station, located just an hour drive from Porvoo.

Upon your arrival at the rental station, our customer service representative will greet you at the scheduled vehicle return time. The vehicle's condition will be checked whilst you will receive the opportunity to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Finnish coffee. After the vehicle return process is completed, we will provide you with a VIP transfer to the Helsinki Airport, from where you can travel back home. It is completely normal, if during your flight you begin to scan through the photos of your motorhome holiday and start to dream about the next motorhome adventure you will have.