Hi everyone,
I’m planning a road trip to Finland with my friends (the route is shown in the image).
I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for places worth visiting along the way—or even a bit off the route (we’re flexible and happy to adjust it).

We’re interested in all kinds of spots: historical sites, scenic views, unique landmarks, or any hidden gems you might know about.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much in advance!

by Jose_lIlI

18 comments

  1. Well, lots! For scenic spots, I would recommend any National park (https://www.luontoon.fi/en/articles/national-parks) or National landscapes (https://www.ymparisto.fi/en/nature-waters-and-sea/landscape/national-landscapes).

    On the grander scale of things Archipelago Sea near Turku, and Koli ”mountain” in the east, as well as the sand ridges in the lakes (Pulkkilanharju in Päijänne and Punkaharju in Saimaa) are kind of things that are incredibly unique in the whole world.

    Otherwise Finland is naturewise quite similar. Forest, lakes, farmland etc. Lots of microtopology though.

  2. In general, at the southern part here, I’d take the route via the Saimaa lake region, then to Joensuu, Koli and Nurmes. From there, Kuhmo, Sotkamo and Kajaani on your way to the west.

  4. Suomenlinna would be a great place to start and then Hameen linna, Aulanko nature reserve and the Aulanko tower are all in Hameenlinna

  5. I would take the costal smaller roads to Hangö and up to Turku. It will take more time but then you will see more. The main road you will only see forest and gasstations.

  7. The river valley that goes along Tenojoki from Utsjoki to karigasniemi.

    Then depending what kind of landscape you want to see

    For vast beautiful fields, farmland and those traditional red-white houses, go through ostrobothnia in the west

    For the more iconic finnish lake sights, go along the eastern border. Koli, Joensuu, Savonlinna, Lappeenranta etc.

  8. That is the fastest route, but it’s the worst for a road trip, least scenic, worst stops, and very annoying traffic (timber trucks). The nicer (but still main roads and fairly fast) routes for me would be slightly more eastern route via Mikkeli and Kuopio or a lot more eastern route via Lappeenranta and Joensuu, both with some lakeland stops on the way. Then from Kuusamo/Ruka you can via Rovaniemi and join your planned route in Muonio, or just go via Sodankylä and Inari to enter Norway in Karigasniemi. The western alternative would be to stick to the coast. All these have smaller and bigger detours to see stuff.

    If you must stick to near the Road 4/E75 for time reasons, I’d try to add the scenic route on east coast of Lake Päijänne (Pulkkilanharju etc), and then in Lapland instead of just following the river go via Ylläs and Pallas.

  11. When are you coming? You’re welcome to stop for a coffee along the way near Oulu 😀

  14. If I may recommend a stop on the roadtrip, see the old paper mill in Verla, near Kouvola. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site, frozen in the 1800’s. Far better than any touristy place near Helsinki.

  16. Fiskars is a nice place to stop for a walk, look at the old buildings, have lunch, and look at the Fiskars shop.

  17. Take the eastern route with all them lakes. Punkaharju and north karelia are beautiful. That western route is shite and boring.

  18. See the north, it’s more beatiful and more cultural than the south will ever be. After southern ostrobothnia its downhill.

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