A road trip through Finland guarantees one a scenic and picturesque drive of a lifetime. Lined with national parks, quaint towns and stunning cities, Finland doesn’t require you to drive out of the way to look for sights; Nature is everywhere, even in the most urban of areas. Starting from Finland’s capital, Helsinki, take yourself on an epic adventure up north, where you can end it off with the beautiful Northern Lights and Santa Village as finale. Here are some stops that are worth considering during your drive up north.
Helsinki
Finland’s capital has much to offer; Although you’ll be embarking on quite the long journey soon, do consider spending a couple of days in this bustling city. A tourist favourite is the Market Square, which is where you can find various stalls selling souvenirs and local handicrafts. Should you feel peckish after a round of retail therapy, pop by the Market Hall to have your fill of traditional food and drinks. The Market Square is also situated perfectly by the picturesque harbour, where you can hop on a ferry to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna Fortress, just 15 minutes away. Alternatively, head over to a sauna and let the steam ease away any jet lag — it’s a big part of Finnish culture, and comes with many health benefits, too.
Porvoo
It’s an easy drive from Helsinki to Porvoo — just under an hour. The idyllic town is surrounded by lush countryside and boasts a nearly 800-year old history, making it the second oldest town in Finland. Its Old Town district is a treasure trove: The rustic cobblestone streets are crammed with acclaimed restaurants, quaint cafés and colourful boutiques. Once you’ve touched upon every antique shop and art gallery, cross the Old Bridge, where you’ll have stunning views of the red-painted warehouses sitting along the opposite bank — they are a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though small, Porvoo is a charming town that has captured the hearts of many, including artists and poets of the past.
Savonlinna
Driving for a little under 4 hours, make your way from Porvoo to the historic castle town of Savonlinna. First established in the early 17th century, it is acknowledged as one of the most ancient towns in the country. Olavinlinna Castle, which started construction in 1475, is the magnificent structure around which the town revolves. It sits in the heart of Savonlinna as one of the town’s most well-known attractions. For a more authentic experience, head a short distance from the castle and spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets of old historical Savonlinna, where you will find the avenues lined with quaint wooden houses. All around town, numerous lakes sprawl across the landscape; To get the most photo-perfect view of the town, venture out into the lake — the town is stunning when admired from the water.
Kajaani
Often overlooked, Kajaani is a charming, laidback town that sits about 4 hours northwest of Savonlinna. Despite being quite a small town, Kajaani is famed for its fishing, owing to its strategic and picturesque location around Lake Oulujärvi. The town’s most revered attraction is the ruins of Kajaani Castle, the last medieval styled fortification in Scandinavia: It dates back to 1604 and was built upon the heart of Kajaaninjoki River. Be sure to drop by the Town Hall, where you can find Kajaani Art Museum, presently housed in what was the town’s former police station. Exuding quiet and rustic vibes, Kajaani is a great place for a stopover during your road trip — take the time to recharge and treat yourself to a cuppa in one of the quaint cafés, or have a meal at a local restaurant.
Rovaniemi
As you head about 4 hours deeper into northern Finland, you’ll come across the capital of Lapland: The historical city of Rovaniemi. Affectionately known as the gateway to Lapland, it’s your entry into the Arctic Circle. Falling within the Aurora Zone, Rovaniemi is also where you’ll be able to start seeing the Northern Lights; Although, being the most connected city in the region, activity in the city centre and light pollution may affect the visibility of the phenomenon. Despite that, there are plenty of things to do in Rovaniemi, and it’s worth considering spending a few days here. Apart from aurora hunting, Rovaniemi is famed for being the official hometown of Santa Claus, with tourists flocking from all over the world to meet and take a photo with Santa Claus. In the Santa Village’s post office, one can also write and address a letter to friends, family or even themselves, which will be posted with an official Arctic Circle mark — the perfect souvenir.
Saariselkä
A further 3 hours north of Rovaniemi is the stunning village of Saariselkä, which is notably revered for its hotels offering glass-roofed igloos. Northern Lights enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that Saariselkä has a prime geographical location for aurora-hunting: Surrounded by unspoilt wilderness and unapologetic nature, light pollution in the village is low, and chances of spotting the Northern Lights is high. While waiting for the sun to set, one can take the opportunity to learn more about the local culture: The local Sámi offer guided tours, introducing visitors to their history, culture and arts. If you’re not convinced yet, Saariselkä is also home to several reindeer farms where you can feed, pet and get close to these gentle creatures — what’s not to love?
Inari
Finally, cruise the last hour from Saariselkä to the small, but significant village of Inari. Being the capital of Finland’s Sámi people, the village is a great place to immerse yourself into Sámi culture. This far north, along the frozen banks of Lake Inari, it’s as if time has come to a slow: The air is still and thrums with the promise of unhinged nature. With its abundance of National Parks, shimmering glass-like lakes and expansive forests, Inari is an adventurer’s wonderland. While the midnight sun phenomenon stretches on for two months during the summer, Inari also happens to be one of the best places in Finland for aurora viewing in the winter: The Northern Lights occur up to 200 times a year. Apart from that, visitors can also try out Inari dog sledding, skiing and hiking — there aren’t many winter experiences more authentic than this.
Despite most visitors to Finland choosing to remain in and around Helsinki, there’s a lot more to the country than its capital. Roads in Finland are also easy to navigate; Your journey from south to north is guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime.
