Self-drive tour through Finnish Lakeland from Helsinki to Kajaani
Come create your own unforgettable memories on this week-long Eastern Finland road trip! Travel through the stunning landscapes of Finnish Lakeland, North Karelia and the Wild Taiga region from Helsinki to Oulu at the coast of the Bothnian Sea..Along the way, you will immerse yourself in the rich local culture, enjoy delicious Finnish food, and experience unique Finnish sauna traditions and lots of sightseeing.
Get ready for an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to the Finnish way of life!
Tour highlights:
• Countryside and villages
• Country cosy hotels and guesthouses
• Nature activities
• Traditional Finnish sauna
• Local food
• Hospitality
• Interesting places to visit
Valid: 1.6.-30.9.2025
Day 1
Arrive to Helsinki.
Driving to Kannuskoski and Farmhouseholidays Tuhannen Tarinan Talo.
Come and enjoy Finnish country life experience at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo!
Tuhannen Tarinan Talo is located in Finnish Lake District, in a peaceful rural village of Kannuskoski two hours from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. Local food, domestic animals - House offer natural well-being.
The House of a Thousand Stories is home to rabbits, chickens, sheep, goats, ducks, a dog, a horse, a pony and a donkey. You may also catch a glimpse of the house cats, if it suits them that day.
- Accommodation in the double or the family room, linen and towels and half board.
- Dinner
- Sauna
- Overnight stay Tuhannen Tarinan Talo
Day 2
Breakfast
Driving to the Savonlinna.
This beautiful town is located in South Savo, on the shores of Lake Saimaa, and offers plenty to experience for tourists who enjoy culture, history and nature. Savonlinna is particularly famous for its Olavinlinna Castle, but it also offers many other experiences that will make your visit unforgettable.
Tips: Olavinlinna and cruise to the Savonlinna archipelago. Scenic tour cruise takes you past the grand Olavinlinna Castle from a close vicinity, and shows you the beautiful and peaceful archipelago with a number of Finnish summer cottages and saunas. Audioguide is available in Finnish, English and German. Cruises 1.6.-31.8.
- Arrive in Hotel Järvisydän
- The Lake Spa & Day Spa
- Dinner
- Overnight stay Hotel Järvisydän
Day 3
Breakfast
Trip to National Park Linnasaari on m/s Puijo 15.5.-31.10.
Daily cruises to Linnansaari takes you to self-guided trip to the beautiful sceneries of the National Park. The trip is perfect for families.
Driving to city of Joensuu.
Joensuu - the heartbeat of North Karelia Joensuu is the largest city in North Karelia, offering a great combination of nature, culture and modern life. This lively city, located on the banks of Lake Saimaa and the Pielis River, is particularly known for its beautiful lakeside scenery, lively cultural life and friendly atmosphere. Joensuu is an excellent destination for outdoor lovers and fans of culture and the pulse of the city.
- Accommodation in Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel. Lietsu offer unique and cosy hotel accommodation with Karelian hospitality. Hotel is located in Joensuu city centre, where you can easily enjoy both town life and outdoor activities.
- Sauna
- Overnight stay at Lietsu
Day 4
Breakfast
Welcome to the Koli national landscape. Finland's most beloved and most beautiful national landscape is a very important cultural landscape for us and a subject of greatness. Koli is also Finland's most beautiful natural destination and National Park. Parks surroundings offer a unique combination of natural diversity.
Guided tour – The Best of Koli
This scenic trail includes Koli’s most famous panoramic views. The tour takes you to the highest scenic points in the Koli National Park: UkkoKoli, Akka-Koli and Paha-Koli. During the tour, your guide tells you interesting facts and stories about Koli, its history, nature and culture, as well as artists who have found inspiration in the Koli hills. You see spectacular views throughout the tour, and you have plenty of time to enjoy them and take photos.
Tips:
- Visiting Nature Center Ukko
- Visiting Sculpture Garden
Driving to the city of Nurmes, Stop ower in Juuka village. Have a coffee break in Café Hedvig Helmi at Puu-Juuka.
Arrive to Guesthouse Laitalan Lomat at Nurmes.
- Dinner
- Sauna by the River
- Overnight stay Laitalan Lomat
Day 5
Breakfast
A special breakfast experience in Laitalan Lomat.
- The possibility to paddle on the Karhu River
- Trip to Bomba Karelia village and Karelian style Spa
- Karelian dinner at Laitalan Lomat
Accommodation in Guesthouse Laitalan Lomat
- Dinner
- Sauna
- Overnight stay Laitalan Lomat
Day 6
Breakfast
Driving to the city of Kuhmo, the town of wilderness and culture!
A visit to Juminkeko
Juminkeko is an information centre for the Kalevala epic. This centre is dedicated to nurturing Viena Karelian culture, and it follows on the path that was paved by the artists of the Finnish romantic nationalism, the Karelianists. Here, the spirit and mysticism of Kalevala are present and even tangible.
A visit café Kaisa - Local delicacies
Arrive to Lentiira resort.
- Finnish Smoke sauna experience - Tradition for Happiness and Health
- Dinner
- Sauna
- Overnight stay Hotel Kalevala or Lentiira
Day 7
Breakfast.
Driving to city of Kajaani.
Kajaani - the heart and beauty of Kainuu Welcome to Kajaani, a city that combines rich history, beautiful nature and diverse culture! Kajaani is the capital of the province of Kainuu, located in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Oulujärvi, and offers unforgettable experiences for all travellers. Whether you are a nature adventurer, culture lover or history enthusiast, Kajaani is the perfect destination for your holiday.
Best of Kajaani tips:
-Kajaani Castle Ruins
-Renfors trail
-Hakasuo Mill and Nature Trail
More info: VisitKajaani
Overnight stay Arctic Giant Birdhouse Hotel Jättiläisenmaa
Day 8
Breakfast
Driving to Oulu.
Meet Oulu, that quirky northern city by the sea.
This is a home of people who like to choose their own path and do things differently. We are the ones who created the modern mobile technology and are forerunners in 6G. The ones who made up the peculiar Air Guitar World Championship to promote the message of world peace, and are now nominated as European Capital of Culture 2026. In Oulu, life is an adventure, filled with rich tones of creativity and the magic of pure northern nature. We welcome everyone like an old friend, so please come and enjoy the laid-back, creative atmosphere of our beautiful seaside city.
Tips: Visit Hailuoto
Overnight stay at Nallikari Holiday Village -By the sea.
Day 9
Time to say Hei, hei. Goodbye.
A flight or train to Hellsinki from Oulu
• Group size: Min 2 person max 10 person
• Available 15.5.-30.6. and 1.8-31.10.
Price: from 1900€/person | child 4-12 years 800€ / 6 nights, 7 days
Price incl: Accommodation in double room, or cottage, breakfasts and meals specified in the program. Saunas and smoke sauna at Lentiira, Trip to National Park Linnasaari, Guided tour – The Best of Koli, entrance fee: Nature Center Ukko, Sculpture Garden, Juminkeko.
Single room supplement + 45€/day.
Info:
• Self-guided
• we speaks: sustainable travel, gay
• This tour is suitable for couples and families.
• Transport by own or rental car
Travel insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage.
