9-Day Finland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Helsinki traveling east to Mikkeli, Joensuu, Imatra, and Lahti

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Helsinki. You’ll stay in Helsinki for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Uspenski Cathedral is must-visit church and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Kauppatori, an interesting market square, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Senate Square, a picture-perfect public square, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Helsinki. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the well-known Helsinki Cathedral. If you’re looking for more, Kaivopuisto is also a curiosity-inducing attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Finland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Helsinki's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Palace, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Finnjävel Salonki is one of the best restaurants for contemporary cuisine in Helsinki. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Olo. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Kaisla after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Beaver Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Praha also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Finland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Helsinki. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Mikkeli, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and historic treasures. Start at the underrated Ateneum, a respected museum in Helsinki. Next, go to Finnish Museum Of Natural History.

After visiting Ateneum and Finnish Museum Of Natural History, have a stroll along Helsinki's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Temppeliaukio Church. This monumental church offers a unique experience.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Mikkeli, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Mikkeli's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ravintola Vino, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Dragon Sheng? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Angela Kebab-Pizzeria as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Mikkeli.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Jälkipeli Pub, Karaoke, Sports Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Patteri Baari, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Mikkelin Keskusbaari Oy provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Finland!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Finland. Today you will explore Savonlinna and Kerimäki, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Joensuu. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Mikkeli. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Savonlinna Market Square is the perfect place to start. This public square is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Mikkeli. Next, head to Olavinlinna Castle, an increasingly popular castle, known for its history-steeped features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Kerimäki Church. This picture-perfect church is a highly recommended experience. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Joensuu. Joensuu offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you explore more of Joensuu, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Joensuun Fever Oy, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Ravintola Aittaranta offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Kerubi. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Joensuu.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Summer Restaurant Tuulaaki after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to 60's Palaver, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Jet Set Bar Oy also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Finland.

On day 6 of your road trip in Finland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Joensuu. In the evening, you’ll end up in Imatra, where you will stay for 1 night.

Begin your adventure at The Courting Wolf. This is a beloved sightseeing destination you should not miss. Another must-see is Joensuu Art Museum, a frequently visited museum in Joensuu.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Joensuu Bunker Museum. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Mustavaara, another of the city’s worthwhile attractions.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Imatra. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Imatra. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor the flavors at Restaurant Buttenhoff and Café Julia, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Ravintola Havanna Kebab Pizzeria beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Kent - Pizza & Steak House. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Imatra tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Osmo's Cosmos Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Kuohu Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Pub Vahti, another top-rated place in the area.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Finland.

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Imatra, Lappeenranta, and Kouvola. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Lahti, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your journey to Tykkimäen Huvipuisto, one of the town’s most often recommended spots that you shouldn’t miss.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lahti, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Lahti's best restaurants.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Pancho Villa Lahti, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Asemapäällikkö konditoria is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Coppa Eatery. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Lahti tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar & Bistro Lahti, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Tirra is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Wanha Mestari also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Finland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Finland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Kotka. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Helsinki. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

A blend of fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots await you in Lahti on today’s itinerary. First up is the beloved museum, Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. Afterward, continue to Katariina Seaside Park‎, a park every traveler should visit.

As you explore Lahti’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Sapokka. This beloved botanical garden is an essential stop. Following that, head to Maritime Centre Vellamo, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Helsinki. Helsinki offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Helsinki. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Restaurant Olo, a popular restaurant in Helsinki. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Helsinki at Ravintola Teerenpeli, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Restaurant Pompier. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Helsinki tonight.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Finland!