12-Day Finland road trip from Tampere to Helsinki, Kotka, Lappeenranta, and Varkaus

Your road trip adventure in Finland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Tampere. You’ll stay in Tampere for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Tampere has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Koskipuisto. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,750 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Tampere, Restaurant Harald. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,504 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Tampere is Ravintola Coussicca. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,225 customers.

Tampere also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Tampere is Brewery Restaurant Plevna. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,975 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Tampere is Moro Sky Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,550 customers.

Locals also enjoy Beer Restaurant Konttori. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,208 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in Finland!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Tampere has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Tampere by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Tampere. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Tampere, like the extraordinary Tampere Cathedral. This attraction is a lutheran cathedral and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,454 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Tampere, which gets around 185,000 annual visits, is the spectacular Museum Centre Vapriikki. This attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,742 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Finlayson Factory Area. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,941 visitors.

The Finnish Labor Museum Werstas is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This museum is a popular destination among visitors in Tampere. Rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,007 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Tampere does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Tampere on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Finland, be sure to eat at Restaurant Tampella, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Tampere. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,192 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Tampere is the popular Café Pispala. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 879 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Tampere is Ravintola Borneo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 708 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Pub Golden Monkey is one of the best bars in the city of Tampere for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

Save File - Pelaajan Olohuone is another of the most popular bars in the city of Tampere. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 272 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Tampere!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Finland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Tampere. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Helsinki. You’ll stay in Helsinki for 4 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Tampere’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Tampere, start your day with a visit to the amazing Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing. This much-appreciated museum and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 862 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Pyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower. This cafe and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,011 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Moomin Museum to make the most of your road trip across Finland. The spectacular Moomin Museum is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,381 visitors.

The lovely Southern Park, Tampere is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 992 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Hatanpää Park Arboretum. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,785 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Tampere has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Helsinki. Helsinki offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Kappeli. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,294 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurant Kuu is another top restaurant in Helsinki we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 977 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Helsinki, the fantastic Löyly Helsinki. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,237 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Kaisla. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Finland!

On day 4 of your road trip across Finland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Helsinki. You’ll stay in Helsinki for 3 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Hotel Haaga Central Park, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Helsinki. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 4,323 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Helsinki is the 5-star Marski by Scandic. The hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 4,828 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Helsinki is the 3-star Hotel Finn. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 5,511 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Helsinki, like the outstanding Uspenski Cathedral. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,146 visitors.

SkyWheel Helsinki is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Helsinki. This incredible attraction is a ferris wheel and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,888 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Helsinki is the extraordinary Kauppatori. This market square is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 25,097 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Senate Square. Around 18,455 visitors have given this must-see tourist destination an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Helsinki Cathedral. Helsinki Cathedral is a popular lutheran cathedral, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,211 travelers.

Come to Helsinki prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Helsinki.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Restaurant Farang, after your day of exploring the city of Helsinki. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,081 customers.

Restaurant HOKU is another of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 966 customers.

Locals recommend Liberty or Death, one of the best bars in the city of Helsinki, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 685 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Finland.

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Helsinki has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Helsinki by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Helsinki. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Helsinki, like the extraordinary Kaivopuisto. This attraction is a neighbourhood of helsinki and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,621 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Helsinki is the spectacular Finnish Museum of Natural History. This attraction is a natural history museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,155 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Temppeliaukio Church. This cave church has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,662 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Helsinki.

Your discovery of Helsinki does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Helsinki on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Finland, be sure to eat at Restaurant Savotta, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,076 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Helsinki is the popular Ravintola Nerone. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 951 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Helsinki is Restaurant Merimakasiini. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 992 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Helsinki!

Day 6 of your road trip across Finland is another day in the magnificent Helsinki. You now have 1 night left in Helsinki. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Helsinki offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Helsinki is the stunning Kaisaniemi Park. This has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 4,988 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in the city of Helsinki. This attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 7,063 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Helsinki is the incredible Amos Rex. This attraction is an art museum and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,546 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Helsinki you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Helsinki has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki, Ravintola Nokka. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 744 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Helsinki that locals enjoy, eat at Restaurant Elite. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 875 customers.

Another of the best restaurant options in the city of Helsinki is Ravintola Aino. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Helsinki, The Riff. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,017 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Helsinki!

Day 7 of your road trip through Finland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Helsinki and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Kotka. You will stay in Kotka for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Helsinki is the amazing Esplanadi park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,022 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible art museum, Ateneum. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,449 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area. In fact, Ateneum welcomes around 400,000 yearly visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Helsinki is the outstanding National Museum of Finland. This popular national museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,147 visitors.

The spectacular Sibelius Park is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,509 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Sibelius Monument. This attraction is a popular sculpture that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,019 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Helsinki by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Finland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Kotka, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Erkan Bistro & Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 998 customers.

Locals also recommend Keisarinsatama as one of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka. Keisarinsatama is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

After dinner, visit Players Sports Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Kotka. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 572 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Finland!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Finland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Kotka. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Lappeenranta. You’ll stay in Lappeenranta for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Kotka’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Kotka, start your day with a visit to the amazing Maritime Museum of Finland. This much-appreciated maritime museum and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,163 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Sibeliuksenpuisto. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 590 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Sapokka to make the most of your road trip across Finland. The spectacular Sapokka is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,810 visitors.

The lovely Katariina Seaside Park‎ is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 2,357 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. This attraction is a museum rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,703 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Kotka has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Lappeenranta. Lappeenranta offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular The Kitchen. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 813 reviews.

The remarkable Angus Steak & Wine is another top restaurant in Lappeenranta we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 739 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Kehruuhuone Oy is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 610 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Lappeenranta, the fantastic Ravintola Wolkoff. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 310 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful CARLOS. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 265 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Jussin Tupa. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 211 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Finland!

Rise and shine on day 9 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you'll wake up in Lappeenranta and embark on a scenic drive to Varkaus, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Lappeenranta before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Lappeenranta. This attraction is a rapid that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,034 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Parikkala Sculpture Park. This attraction, a beloved sculpture garden, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,108 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Olavinlinna Castle. This attraction is a stronghold that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,676 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Savonlinna Market Square. This must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 3,683 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Container Restaurant Morton Varkaus. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 739 customers.

Locals also recommend Iskender Kebab Pizzeria, another of the best restaurants in Varkaus. Iskender Kebab Pizzeria is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 653 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Ruokaravintola Amanda. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 211 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Terrace Cafe Torni to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Varkaus, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 258 customers.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Finland, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 10 of your road trip through Finland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Kuopio and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Jyvaskyla. You will stay in Jyvaskyla for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Kuopio is the amazing Valkeisenlammen puisto. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 784 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible market square, Kuopio Market Square. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,021 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Kuopio is the outstanding Museum of Kuopio. This popular museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 613 visitors.

The spectacular Kasurila is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating village and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 811 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Kuopio by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Finland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Jyvaskyla, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Viikinkiravintola Harald, one of the best restaurants in the city of Jyvaskyla. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 954 customers.

Locals also recommend Konttiravintola Morton Jyväskylä as one of the best restaurants in the city of Jyvaskyla. Konttiravintola Morton Jyväskylä is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 772 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Jyvaskyla is Ravintola Shalimar. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 530 customers.

After dinner, visit Restaurant Pöllöwaari, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Jyvaskyla. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 438 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like HIISI Taproom & Bottleshop. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 167 customers.

Alternatively, Hotel Verso is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Jyvaskyla. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 948 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Finland!

Day 11 of your road trip through Finland is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Virrat and the city of Tampere. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Virrat is the amazing Gösta Serlachius Museum, Museum of Art. This attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,245 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Serlachius Museum - Gustaf. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 908 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Virrat is another excellent way to spend your new day in Finland. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Finland’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Finland’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Finland’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Vehoniemi automobile museum in the city of Tampere for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is an automobile museum and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,012 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Tampere is the outstanding Vehoniemi observation tower. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 177 visitors, this observation tower deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Tampere.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Ravintola Näsinneula, one of the best restaurants in the city of Tampere. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 631 customers.

Locals also recommend Malabadi Tammela as one of the best restaurants in the city of Tampere. Malabadi Tammela is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 756 customers.

After dinner, visit Pub Simon, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Tampere. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 542 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Thrasherie Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 269 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Finland!

Day 12 of your road trip in Finland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Tampere before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Näsi Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Tampere. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,304 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Tampere and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Finland.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Tampere at Venla before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 583 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Tampere. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Finland!