One-Week Finland Road Trip from Helsinki traveling east to Mikkeli, Joensuu, and Kotka

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

Helsinki has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Esplanadi park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,022 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 Helsinki, Kappeli. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki is Lappi Ravintola. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,870 customers.

Locals recommend Restaurant Kuu as one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 977 customers.

Helsinki also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Helsinki is Löyly Helsinki. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,237 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Helsinki is Kaisla. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

Locals also enjoy Roasberg. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,256 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Finland!

Day 2 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 Sibelius Monument. This attraction is a sculpture and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,019 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Helsinki is the spectacular Temppeliaukio Church. This attraction is a cave church and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,662 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Kauppatori. This market square has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 25,097 visitors.

Senate Square is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This must-see tourist destination is a popular destination among visitors in Helsinki. Rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,455 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Helsinki Cathedral. Helsinki Cathedral is a lutheran cathedral and popular attraction in Helsinki. More than 10,211 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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 Ravintola Ragu, 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 4.6 out of 5 stars by 924 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Helsinki is the popular Restaurant Farang. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,081 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Helsinki is Restaurant HOKU. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 966 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, One Pint Pub is one of the best bars in the city of Helsinki for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 796 customers.

Liberty or Death is another of the most popular bars in the city of Helsinki. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 685 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Helsinki is Restaurant Vltava. Restaurant Vltava has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 5,124 customers.

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

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 Helsinki. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Mikkeli. You’ll stay in Mikkeli for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Helsinki’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Helsinki, start your day with a visit to the amazing Ateneum. This much-appreciated art museum and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,449 visitors. Each year, around 400,000 visit this remarkable site to admire its unique features.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Kaivopuisto. This neighbourhood of helsinki and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,621 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular SkyWheel Helsinki to make the most of your road trip across Finland. The spectacular SkyWheel Helsinki is a ferris wheel that has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,888 visitors.

The lovely Korkeasaari Zoo is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 12,452 visitors have left this zoo average ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars. This popular attraction gets around 498,266 visits every year.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Helsinki has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Mikkeli. Mikkeli 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 Tertti Manor. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,090 reviews.

The remarkable Eepin Grilli is another top restaurant in Mikkeli we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 745 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Fernando's Restaurant is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 777 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Mikkeli, the fantastic bar Dom. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 618 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Jälkipeli Pub, Karaoke, Sports Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 430 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Mikkelin Keskusbaari Oy. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 235 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Finland!

Day 4 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 Savonlinna and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Joensuu. You will stay in Joensuu for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Savonlinna is the amazing Savonlinna Market Square. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,683 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible stronghold, Olavinlinna Castle. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,676 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Savonlinna is the outstanding Lusto – The Finnish Forest Museum. This popular museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,571 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Savonlinna 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 Joensuu, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Jokiasema Ky, one of the best restaurants in the city of Joensuu. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,382 customers.

Locals also recommend Ravintola Kreeta as one of the best restaurants in the city of Joensuu. Ravintola Kreeta is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 949 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Joensuu is Pizzeria Roihu. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 832 customers.

After dinner, visit Bar Play Joensuu, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Joensuu. This bar is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 787 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Ravintola Filipof. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 258 customers.

Alternatively, 60's Palaver is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Joensuu. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 398 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you'll wake up in Joensuu and embark on a scenic drive to Kotka, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Joensuu and Parikkala 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 Joensuu. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Imatrankoski. 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 Kruununpuisto. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 283 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Imatra and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Parikkala has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Parikkala Sculpture Park. This attraction is a sculpture garden that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,108 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Parikkala, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Kotka. When you arrive in Kotka you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Erkan Bistro & Restaurant. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 998 customers.

Locals also recommend Tai Hing, another of the best restaurants in Kotka. Tai Hing is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 816 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Keisarinsatama. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 781 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Players Sports Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Kotka, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 572 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!

On day 6 of your road trip across Finland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Kotka. You’ll stay in Kotka for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone, Kotka, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Kotka. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 557 guests.

The apartment is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 104 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Kotka is the 3-star Hotelli Jokipuisto. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,039 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 Kotka, like the outstanding Maritime Centre Vellamo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 visitors.

Maritime Museum of Finland is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Kotka. This incredible attraction is a maritime museum and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,163 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Kotka is the extraordinary Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,703 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Kumparepuisto. Around 356 visitors have given this park an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Come to Kotka 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 Kotka.

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

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Maritime Centre Vellamo, after your day of exploring the city of Kotka. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 customers.

Canttiini is another of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,091 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka is Tao Yuan. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 441 customers.

Locals recommend Frans & Rosalie, Kotka, one of the best bars in the city of Kotka, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 480 customers.

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

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 7 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 Helsinki. You’ll stay in Helsinki 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 Sibeliuksenpuisto. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 590 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Isopuisto. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 608 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Maretarium to make the most of your road trip across Finland. The spectacular Maretarium is an aquarium that has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,539 visitors.

The lovely Sapokka is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 2,810 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 Katariina Seaside Park‎. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,357 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 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 Restaurant Savotta. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,076 reviews.

The remarkable Ravintola Nerone is another top restaurant in Helsinki we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 951 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant Merimakasiini is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 992 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Helsinki, the fantastic Hotel Kämp. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,508 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Ravintola Teerenpeli. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,025 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Restaurant Teatteri. This bar is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,757 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Finland!

Day 8 of your road trip in Finland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Helsinki 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.

Kaisaniemi Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Helsinki. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 4,988 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Helsinki at Ravintola Nokka before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 744 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant Elite for your last chance at a meal in the city of Helsinki. The Restaurant Elite restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 875 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Ravintola Aino. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

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