One-Week Finland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Helsinki traveling east to Mikkeli, Joensuu, Imatra, and Kotka

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Finland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Savonlinna and Kerimäki. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Joensuu, where will spend 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Savonlinna may take around 1 hour 17 min. Upon your arrival in Savonlinna, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Savonlinna Market Square, a worthwhile public square in Savonlinna. Explore its instagrammable features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Olavinlinna Castle. This increasingly popular castle is a top recommendation in the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Kerimäki, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Savonlinna to Kerimäki may take around 24 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kerimäki, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kerimäki Church is a worthwhile church we recommend visiting today. Discover its inviting features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

Joensuu is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Joensuu.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Joensuun Fever Oy, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Ravintola Aittaranta offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Kerubi is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Joensuu.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Summer Restaurant Tuulaaki. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to 60's Palaver, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Jet Set Bar Oy provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

On day 5 of your road trip in Finland, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Joensuu are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Imatra, where you will stay for 1 night.

Next, go to The Courting Wolf.

After visiting Joensuu Art Museum and The Courting Wolf, have a stroll along Joensuu's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to North Karelian Museum Hilma. This standout museum offers a unique experience.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Imatra's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Make sure to reserve a table at Restaurant Buttenhoff and Café Julia, an iconic dining spot in Imatra. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Ravintola Havanna Kebab Pizzeria, a popular restaurant in Imatra. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Kent - Pizza & Steak House, a hidden gem nestled in Imatra. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Osmo's Cosmos Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Kuohu Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Pub Vahti is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Finland!

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Parikkala, Imatra, and Lappeenranta. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Kotka, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Experience Imatrankoski, a frequently visited waterfall in the city.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Parikkala Sculpture Park, an underrated sculpture garden that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lappeenranta. This drive usually takes around 32 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Sandcastle Lappeenranta, a frequently visited sightseeing destination that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Lappeenranta Fortress, where you can soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

Next, explore Old Park, "kissing Park", yet another intriguing place to see in the area.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Kotka. Kotka 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 Kotka. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Vausti, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Canttiini offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Keisarinsatama. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Kotka.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Players Sports Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Finland.

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Finland includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Kotka. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Helsinki, where you'll spend 1 night.

No visit to Kotka is complete without Maritime Centre Vellamo. This worthwhile maritime museum is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Sibeliuksenpuisto, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Kotka, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Sapokka. This often recommended botanical garden is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Katariina Seaside Park‎, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Helsinki. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Löyly Helsinki, a top-rated dining spot in Helsinki. If you're in the mood for something new, try Ravintola Nokka, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Hotel Kämp. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Helsinki.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Riff after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Roasberg, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

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