One-Week Finland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Rovaniemi to Ruka
Description
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 8-day road trip through Finland. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Finland takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 4 nights in Rovaniemi and 3 nights in Ruka. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Finland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Rovaniemi, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Finland on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Finland. Santa Claus Village and Rukatunturi are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Santa Claus Office, learn more about the unique Oulanka National Park, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Santapark - The Home Cavern Of Santa Claus.
As you hit the open road and drive through Rovaniemi, Saarenkylä, Ruka, and Kuusamo, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Finland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Finland.
Throughout your road trip in Finland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Finland.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Finland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Finland today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Rovaniemi - Arrival day
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- Angry Birds Playground
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Welcome to Rovaniemi, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Finland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 3 nights immersing yourself in Rovaniemi's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Rovaniemi is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Angry Birds Playground, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Rovaniemi. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Finland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Rovaniemi, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Make sure to reserve a table at Ravintola Roka Street Bistro, an iconic dining spot in Rovaniemi. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bull Bar and Grill, a popular restaurant in Rovaniemi. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Gustav Kitchen & Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Rovaniemi. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Pub Pisto, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Oliver's Corner Irish Pub. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Paha Kurki Rockhouse, another top-rated place in the area.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Finland!
Day 2
- Rovaniemi
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Drive 19 km, 26 min
- Santa Claus Office
- Santa Claus Village
- Santa's Post Office
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Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Rovaniemi for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Start your day at Santa Claus Office. This visually striking visitor center is an often recommended place to see in Rovaniemi. Then, wander over to Santa Claus Village. If eye-catching sites excite you, this visitor center will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Santa's Post Office. This photogenic visitor center is a favorite among visitors.
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.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Scandic Rovaniemi City, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try RAVINTOLA MEMOS? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Rock Ravintola & Café Grande as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Rovaniemi.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at People's Pub, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Finland!
Day 3
- Rovaniemi
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Drive 75 km, 1 hour 25 min
- Bearhill Husky
- Ounasvaara Ski Oy
- SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus
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On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Rovaniemi, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Rovaniemi and Saarenkylä. You still have 1 night left in Rovaniemi.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Rovaniemi, including a safari park, a ski resort, and an amusement park. Start your adventure at Bearhill Husky. This up-and-coming safari park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Ounasvaara Ski Oy located in Rovaniemi for an enchanting atmosphere.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Santapark - The Home Cavern Of Santa Claus. Its visually striking features will captivate you.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Rovaniemi and your accommodation.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Rovaniemen Asemaravintola, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Kauppayhtiö? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Yuca as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Rovaniemi.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Finland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 4
- Rovaniemi
- Ruka
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Drive 204 km, 2 hours 55 min
- Culture House Korundi
- Arktikum Science Museum
- Rovaniemi Church
- Auttiköngäs
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Rovaniemi. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Ruka, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.
Start by visiting Culture House Korundi, a prime spot to begin your journey. This photogenic cultural center is sure to impress. Next on your list is Arktikum, another must-visit landmark and up-and-coming museum renowned for its breathtaking features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Rovaniemi by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Rovaniemi Church. This heritage-rich church is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience. Auttiköngäs also adds charm to your journey.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Ruka, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Ruka. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ski Booster - Bar - Cafe - Grill, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Hanki Baari? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.
Head back to your accommodation in Ruka and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Finland!
Day 5
- Ruka
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Drive 71 km, 1 hour 22 min
- Rukatunturi
- Kiutaköngäs
- Oulanka National Park
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Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Finland. With 2 nights left in Ruka, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the village’s surroundings!
Discover a day packed with fun adventures, natural wonders, and breathtaking views in Ruka. Begin your sightseeing with Rukatunturi. This often recommended ski resort is one of the top attractions in the village. Proceed to Kiutaköngäs, another must-visit attraction that enhances the village’s allure.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Ruka, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Oulanka National Park. This intriguing national park is a traveler-favorite.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Ruka.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Ruka's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at RUOK, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Villiruokaravintola Rukan Kuksa offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Ruka.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Finland!
Day 6
- Ruka
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Drive 205 km, 2 hours 46 min
- Canyon Lake Julma-Ölkky
- The tourist center of Karhuntassu
- Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Center
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On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Ruka. You’ll stay in Ruka for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.
Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in Ruka. Begin your sightseeing with Canyon Lake Julma-ölkky. This curiosity-inducing canyon is one of the top attractions in the region. Proceed to The Tourist Center Of Karhuntassu, another must-visit attraction that enhances the region’s allure.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Ruka, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Center. This intriguing museum is a traveler-favorite.
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 Ruka's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
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.
Day 7
- Ruka
- Rovaniemi
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Drive 263 km, 3 hours 34 min
- Jyrävä Rapids
- Pieni Karhunkierros Circle Trail
- Ruka Pedestrian Village
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Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Finland. Today you will explore Ruka and Juuma, 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 Rovaniemi. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Ruka, including a waterfall, a hiking area, and a ski resort. Start your day at Jyrävä Rapids. This serene waterfall is a frequently visited place to see in Ruka. Then, wander over to Pieni Karhunkierros Circle Trail. If enchanting sites excite you, this hiking area will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Ruka Pedestrian Village. This stunning ski resort is a favorite among visitors.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Hanki, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Saigon Noodle Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Rovaniemi.
Say good night to Rovaniemi and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Finland!
Day 8
- Rovaniemi - Departure day
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- Lordi's Square
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Day 8 of your road trip in Finland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Rovaniemi before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Lordi's Square, an eye-catching public square before you head out.
As your final day in Finland unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Rovaniemi's best shopping area, Sampokeskus Shopping Centre. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Finland.
Before you conclude your road trip in Finland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Rovaniemi.
Savor the flavors at Santa Claus Holiday Village, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Ravintola Valdemari beckons with its unique menu offerings.
You’ll then say farewell to Rovaniemi. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Finland!
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