One-Week Finland Road Trip from Tampere traveling east to Lahti, Lappeenranta, and Helsinki

Say hello to Tampere! Your exciting road trip through Finland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Tampere for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Tampere 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 Koskipuisto or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Tampere. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Sailor's Bar & Grill, an iconic dining spot in Tampere. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Zeytuun, a popular restaurant in Tampere. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Ravintola Coussicca, a hidden gem nestled in Tampere. 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 Thrasherie Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Huurupiilo. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Moro Sky Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Finland!

On day 2 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 Tampere. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lahti, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lahti. This car ride takes around 1 hour 43 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Finlayson Factory Area. This much-appreciated point of interest is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,941 reviews.

Next up is Museum Centre Vapriikki. This museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,742 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the city, Museum Centre Vapriikki welcomes 185,000 visitors annually.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Pyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower. This cafe has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,011 reviews.

Hatanpää Park Arboretum is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,785 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Moomin Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,381 reviews.

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.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Pancho Villa Lahti, a top-rated dining destination in Lahti. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Asemapäällikkö konditoria, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Coppa Eatery. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lahti this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Bar & Bistro Lahti, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Tirra provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Wanha Mestari offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Finland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Lappeenranta, Imatra, and Verla. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lappeenranta, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Sandcastle Lappeenranta. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 3,011 reviews.

After soaking in Verla’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Imatra. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 44 min. When you arrive in Imatra, it's time to take a break from the road.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Kruununpuisto. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 283 visitors.

Next, make your way to Imatrankoski. This rapids is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,034 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Lappeenranta, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you explore more of Lappeenranta, 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.

Make sure to book a table at Angus Steak & Wine, a popular restaurant in Lappeenranta. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Experience a taste of Lappeenranta at My Bakery Cafe Oy, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Ravintola Iskender. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Lappeenranta tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Lamppu, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Pikku Pete Pub, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, GI-Ki Oy provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Finland. Today you will explore Kotka, 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 Helsinki. You’ll stay here for 3 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lappeenranta and set your GPS to Kotka. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 26 min. Upon reaching Kotka, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Journey into the unknown at Katariina Seaside Park‎, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,357 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Sapokka is a recommended place to visit. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,810 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Kotka is Maritime Centre Vellamo. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Kotka offers an experience you will remember.

Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Kotka. This museum promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,703 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Helsinki. Helsinki offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Helsinki.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Lappi Ravintola, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Vltava offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Löyly Helsinki. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Helsinki.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Base Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, One Pint Pub offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Helsinki. Liberty or Death is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Helsinki for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Kaivopuisto. This neighbourhood of helsinki is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,621 visitors.

When you’re finished at Kaivopuisto, head to Finnish Museum of Natural History. This one-of-a-kind natural history museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,155 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Temppeliaukio Church. This cave church is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,662 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Korkeasaari Zoo. This zoo is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 12,452 visitors. Around 498,266 travelers visit Korkeasaari Zoo every year.

You can learn more about Helsinki today by going on a tour. Helsinki offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Helsinki.

Make sure to book a table at Ravintola Nokka, a popular restaurant in Helsinki. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Experience a taste of Helsinki at Hotel Kämp, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Ravintola Teerenpeli. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Helsinki tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Kaisla is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Beaver Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Praha. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Helsinki. You’ll stay in Helsinki for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Helsinki Cathedral. Previous visitors have rated this lutheran cathedral an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,211 reviews.

Senate Square is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 18,455 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Esplanadi park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,022 reviews.

Kauppatori is another outstanding experience in Helsinki. Around 25,097 travelers have rated this market square an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

If you long for more, Uspenski Cathedral is not far away. This eastern orthodox cathedral is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,146 reviews.

Your discoveries in Helsinki do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Helsinki on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant Pompier, a top-rated dining destination in Helsinki. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Kappeli, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Farang. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Helsinki this evening.

Keep the evening going at The Riff, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Roasberg, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

Say good night to Helsinki and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Finland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Finland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Helsinki. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Tampere. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Helsinki, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Tampere. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 56 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Ateneum, a remarkable art museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,449 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 400,000 visitors.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Kaisaniemi Park. This park has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 4,988 travelers.

National Museum of Finland is another must-visit attraction. This renowned national museum offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,147 travelers and attracting 447,139 annual visitors, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Sibelius Park. This well-loved park boasts a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 5,509 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Sibelius Monument awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a sculpture, this is a top pick rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,019 previous visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Tampere, 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 Tampere. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Café Pispala, a top-rated dining destination in Tampere. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Tallipihan kahvila, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Kaffila. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Tampere this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar K stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Kievari Kahdet Kasvot offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Save File - Pelaajan Olohuone is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Day 8 of your road trip in Finland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Tampere before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Finland, take time to indulge in shopping at Tampere’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Finland. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Finland forever.

Before you conclude your road trip in Finland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Tampere.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Antika, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Tampere. 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!