9-Day Finland Road Trip from Helsinki traveling east to Kotka, Imatra, Lahti, and Turku

Your road trip adventure in Finland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Helsinki. You’ll stay in Helsinki for 4 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, Löyly Helsinki. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,237 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki is Kappeli. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 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 Kaisla. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Finland!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Helsinki has to offer. Cherish the 3 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 Helsinki Cathedral. This attraction is a lutheran cathedral and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,211 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Helsinki is the spectacular Senate Square. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,455 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.

SkyWheel Helsinki is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This ferris wheel is a popular destination among visitors in Helsinki. Rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,888 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Uspenski Cathedral. Uspenski Cathedral is an eastern orthodox cathedral and popular attraction in Helsinki. More than 6,146 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.5 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 Restaurant Farang, 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,081 customers.

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

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Helsinki is Restaurant Savotta. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,076 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Liberty or Death 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 685 customers.

The Riff is another of the most popular bars in the city of Helsinki. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,017 customers.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Finland is another day in the magnificent Helsinki. You now have 2 nights 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 Temppeliaukio Church. This has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,662 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Finnish Museum of Natural History in the city of Helsinki. This attraction is a natural history museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,155 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Helsinki is the incredible National Museum of Finland. National Museum of Finland gathers around 447,139 visitors each year. This attraction is a national museum and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,147 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 Nerone. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 951 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Helsinki that locals enjoy, eat at Restaurant Merimakasiini. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 992 customers.

Another of the best restaurant options in the city of Helsinki is Ravintola Nokka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 744 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Helsinki, Beaver Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 574 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Helsinki, we recommend the cocktails at Base Bar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 449 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Helsinki!

Day 4 of your road trip through Finland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. 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 Virolahti Bunker Museum. This attraction is a military museum that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 377 visitors.

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.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka is Maritime Centre Vellamo. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 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.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Rantabaari, Mussalo. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 131 customers.

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

You’ll stay in Imatra for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Helsinki today is Maritime Centre Vellamo. This excellent attraction is a maritime museum that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Sapokka, an outstanding park, in the city of Helsinki. Around 2,810 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Helsinki is Katariina Seaside Park‎. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,357 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. This museum and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,703 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Finland, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Finland. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Imatrankoski for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a rapid and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,034 visitors.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Imatra, Konnichiwa Sushi Imatra Mansikkala. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 258 customers.

Locals recommend Kent - Pizza & Steak House as one of the best restaurants in the city of Imatra. Kent - Pizza & Steak House is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 395 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Imatra is Restaurant Xiangfu. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 275 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Imatra, Kuohu Bar. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 190 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Finland with a toast!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 6 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 Lahti. You’ll stay in Lahti 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 Olavinlinna Castle. This much-appreciated stronghold and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,676 visitors.

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 Lahti. Lahti 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 El Toro. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,227 reviews.

The remarkable Konnichiwa is another top restaurant in Lahti we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 956 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Ravintola Taivaanranta is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 492 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Lahti, the fantastic Wine Cafe Olavi. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 522 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Ravintola Hiidenkivi Ky. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 108 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Pikku Hanhi. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 387 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 7 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you'll wake up in Lahti and embark on a scenic drive to Turku, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Lahti and Tampere 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 Lahti. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Laune central park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,896 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Finnish Motorcycle Museum. This attraction, a beloved museum, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 624 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Lahti is the stunning The Radio and TV Museum. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 645 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Helsinki 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 Tampere has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Museum Centre Vapriikki. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,742 visitors. Around 185,000 people visit Museum Centre Vapriikki every year.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Hatanpää Park Arboretum. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,785 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Tampere, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Turku. When you arrive in Turku 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 Restaurant Kuori. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 644 customers.

Locals also recommend Pippurimylly, another of the best restaurants in Turku. Pippurimylly is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,851 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pub Niska. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,843 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Panimoravintola Koulu to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Turku, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,279 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Tiirikkala. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Tiirikkala has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 875 customers.

Walo Rooftop Bar is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 864 customers.

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

One of the best places to visit in the city of Helsinki is the amazing Turku Castle. This attraction is a castle and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,724 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Turku Cathedral. This lutheran cathedral and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,745 visitors.

Old Great Square is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Helsinki. This well-known attraction, a spectacular square, has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 1,995 reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Helsinki is Kupittaa. This attraction is an amazing district and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,520 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Helsinki 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 Nuuksio National Park in the city of Espoo for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,114 visitors.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Elite, one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 875 customers.

Locals also recommend Ravintola Aino as one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki. Ravintola Aino is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki is Restaurant Pompier. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 560 customers.

After dinner, visit Olutravintola Pikkulintu Ruttopuisto, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Helsinki. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 358 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Restaurant Alexanderplats. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 300 customers.

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

Day 9 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.

Kaivopuisto is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Helsinki. This neighbourhood of helsinki and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,621 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 Restaurant Savoy before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 555 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant Olo for your last chance at a meal in the city of Helsinki. The Restaurant Olo restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 465 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Kosmos. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 522 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!