9-Day Finland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Rovaniemi to Kemi, Oulu, Kajaani, and Ruka

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Rovaniemi for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Rovaniemi today. One of the most up-and-coming attractions included on the itinerary is Santa's Post Office. This picture-perfect visitor center will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Santa Claus Village and learn what makes this picture-perfect visitor center unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the underrated Santa Claus Office.

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 Rovaniemi's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Scandic Rovaniemi City, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? RAVINTOLA MEMOS offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Rock Ravintola & Café Grande. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Rovaniemi.

Cap off your dinner by heading to People's Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

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

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

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Rovaniemi. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. Culture House Korundi is the perfect place to start. This cultural center is one of the most up-and-coming places to visit in Rovaniemi. Next, head to Lordi's Square, an increasingly popular public square, known for its eye-catching features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Arktikum. This gorgeous museum offers a unique experience that is highly recommended. Meanwhile, Arktikum Arboretum adds its own distinct charm to your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Kemi. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Kemi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Lounaskahvila Kemin Paussi, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Pizzeria Di Mare offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Kalle's Burger / Scanburger is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Kemi.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Olutravintola Kukko, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

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

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 1 vibrant destinations - Oulu. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Oulu. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’ve had your share of Kemi, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Oulu. Your travel time is around 1 hour 16 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Tietomaa Science Centre, an underrated science center known for its eye-catching features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Oulu Art Museum, an underrated art gallery that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Oulu Castle and uncover the details of this instagrammable castle. Make sure to also explore Oulu Market Square, a curiosity-inducing public square that offers a unique experience. For your last stop, consider Oulu Market Hall, a history-steeped market that many travelers find worth the detour.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Oulu. Oulu offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. 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 Oulu. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Frans & Camille Bistro, a top-rated dining destination in Oulu. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Koivurannan kahvila, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Sauraha. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Oulu this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Pub Graali after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Leskinen, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, 1bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

On day 5 of your road trip in Finland, you’ll start and end your day in Oulu, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Oulu for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Oulu and Kiiminki to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Oulu is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a botanical garden, a beach, a lighthouse, a park and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the worthwhile University Of Oulu Botanical Gardens. Just a short distance away is Nallikari Beach, an eye-catching beach that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Nallikari Lighthouse, one of the city’s most worthwhile spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the intriguing Hollihaka Park Oulu Outdoor Gym.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Oulu and set your GPS to Kiiminki. 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 34 min. Upon reaching Kiiminki, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make your way to Koitelinkoski, an up-and-coming waterfall that draws attention for its romantic features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Oulu.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Oulu. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Dine in style at Crecian, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Beijing Oy boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Pizzeria Finlandia. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Oulu.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Finland. Today you will explore Oulu, 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 Kajaani. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Oulu is home to plenty of attractions that offer a visually striking, a detailed, a heritage-rich, and an awe-inspiring! Start at Rotuaarin Pallo, an increasingly popular art installation that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Mannerheim Park, enchanting visitors with its instagrammable appeal. Continue your exploration at Oulu Automobile Museum. This museum is one of the city’s most often recommended spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Oulu at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Turkansaari Open Air Museum.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Kajaani. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Taukopaikka Nuottijärvi, an iconic dining spot in Kajaani. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Pancho Villa, a popular restaurant in Kajaani. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Peevee Bar Oy, a hidden gem nestled in Kajaani. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar Jussila (t:mi Juha J. Immonen) stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Restaurant Saint Kukko offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

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

On day 7 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 Kajaani and Suomussalmi. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ruka, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with an eye-catching, a history-steeped, a mesmerizing, and a grand. Start at the often recommended Kainuu Museum, a historic museum in Kajaani. Next, go to Kajaani Castle Ruins.

Set your GPS to Suomussalmi and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 35 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Suomussalmi beckons with new experiences!

Your self-guided tour starts at Hiljaisen Kansan Tilataideteos (the Silent People), an often recommended art installation that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Ruka. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the village.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Ruka's best restaurants.

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. Consider reserving a table at RUOK as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Ruka.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Finland!

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Juuma and Ruka. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Rovaniemi, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your adventure at Ruka Pedestrian Village. This worthwhile ski resort is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.

Upon your arrival in Juuma, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make your way to Pieni Karhunkierros Circle Trail, a beloved hiking area that draws attention for its awe-inspiring features.

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

As you explore more of Rovaniemi, 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.

Savor the flavors at Rovaniemen Asemaravintola, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Kauppayhtiö beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Yuca. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Rovaniemi tonight.

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