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

Day 3 of your road trip across Finland promises a magnificent time exploring Rovaniemi. You have 2 nights left in Rovaniemi. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Start your day at Santa Claus Office. This photogenic visitor center is a curiosity-inducing place to see in Rovaniemi. Then, wander over to Santa Claus Village. If mesmerizing sites excite you, this visitor center will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Santa's Post Office. This instagrammable 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Scandic Rovaniemi City, a top-rated dining destination in Rovaniemi. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider RAVINTOLA MEMOS, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Rock Ravintola & Café Grande. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rovaniemi this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at People's Pub, a top-rated bar in the area.

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

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Rovaniemi has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Rovaniemi by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several an instagrammable, a stunning, and a history-steeped. Whether you decide to explore Rovaniemi on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Culture House Korundi is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect cultural center before continuing your journey. Lordi's Square is your next stop. This locally appreciated public square is one of the best-rated sights in Rovaniemi.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Arktikum. This respected museum is a sight to behold.

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.

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 wonderful meal at Rovaniemen Asemaravintola, a top-rated dining spot in Rovaniemi. If you're in the mood for something new, try Kauppayhtiö, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Yuca. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Rovaniemi.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Finland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Finland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Rovaniemi and Saarenkylä. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Kemi. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Rovaniemi, including a playground and an amusement park. Start your adventure at Angry Birds Playground. This up-and-coming playground is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Santapark - The Home Cavern Of Santa Claus located in Rovaniemi for an enchanting atmosphere.

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

Spend your afternoon discovering Ounasvaara Ski Oy, an intriguing ski resort known for its awe-inspiring features.

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

As you explore more of Kemi, 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Lounaskahvila Kemin Paussi, a highly-rated dining destination in Kemi. If you're eager to try something different, consider Pizzeria Di Mare, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Kalle's Burger / Scanburger. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Kemi this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Olutravintola Kukko, known for its lively atmosphere.

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 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Oulu. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Oulu, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kemi and set your GPS to Oulu. 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 17 min. Upon reaching Oulu, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your self-guided tour starts at University Of Oulu Botanical Gardens, an intriguing botanical garden that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Oulu Market Square and admire its picture-perfect features. When you’re ready, continue to Oulu Market Hall, a frequently visited market beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Rotuaarin Pallo, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Frans & Camille Bistro, a top-rated dining spot in Oulu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Koivurannan kahvila, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Sauraha. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Oulu.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Pub Graali offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Leskinen is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. 1bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 7 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 Kiiminki and Oulu to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Oulu, featuring an instagrammable, a romantic, a serene, and a stunning. Start at Oulu Art Museum, a frequently visited art gallery in the town. Then, head to Tietomaa Science Centre and soak in the ambiance of this photogenic science center.

There are many interesting places to see in Oulu and when you are ready for more, go to Nallikari Beach. This is one of the town’s most locally appreciated spots. After exploring the beach, visit the beloved Nallikari Lighthouse. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the increasingly popular Hollihaka Park Oulu Outdoor Gym, an increasingly popular park in the town.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kiiminki. This car ride takes around 27 min.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Koitelinkoski, an often recommended waterfall that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Oulu and your accommodation.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Crecian, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Beijing Oy is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Pizzeria Finlandia. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Oulu tonight.

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

On day 8 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 Oulu. In the evening, you’ll end up in Kajaani, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Oulu, including a park and a museum. Start your day with a visit to Mannerheim Park. This worthwhile park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Heinätorinpuisto Park, which may be one of the most serene places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Oulu on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Oulu Automobile Museum, one of the city’s most beloved museum. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Turkansaari Open Air Museum.

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 Kajaani. Kajaani 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.

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

Dine in style at Taukopaikka Nuottijärvi, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Pancho Villa boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Peevee Bar Oy. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Kajaani.

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.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Finland!

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Finland. Today you will explore Kajaani and Suomussalmi, 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 Ruka. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Kajaani is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a museum and a castle. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the worthwhile Kainuu Museum. Just a short distance away is Kajaani Castle Ruins, a culturally significant castle that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Suomussalmi. This car ride takes around 1 hour 35 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Hiljaisen Kansan Tilataideteos (the Silent People). Spend some time admiring the detailed features of the art installation before you continue to your next stop.

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.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at RUOK, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Villiruokaravintola Rukan Kuksa is another top choice with a popular menu.

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