One-Week Finland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lappeenranta traveling north to Imatra, Joensuu, and Savonlinna

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Lappeenranta, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Start your adventure at Lappeenranta Fortress. This beloved historical landmark is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.

When you’ve had your share of Lappeenranta, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Imatra. Your travel time is around 30 min.

Make your way to Kruununpuisto, a beloved park that draws attention for its romantic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Imatrankoski, a mesmerizing waterfall that stands out in the town.

When you’ve had your share of Imatra, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Ruokolahti. Your travel time is around 21 min.

Head to Ruokolahden Freeski Ky, an often recommended ski resort in Ruokolahti. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Ruokolahti, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Parikkala may take around 39 min. Upon your arrival in Parikkala, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Parikkala Sculpture Park. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the sculpture garden before you continue to your next stop.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Meeza Restaurant, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Ravintola Nautilus? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at CARLOS as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Lappeenranta.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Gi-ki Oy, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

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

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Luumäki and Lappeenranta. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Imatra, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Begin your adventure at Canal Museum, Museum Of Saimaa Canal. This is a curiosity-inducing museum you should not miss.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Luumäki, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Luumäki, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Take your self-guided tour to Kotkaniemi, an underrated museum that everyone visiting Luumäki should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Luumäki, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Luumäki, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Taavetti Fortress, a beloved castle that draws visitors from near and far.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Restaurant Buttenhoff and Café Julia, an iconic dining spot in Imatra. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Ravintola Havanna Kebab Pizzeria, a popular restaurant in Imatra. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Kent - Pizza & Steak House, a hidden gem nestled in Imatra. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Osmo's Cosmos Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Kuohu Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Pub Vahti is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Finland. Today you will explore Joensuu, 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 Joensuu. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kontiolahti and set your GPS to Joensuu. 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 21 min. Upon reaching Joensuu, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your self-guided tour starts at Joensuu Art Museum, an often recommended museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. When you’re ready, continue to North Karelian Museum Hilma, a locally appreciated museum beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Joensuun Fever Oy, a top-rated dining destination in Joensuu. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ravintola Aittaranta, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Kerubi. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Joensuu this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Summer Restaurant Tuulaaki, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out 60's Palaver, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Jet Set Bar Oy provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

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

After soaking in Joensuu’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Outokumpu. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 38 min. When you arrive in Outokumpu, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your self-guided tour starts at Outokumpu Old Mine And Mining Museum, an often recommended museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

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

Your self-guided tour starts at Koli, an underrated national park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Koli National Park and admire its eye-catching features. When you’re ready, continue to Koli Nature Center Ukko, a curiosity-inducing visitor center beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Joensuu. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel, a top-rated dining destination in Joensuu. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pizza Express & Cafe, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ravintola Wanha Aitta. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Joensuu this evening.

Keep the evening going at Bar Play Joensuu, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Ravintola Mikko, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

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 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 Joensuu, Juurikka, and Palokki. In the evening, you’ll end up in Savonlinna, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Joensuu, featuring an instagrammable and a historically significant. Start at Joensuu Bunker Museum, a locally appreciated military museum in the city.

After soaking in Joensuu’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Juurikka. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 45 min. When you arrive in Juurikka, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your journey at New Valamo and explore the picture-perfect features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Palokki. This drive usually takes around 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Lintula Holy Trinity Convent, an increasingly popular monastery that draws visitors from near and far.

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

As you explore more of Savonlinna, 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Kalastajan Koju, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Konewerstas Cafe & Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Opetusravintola Paviljonki as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Savonlinna.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Savonlinna and Kerimäki. 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.

Start by visiting Savonlinna Market Square, a prime spot to begin your journey. This stunning public square is sure to impress. Next on your list is Olavinlinna Castle, another must-visit landmark and up-and-coming castle renowned for its standout features.

Kerimäki welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take your self-guided tour to Kerimäki Church, an underrated church that everyone visiting Kerimäki should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at The Kitchen, a top-rated dining destination in Lappeenranta. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Kehruuhuone Oy, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ravintola Wolkoff. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lappeenranta this evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Finland!