10-Day Finland Road Trip from Helsinki to Kotka, Lahti, and Turku and surrounding area

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 Lappi Ravintola as one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,870 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.

Another of the best bars in the city of Helsinki is Roasberg. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,256 customers.

Locals also enjoy One Pint Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 796 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 10-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 Kuu, 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 4.6 out of 5 stars by 977 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Helsinki is the popular Ravintola Ragu. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 924 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Helsinki is Restaurant Farang. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,081 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.

Restaurant Vltava is another of the most popular bars in the city of Helsinki. This bar is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 5,124 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Helsinki is Hotel Kämp. Hotel Kämp has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,508 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.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. This museum and travel destination is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 7,063 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, Restaurant HOKU. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 966 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Helsinki that locals enjoy, eat at Restaurant Savotta. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,076 customers.

Another of the best restaurant options in the city of Helsinki is Ravintola Nerone. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 951 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Helsinki, Ravintola Teerenpeli. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,025 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Helsinki, we recommend the cocktails at Restaurant Teatteri. This bar has been rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,757 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Helsinki is The Riff. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,017 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'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Helsinki and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Kotka. You will stay in Kotka for 2 nights. 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 Ateneum. As such, over 400,000 people visit Ateneum yearly. This attraction is an art museum that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,449 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Sibelius Park. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,509 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Helsinki is the outstanding Sibelius Monument. This popular sculpture and travel destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,019 visitors. Approximately 400,000 travelers come to Helsinki every year to see the stunning Ateneum with their own eyes.

The spectacular Korkeasaari Zoo is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating zoo and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 12,452 visitors. In addition, approximately 498,266 travelers visit this popular site annually.

You can make the most of your new day in Helsinki by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. 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 Tai Hing as one of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka. Tai Hing is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 816 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.

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

On day 5 of your road trip across Finland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Kotka. You’ll stay in Kotka for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone, Kotka, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Kotka. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 558 guests.

The apartment is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 336 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Kotka is the 3-star Hotelli Jokipuisto. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,039 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Kotka, like the outstanding Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,703 visitors.

Maritime Museum of Finland is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Kotka. This incredible attraction is a maritime museum and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,163 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Kotka is the extraordinary Maritime Centre Vellamo. This maritime museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,802 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Katariina Seaside Park‎. Around 2,357 visitors have given this park an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Come to Kotka prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Kotka.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Canttiini, after your day of exploring the city of Kotka. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,091 customers.

Keisarinsatama is another of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka. This restaurant 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 Tao Yuan. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 441 customers.

Locals recommend Frans & Rosalie, Kotka, one of the best bars in the city of Kotka, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 480 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Finland.

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you'll wake up in Kotka and embark on a scenic drive to Lahti, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Kotka 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 Kotka. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Sibeliuksenpuisto. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 590 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Sapokka. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,810 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Tykkimäen huvipuisto. This attraction is an amusement park that has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 3,794 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like El Toro. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,227 customers.

Locals also recommend Viikinkiravintola Harald, another of the best restaurants in Lahti. Viikinkiravintola Harald is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,080 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Konnichiwa. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 956 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Pub Virasto to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Lahti, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 671 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Ravintola Hiidenkivi Ky. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Ravintola Hiidenkivi Ky has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 108 customers.

Wanha Mestari is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 491 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 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Lappeenranta has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Lappeenranta 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 Lappeenranta. 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 Lappeenranta, like the extraordinary Sandcastle Lappeenranta. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,011 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Lappeenranta is the spectacular Lappeenranta Fortress. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,767 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Lappeenranta Museum of Art. This museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 159 visitors.

Old Park, "Kissing Park" is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Lappeenranta. Rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 297 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Lappeenranta does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Lappeenranta 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 Bistro Popot, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Lahti. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Lahti is the popular Ravintola Roux. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 446 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Lahti is Asemapäällikkö konditoria. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 507 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Pikku Hanhi is one of the best bars in the city of Lahti for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 387 customers.

Tirra is another of the most popular bars in the city of Lahti. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 374 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Lahti is Bar & Bistro Lahti. Bar & Bistro Lahti has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 178 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 8 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 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 Museum Centre Vapriikki. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,742 visitors. Over 185,000 people visit Museum Centre Vapriikki annually.

You could also stop at the incredible Finlayson Factory Area. This attraction, a beloved best-rated sightseeing destination, has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,941 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Lahti is the stunning Pyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower. This cafe and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,011 visitors.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated park in Lahti. The popular Hatanpää Park Arboretum is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,785 visitors, it’s one of the most popular places to see in the city.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurant Kaskis. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 707 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant Kuori, another of the best restaurants in Turku. Restaurant Kuori is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 644 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pippurimylly. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,851 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 Walo Rooftop Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Walo Rooftop Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 864 customers.

Uusi Apteekki Pub 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 770 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!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 9 of your epic road trip in Finland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Turku. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Helsinki. You’ll stay in Helsinki for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Turku’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Turku, start your day with a visit to the amazing Botanic Garden of University of Turku. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,325 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Turku Castle. This castle and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,724 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Turku Cathedral to make the most of your road trip across Finland. The spectacular Turku Cathedral is a lutheran cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,745 visitors.

The lovely Old Great Square is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 1,995 visitors have left this square average ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Kupittaa. This attraction is a district rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,520 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Turku has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Helsinki. Helsinki 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 Restaurant Merimakasiini. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 992 reviews.

The remarkable Ravintola Nokka is another top restaurant in Helsinki we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 744 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant Elite is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 875 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Helsinki, the fantastic Praha. This bar has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,232 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Bar Loose. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,153 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Beaver Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 574 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Finland!

Day 10 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 Ravintola Aino before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant Pompier for your last chance at a meal in the city of Helsinki. The Restaurant Pompier restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 560 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Restaurant Savoy. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 555 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!