One-Week Finland Road Trip from Helsinki traveling north to Kotka, Tampere, and Turku

Welcome to Helsinki, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Finland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Helsinki's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Helsinki is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Helsinki. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Finland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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

Discover an unparalleled culinary experience at Palace, a Bib Gourmand restaurant perfect to visit if you’re craving culinary excellence. This 2-star Michelin restaurant has a diverse and enticing menu selection, which includes its delicious and signature modern meals.

Indulge in the exquisite flavors at a 1-star Michelin restaurant in Helsinki, Finnjävel Salonki. At this Bib Gourmand awardee, savor a combination of exceptional flavors with a memorable dining experience. This renowned restaurant’s meal selection includes its signature contemporary dishes, which are sure to tickle your taste buds.

Another culinary gem in Helsinki you shouldn’t miss is Olo. Enjoy a menu that has earned it a prestigious 1-star Michelin rating. Delivering a food experience like no other, this Bib Gourmand restaurant’s modern menu and exceptional service make it a must-visit destination for those seeking exceptional dining in the area.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, an awesome bar you can go to is Kaisla. This place has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,238 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Roasberg. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,256 customers.

One Pint Pub is another great place where you can celebrate your adventures in Helsinki. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 796 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Finland!

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Helsinki. You’ll stay in Helsinki for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Helsinki has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Helsinki offers and add your favorites to your Finland travel package below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Helsinki.

Don't miss out on experiencing Restaurant Kuu, a renowned dining spot in Helsinki. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 977 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Ravintola Ragu while immersing yourself in Helsinki. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 924 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Restaurant Farang, a beloved dining establishment within Helsinki. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,081 satisfied customers.

Liberty or Death is one of the best bars in Helsinki and the perfect place for a celebratory drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 685 customers.

You may also want to check out Restaurant Vltava, offering great drinks and a fantastic atmosphere. Restaurant Vltava is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 5,124 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Hotel Kämp. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,508 customers.

Head back to your accommodation in Helsinki and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Finland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Finland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Helsinki and Kotka. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Kotka. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Ateneum. Over 400,000 travelers visit this attraction every year. Previous visitors have rated this art museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,449 reviews.

Helsinki Cathedral is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This lutheran cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,211 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Senate Square. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 18,455 reviews.

Kauppatori is another outstanding experience in Helsinki. Around 25,097 travelers have rated this market square an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

If you long for more, SkyWheel Helsinki is not far away. This ferris wheel is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,888 reviews.

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

At the end of the day, you will drive to Kotka, 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 Kotka's best restaurants.

Make a reservation at Erkan Bistro & Restaurant, a popular dining spot in Kotka. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 998 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at Tai Hing while indulging in the charm of Kotka. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, cherished by 816 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of Maritime Centre Vellamo, a treasured establishment in Kotka. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,802 satisfied guests.

After dinner, visit Players Sports Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Kotka, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 572 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like Frans & Rosalie, Kotka. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Frans & Rosalie, Kotka has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 480 customers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Finland!

On day 4 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 Kotka, Hämeenlinna, and Tampere. In the evening, you’ll end up in Tampere, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Sapokka. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,810 reviews.

Next up is Katariina Seaside Park‎. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,357 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Maritime Centre Vellamo. This maritime museum has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,802 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Hämeenlinna, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Kotka to Hämeenlinna may take around 2 hours 23 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Tampere, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Hämeenlinna to Tampere may take around 56 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

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

Reserve a table at Brewery Restaurant Plevna, a renowned restaurant in Tampere. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 3,975 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Restaurant Harald while in Tampere. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 1,504 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Tampere at Pella’s cafe, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,555 customers.

After dinner, visit Moro Sky Bar for a drink or two. This bar serves plenty of food and drink options and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,550 customers.

You can also enjoy your night at Beer Restaurant Konttori. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,208 customers, it's safe to say that Beer Restaurant Konttori promises an unforgettable bar experience.

Alternatively, locals recommend Save File - Pelaajan Olohuone. This bar, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 272 customers, is a great place to meet new friends.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Tampere for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

You can learn more about Tampere today by going on a tour. Tampere offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

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

Book a table at Ravintola Coussicca, a famous dining establishment in Tampere. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,225 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Tampere is Restaurant Tampella, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.4 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 1,192 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Tampere’s Ravintola Borneo for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 708 satisfied diners.

When you’ve finished your meal and an after-dinner drink sounds enticing, visit Café Europa, one of the best bars in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 758 customers, and is the perfect complement to your refreshing weekend getaway experience in Finland.

If you would like to try another place, Pub Simon is another great option that serves a variety of drinks. Considered one of the most popular bars in Tampere, this bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 542 customers.

Bar K is also a great bar where you can have nice chats with locals and fellow travelers in the area. Bar K has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 508 customers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Finland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Finland, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Tampere, Rauma, and Turku. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Turku. Turku will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Finlayson Factory Area. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,941 visitors.

Koskipuisto is another popular attraction you could visit today. This park has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,750 visitors.

Museum Centre Vapriikki is also highly recommended by travelers. More than 185,000 people visit this top attraction every year. This museum has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,742 visitors.

Rauma’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Tampere behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours. Rauma welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Turku’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rauma behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 14 min. Turku welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Turku, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Take your Turku getaway to new heights by dining at Kaskis, a Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant. Renowned for its world-famous 1 Michelin-star rating and a variety of creative and refined dishes, Kaskis consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional modern cuisine.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Restaurant Kuori while in Turku. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, treasured by 644 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Pippurimylly, a favorite in Turku. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,851 discerning guests.

Locals recommend going for a drink at Panimoravintola Koulu. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,279 customers.

Another popular bar you could swing by after dinner is Walo Rooftop Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 864 customers.

Uusi Apteekki Pub also makes the list of popular bars you could visit tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 770 customers.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Turku and Helsinki. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Helsinki, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Turku Cathedral. This extraordinary lutheran cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,745 visitors.

Next, make your way to Old Great Square. This square is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,995 reviews.

While in Turku, we also recommend a visit to Kupittaa. This district has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,520 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Adventure Park Seikkailupuisto. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,819 travelers, this point of interest is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Turku.

Make your way to Turku Castle, perhaps the most famous castle in Turku. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,724 reviews.

Set your GPS to Helsinki and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 58 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Helsinki beckons with new experiences!

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Helsinki.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Restaurant HOKU, a distinguished dining establishment in Helsinki. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 966 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Helsinki is Restaurant Savotta. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 1,076 happy diners.

Ravintola Nerone stands out as a local favorite in Helsinki. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 951 customers.

Experience the local nightlife scene. Ravintola Teerenpeli is a highly recommended bar with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 2,025 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar among locals like Restaurant Teatteri. This bar has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,757 bar-goers.

The Riff is another great bar that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,017 customers.

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

Day 8 of your road trip in Finland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Helsinki before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As you approach the end of your journey in Finland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Helsinki’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Finland, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Before you conclude your road trip in Finland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Helsinki.

You’ll then say farewell to Helsinki. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Finland!