Cheap 7-Day Finland Road Trip from Lappeenranta to Kotka, Tampere, Varkaus, and Joensuu and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Finland starts when you reach the incredible city of Lappeenranta, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Lappeenranta and begin your adventure in Finland.

Lappeenranta is a popular cheap holiday destination in Finland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Finland, Lappeenranta is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Finland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Lappeenranta is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

You could check out The Kitchen, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 813 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Angus Steak & Wine is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 739 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Kehruuhuone Oy. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Kehruuhuone Oy has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 610 customer reviews.

Ravintola Teerenpeli offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 526 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Lappeenranta, check out Ravintola Wolkoff. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 310 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Finland!

Day 2 of your road trip across Finland is another proof that cheap holidays in Finland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Imatra, Parikkala, Luumäki, and Kotka.

Set your GPS to Imatra and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 30 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Imatra beckons with new experiences!

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Kotka. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Kotka, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Kotka, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Erkan Bistro & Restaurant, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 998 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Tai Hing, so you'll want to drop by this place. Tai Hing serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 816 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Kotka is Maritime Centre Vellamo. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 customers.

Players Sports Bar is one of the best bars in Kotka and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 572 customers.

You may also want to check out Frans & Rosalie, Kotka. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. Frans & Rosalie, Kotka is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 480 customers.

A road trip vacation in Imatra can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Finland!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Finland will take you to the city of Tampere, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Tampere, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Finland, including Kotka and Tampere.

Make Maritime Centre Vellamo your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this maritime museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,802 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Sibeliuksenpuisto. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 590 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.

Sapokka is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,810 visitors.

When you’re finished at Sapokka, the perfect next stop is Katariina Seaside Park‎. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,357 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. This museum is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,703 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Kotka, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Tampere may take around 1 hour 32 min. Upon your arrival in Tampere, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Tampere offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Finland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Finland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Tampere that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Visit the popular Löyly Helsinki. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,237 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Finland is Kappeli. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Lappi Ravintola. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,870 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Kaisla, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Roasberg. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,256 customers.

One Pint Pub is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 796 customers.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Finland!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Finland, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Tampere and Varkaus. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Varkaus.

When you're ready to see some sights, Senate Square is a great place to start with. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,455 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Helsinki Cathedral. This lutheran cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,211 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Esplanadi park. The park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,022 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Kauppatori. This market square is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 25,097 reviews.

After soaking in Tampere’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Varkaus. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 30 min. When you arrive in Varkaus, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

While exploring Finland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Varkaus has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Varkaus on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Varkaus offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Finland.

One musty-try restaurant is Container Restaurant Morton Varkaus. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 739 customers.

Iskender Kebab Pizzeria is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 653 reviews. Iskender Kebab Pizzeria is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Kisa-Grilli-Bar. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 588 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

After your meal, consider going for a drink to celebrate this wonderful night in Finland. One of the best bars in the city is Terrace Cafe Torni. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 258 customers.

To gain one of the best bar experiences in Varkaus, we recommend the cocktails at Ravintola Lännentie 66 Ky. This bar has been rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 150 customers and is an excellent place to make local friends.

Another of the best spots to experience the nightlife scene in Varkaus is O'Harry's Irish Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 108 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Finland! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Varkaus!

Day 5 of your road trip across Finland offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Ylä-Koli, Juurikka, and Joensuu. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Joensuu.

When you’ve had your share of Varkaus, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Juurikka. Your travel time is around 53 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to New Valamo. This monastery is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Juurikka, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,096 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Juurikka and set your GPS to Ylä-Koli. 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 35 min. Upon reaching Ylä-Koli, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Koli National Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,224 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Koli Nature Center Ukko. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,627 travelers.

Koli is another must-visit attraction. This renowned mountain offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 345 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

After soaking in Ylä-Koli’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Joensuu. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 54 min. When you arrive in Joensuu, it's time to take a break from the road.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Joensuu. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Joensuu, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Finland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Joensuu is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

Ravintola Kreeta is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 949 customers.

Pizzeria Roihu is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 832 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Local Bistro, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 543 reviews.

One of the best bars in Joensuu you could visit tonight after your dinner is Bar Play Joensuu. This bar has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 787 customers.

Another popular bar in the city is Ravintola Filipof. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 258 customers.

Locals also enjoy 60's Palaver. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 398 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Finland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Finland!

Day 6 of your road trip across Finland is another proof that cheap holidays in Finland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 3 wonderful destinations — Joensuu, Kontiolahti, and Lappeenranta.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Lappeenranta offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Finland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Lappeenranta, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

You could check out Lalo, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,647 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Ship Restaurant Prinsessa Armaada is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 730 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Ravintola Dharahara. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Ravintola Dharahara has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 305 customer reviews.

Experience the local nightlife scene. Pikku Pete Pub is a highly recommended bar with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 233 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar among locals like Lamppu. This bar has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 494 bar-goers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Finland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Finland is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Lappeenranta.

Make the most of your final day in Finland by visiting Lappeenranta’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Finland.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Lappeenranta, consider a top-rated restaurant like Ravintola Nautilus. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 249 customers.

Meeza Restaurant is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 161 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Ravintola Elfin. Rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 125 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Finland and your fun memories in Lappeenranta.

You’ll then say farewell to Lappeenranta. 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!