Self-Drive Finland Itineraries

The fastest route is to get onto the E18 (1) heading west that will take you directly to Turku. If not in a hurry and want to explore it is more fun to follow the coast on Route 51 and then onto the local roads picking a route through the archipelago.

Along the coast is the Ekenas Archipelago National Park with it's varied scenery, including a marine zone and inner and outer archipelago. Visitors centres can be found in Rodjan and Ekenas.

At the end of route 25 you will find Hanko with its decorative wooden villas built along it's sandy shore in the late 1900's. Today most are private homes or are guest houses.

Ekenas Tourist Office.

Town Hall Square,

FIN-10601 Ekenas,

Tel: (019) 263 2100

Continue along the coast until you reach Turku.

Turku.

Finland's former capital, Turku is home to some of the countries most historical attractions. The most important of these are probably the castle and cathedral that date from the 13th century. The pretty handicraft museum of Luostarinmaki is located in a milieu of timber houses from the early 19th century. The museum contains 30 original workshops offering an insight into work and life in general during that period.

Turku comes to life in the summer and is a lovely city to explore on foot, taking in the market and cafes on the long summer days. There are a number of cruises that allow you

to explore the archipelago.

Turku Touring.

Aurakatu 4,

FIN-20100 Turku.

Tel: (02) 262 7444

Scandic Plaza.

Yliopistonkatu 29
20100 Turku
Tel: (02) 33 200
- A popular, modern hotel at the heart of the city.

Places to explore while in Turku.

For families.

On a small island just 20 minutes drive from Turku you will find Moomin World, home of the fairy tale characters created by Tove Jansson. A foot bridge links the island o the mainland. As well as meeting the Moomins in their own homes the island includes a theatre where they perform and an adventure play site.

For details contact Moomin world on

Tel: (02) 5111 111

www.muumimaailma.fi

Naantali.

Naantali, a pretty little town with wooden houses is just along the coast from Turku and within easy reach by road or boat. It is the perfect location to wile away a summers day or evening watching the boats make their way in and out of the marina while enjoying a drink or meal in one of the small water front restaurants or cafes.

DAY 3: Turku to Tampere.
Direct route approximately 155 km.

The most direct route is to travel in land on E63 cutting through Finnish forest and farm land. The alternative that is outlined below is to head north first on route 8 to Rauma.

Rauma.

Rauma's main attraction is it's old town that dates back to 18th-19th century. These old wooden buildings are protected as a conservation area and are on UNESCO's World Heritage list as the best example of a Nordic Wooden Town. Within the old town you will find Lace making shops, Goldsmiths and pottery's.

While in Rauma families should visit Hedgehog Hill a children's adventure park.

Rauma City Tourist Office.

Valtakatu 2,

FIN-26100 Rauma.

Tel: (02) 834 4551

Continue north on Route to Pori.

All along the coast between Rauma and Pori you will find wonderful beaches.

The coast close to Pori is famous for it's sand dunes. The ideal location to enjoy a Picnic.

From Pori travel east and in land on Route 11 to Tampere.

Tampere.

Tampere is in a beautiful location on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids between two large lakes. Within a short drive there are thousands of smaller lakes suitable for fishing and swimming.The town has something for everyone with galleries and museums for those in search of culture or theme and nature parks for those wishing to be entertained. The town has an excellent range of nightlife whether looking for a quiet meal with views overlooking the lakes or partying the night away in one of the cities many bars and nightclubs.

Hotel Rosendahl

Pyynikintie 13
33230 Tampere
Tel: (03) 244 1111

- Located by the side of a lake just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Tampere. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool.

What to explore while staying in Tampere.

Lake Cruises.

During the summer several times a week there are cruises from Tampere that allow you to sit back and relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Details of various cruise companies can be found at   Cruise info

Sarkanniemi Amusement Park.

This amusement complex includes an amusement park with over 30 rides, aquarium, children's zoo, dolphinarium, Finland's highest observation tower, planetariums and an art museum. Open daily mid May - mid August.

Get out and about.

If you want to get out of the car for the day why not explore by bike following one of the many marked trails or go canoeing along local rivers or on one of the numerous small lakes. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to fishing, you can probably find a lake all to yourself.

The local tourist board will have a list of equipment rental locations and will be happy to suggest routes for you to follow. They will also be able to confirm local fishing licence requirements.

Tampere Tourist Office.

Verkatehtaankatu 2,

FIN 33101 Tampere.

Tel: (03) 3146 68

DAY 5: Tampere - Helsinki.
Direct route approximately 174 km.

Drive south on the E12 to Helsinki.

Between Tampere and Hämeenlinna, close to Kalvola you will find Iittala how to Finlands most famous glass factory. It is possible to visit their factory shop where as well as an excellent range of Iittala products, including seconds, you will find a number of craft shops.

Continue south to the town of Hämeenlinna. Sights include the medieval brick castle on which construction started in 1260 with additions such as turrets and a moat at varying points during the following centuries right up until its completion in the 18th century. In the town centre you will find the birthplace of Finland's most famous composer Jean Sibelius which is open to the public. If you wish to relax and enjoy the scenery just off the lake you will find Aulanko Park which has a wide range of amenities including a café.

Häme Tourist Service.

Raatihuoneenkatu 11.

FIN-13100 Hämeenlinna.

Tel:(03) 6213 373

Upon returning to Helsinki return the car to Europcar Inter-rents down town or airport location.

Return the car to the airport or downtown location.