Self-Drive Finland Itineraries

DAY 1: Helsinki - Tampere.
Direct route approximately 166 km.

From Helsinki take route E12 north or one of the local roads that runs parallel to the main route.

First stop is 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) 621 2388

Between Hämeenlinna and Tampere, close to Kalvola you will find Iittala home 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.

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.

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.

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 6800

Travel east from Tampere along the E63 to Jyväskyla.
This pretty route take you through the Lakeland area. There are many places to stop for a walk or a picnic.

Canoeing on the Wanha Witonen Trail.

A canoeing trail through narrow lakes and easy rapids with bypasses for the more difficult sections runs from Jamsankoski on the E63 62km to Petajavesi.
Check with the Tampere Tourist Office for further details.

Jyväskylä.

This university town lies among lakes and hills in central Finland. As well as been a famous centre for education the town is known for its links to Alvar Aalto with many examples of his architecture throughout the city. One of the towns most popular attractions is the Alvar Aalto museum.

Families should head to Viherlaakso, a family park open May - Aug, with fairy tale houses and adventure playground. If you don't want to drive you can reach the park by boat from Jyväskylä harbour ot Viherlaakso quay followed by an 800m walk.

Jyväskylä Regional Tourist Services.

Asemakatu 6,
FIN-40100 Jyväskylä.
Tel: (014) 624 903

Scandic Jyväskylä

Vapaudenkatu 73
40100 Jyväskylä

Tel: (014) 330 30 00

- A modern central hotel with swimming pool. A choice of popular restaurants and a bar.

The longest drive of your tour through some beautiful scenery. You are spoilt for choice for places to stop and just explore, whether it be in the forest or by a lake.

From Jyväskylä travel east on Route E63 / 9 to Kuopio.

A good place to stop for lunch en-route is Koupio. The town is the home of the 'Kalakukko' a fish and pork pie which can be bought in the lively market place. For a great overview of the area head for 75 metre high Puijo Tower with its revolving restaurant and observation decks.

Kuopio Tourist office.

Haapaniemenkatu 17,
FIN 70110 Koupio.
Tel: (017) 182 584

Loma Jussila Farm House Bed & Breakfast.

Jussilantie 25, 71200 Tuusniemi
Puh. +358-17- 637 146
GSM +358-40- 8249105
Fax +358-17- 637 166
- Get a real feel for country life in Finland by staying on this friendly family run B & B. They also run a popular restaurant using the local produce including the farms milk. You can help to take care of the farm animals, swim in the lake, hike or go fishing. From here you can also head east for a day exploring the Koli National park (see below).
- Accommodation in cosy twin / family rooms. Shared facilities.

Koli National Park.

This 26 sq. km park is one of the countries oldest and best known attractions. This scenic park with breathtaking views is made up of a ridge of rocky hills and typical Karelian eskers and islands. The park has a visitors centre with information on nature and hiking trails. You can receive further information from

Tel: (09) 857 051

You can take the small country roads or head south through Joensuu on to Route 6.
Rather than travelling directly to Saimaaranta a detour is recommended onto Route 71 taking in Savonlinna..

Kerimaki.

The first place of interest on the route is Kerimaki, home to the world's largest wooden church, built in 1847, with a capacity for 5,000 people.

Continue 25 km's east to Savonlinna.

Savonlinna.

This pretty town plays host to one of the world's most popular opera festivals each July With visitors arriving from all over the world. Performances take place in Olavinlinna Castle, the best preserved medieval fortress in the Nordic countries and built in 1475. The castle is open all year to visitors. Boat trips available during the summer from the harbour.

Savonlinna Tourist Office.

Puistokatu 1, FIN-57100 Savonlinna.
Tel:(015) 517510

From Savonlinna backtrack a little then south onto route 14.

Punkaharju. There are two places well worth a visit:

Retretti Art Centre, open from late May to the end of August, is in a unique setting. The centre is underground, cut out of rock and measuring 3000 sq. m. The exhibitions change each year and in the past have included classics such as Picasso, Rubens and Matisse together with daring contemporary art.

Lusto, Finnish Forest Museum, open all year, offers an insight into the interaction between man and the forest, past and present. As well as the permanent exhibition the museum has short term exhibitions, many theme days and annual events.
Guided walks are also available in the nearby conservation area.

Continue south until you reach Route 6 again turning west to Lappeenranta.

Lappeenranta.

Located on the southern most edge of Lake Saimaa and close to the Russian border Lappeenranta is a small, pretty town with lots of character. The oldest part of the town is on the Linnoitus peninsula where you will find the fortress, several museums and Finland's oldest orthodox church.

TIP: We recommend you stop for coffee at Majurska, a traditional café near the Orthodox Church.

The town has a bustling market place, especially during summer. Popular day trips include cruises on Lake Saimaa and visa free boat trips through the Saimaa Canal to Vyborg. Canoes & bikes available for hire locally. Good hiking trails in immediate area.

Lappeenranta City Tourist Office.

The Bus Station (PO Box 113) FIN-53101 Lappeenranta.
Tel: (05) 667 788

Continue north on road 408 towards Taipalsaari. Drive 14 km and turn right at the crossing to Suur-Saimaa, Rehula (there's a St1-station at the otherside of the crossing). Drive another 14 km and then you are at Saimaanranta.

Saimaanranta Hotel and cabins.

Suur-Saimaantie 1177,
54920 Taipalsaari
Finland
tel. +358 (0)5 6200 200
fax +358 (0)5 6200 299
- A small lakeside cabin with private facilities. Breakfast served in the main hotel. Boats, bikes, fishing and tennis equipment available to rent.

You have a choice of two main routes to take between Lappeenranta and Helsinki. The first is inland on Route 6 via Kouvola all the way to Helsinki. The alternative is to join route 26 half way between Lappenranta and Kouvola and head down to the coast onto Route 7 taking in Kotka and Loviisa.

Whichever route you take a stop in the pretty town of Porvoo is a must.

Only 50km east of Helsinki is Porvoo, the beautiful old wooden town with narrow streets, craft shops and boutiques. Sites of interest include the old cathedral, home of Finlands National poet J L Runeberg and the town hall square.

Porvoo Tourist Office.

Rihkamakatu 4,
FIN-06100 Provoo
Tel: (019) 5202 316.

Return the car to the airport or downtown location.