The Most Scenic Road Trips in Finland You Need to Take!

What if you could explore Finland’s breathtaking natural landscapes, from the picturesque West Coast archipelago to the serene Lakeland region and the Arctic wonders of Lapland, all while embarking on an unforgettable road trip? Finland, the land of a thousand lakes and pristine forests, offers some of the most captivating scenic routes in the world, each one a journey through a stunning and diverse terrain¹.

Whether you’re chasing the vibrant hues of autumn, the captivating Northern Lights, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in Finland’s natural beauty, this article will guide you through the most breathtaking scenic road trips the country has to offer. Discover vast pine forests, silvery lakes, and a coastline dotted with thousands of islands as you explore Finland’s diverse landscapes by car².

Key Takeaways

• Uncover the stunning West Coast archipelago road, stretching over 6 kilometers along the Baltic Sea coastline¹.
• Admire the architectural masterpiece of Finnish icon Alvar Aalto’s Villa Mairea in Noormarkku¹.
• Immerse yourself in the sustainable tourism experience at Yyteri Holiday Cottages in Ahlainen¹.
• Explore the well-preserved wooden towns of Kristinestad and Raahe, showcasing Finland’s unique architectural heritage¹.
• Discover the coastal city of Vaasa and the UNESCO-listed Kvarken Archipelago¹.

Introduction to Finland’s Breathtaking Landscapes

Finland’s vast and varied landscape offers an unparalleled setting for scenic road trips. From the rugged, glacier-carved terrain of Nuuksio National Park to the tranquil, island-dotted coastline, the country’s natural beauty is truly breathtaking³. Finland’s extensive pine forests, serene lakes, and dynamic seasons provide a diverse backdrop for drivers to immerse themselves in the Scandinavian outdoors⁴. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, coastal charm, or arctic wonders, Finland’s stunning landscapes set the stage for unforgettable road trip adventures.

The Archipelago Trail in South-West Finland is 250 kilometers long and can be toured by car or bicycle, starting in Turku and ending in Naantali³. The Saimaa Circuit is a 400-kilometer road trip around the shores of Finland’s largest lake, Saimaa, starting in Mikkeli and featuring highlights like Imatra Rapids and Savonlinna town³. Finnish roads have varying speed limits: 40-50 km/h in urban areas, 60-80 km/h on countryside roads, up to 100 km/h on low-traffic roads in Lapland, and up to 120 km/h on motorways³. There are more than 10,000 car accidents with wildlife in Finland every year, with the main risks being moose and deer collisions³.

Finland self drive vacations typically last between seven and ten days, focusing on a particular region such as the Wild Taiga or Finnish Lakeland⁴. Self drive vacation itineraries in Finland cover around 40km to 300km a day, with one or two rest days included⁴. Traffic is light outside of main cities in Finland, and roads are well-connected with smooth conditions⁴. The best time to go on Finland self drive vacations is generally early May to early September when the weather is warm, dry, and ideal for wildlife watching⁴.

Finland Scenic Road Trips: The West Coast Trail

One of the most captivating regions for a Finland scenic road trip is the West Coast, renowned for its picturesque archipelago, rich maritime heritage, and charming wooden towns⁵. This route, spanning over 19 days, takes travelers on an unforgettable journey along the stunning archipelago roads, where they’ll discover the Yyteri beach, the architectural masterpiece of Villa Mairea, and the historic village of Ahlainen⁵.

Continuing north, the road trip leads to the well-preserved wooden town of Kristinestad, before reaching the coastal city of Vaasa with its museums, distillery, and UNESCO-listed Kvarken Archipelago⁶. Further north, the road trip takes visitors to the golden sand beaches of Kalajoki and the 19th-century wooden town of Raahe, before concluding in the vibrant city of Oulu, with its market square, museum, and Hailuoto island⁶.

This scenic West Coast road trip in Finland offers a captivating blend of coastal scenery, historic towns, and a glimpse into the country’s rich maritime heritage. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely drive along the archipelago roads or a chance to explore charming wooden villages, this route promises an unforgettable adventure.⁶⁵⁷

The Lakeland Region: A Serene Adventure

Venture into the heart of Lakeland Finland for a scenic and tranquil road trip adventure. The drive along Route 62 through the Puumala Ridge and Lietvesi Scenic Road offers breathtaking views of the country’s largest lake, Saimaa, which covers approximately 4,400 square kilometers and is the fourth biggest natural freshwater lake in Europe⁸⁹. Stop in the town of Puumala to enjoy a picnic cruise or sample local wines at the Ollinmäki winery.

Continue your journey to the university city of Jyväskylä, known for its impressive collection of Alvar Aalto architecture and vibrant sauna culture. This Lakeland road trip showcases Finland’s tranquil interior landscapes, dotted with serene lakes and dense forests. Along the way, you may have the chance to spot the rare and endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal, which inhabits the waters of Linnansaari National Park⁸.

No visit to the Saimaa Geopark would be complete without exploring the region’s prehistoric rock paintings, such as the iconic Neitvuori Hill, which reaches a summit of 184 meters above sea level⁸. The Anttolanhovi Art & Design Villas on Lake Saimaa offer a picturesque setting, perfect for indulging in the serenity of lake life⁸. For a more immersive experience, the Jarvisydan Hotel & Spa Resort serves as a gateway to the Linnansaari National Park⁸.

Whether you’re seeking scenic lake drives, outdoor adventures, or a glimpse into Finland’s rich cultural heritage, the Lakeland region promises a serene and unforgettable journey¹⁰.

Discovering the Turku Archipelago by Car and Ferry

Nestled along Finland’s southwestern coast, the Turku Archipelago is a breathtaking region renowned for its serene island landscapes and car-ferry adventures¹¹. This vast archipelago boasts an incredible 50,000 islands, making it the largest archipelago in the world by the number of isles¹¹. However, only a small portion of these islands are inhabited, with approximately 60,000 residents calling the region home¹¹. The archipelago’s population doubles during the summer months as many Finns flock to their seasonal homes on the islands¹¹.

Embarking on a road trip through the Turku Archipelago offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the region’s coastal charms. The Archipelago Trail, a 250-kilometer scenic ring road starting in the historic city of Turku, is open from mid-May to early September, allowing exploration by car, bike, or hiking¹¹¹². This captivating journey takes visitors across bridges and ferries, connecting the various islands and showcasing the diverse character of the region.

The Archipelago Sea, a part of the Turku Archipelago, boasts an unusually low salinity level of approximately 0.5%, making it ideal for swimming and supporting a wealth of aquatic life such as perches, pikes, Baltic herring, and whitefish¹¹. The region is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with 132 documented species, including the elusive white-tailed eagle¹¹.

The best time to visit the Turku Archipelago is from mid-June to late August, when the region enjoys sun-drenched days and warm temperatures¹¹. Island hopping along the archipelago allows travelers to immerse themselves in the unique characteristics of each isle, with larger islands connected by ferries and bridges for ease of exploration¹³. From the historic Utö island, home to Finland’s oldest operating lighthouse, to the picturesque fishing villages and sandy beaches, this car-and-ferry road trip through the Turku Archipelago promises an unforgettable experience of coastal Finland¹¹.

Lapland’s Arctic Wonders: A Christmas Journey

For an unforgettable winter adventure, embark on a Lapland road trip through the northernmost region of Lapland¹⁴. Starting in the regional capital of Rovaniemi, home to the Santa Claus Village, this journey takes you across the Arctic Circle and into the heart of the Lappish wilderness¹⁴.

Witness the stunning winter landscapes of snow-covered forests, icy fells, and frozen lakes that define the Lapland landscape, and explore the Saariselkä ski resort and Urho Kekkonen National Park¹⁴. Continue to the town of Inari, a center of Sámi culture, where you can immerse yourself in traditional activities and cuisine¹⁴. This Lapland road trip offers a true winter wonderland experience, complete with the chance to see the mesmerizing aurora borealis¹⁴.

The article suggests a detailed itinerary for exploring Lapland, including activities such as riding on reindeer sleighs, floating with icebergs, and experiencing the Northern Lights¹⁴. Lapland Safaris offer husky-dog safaris, snowmobiling, visits to reindeer farms, and Northern Lights excursions starting at €100 per person¹⁴. Bus number 8 takes visitors from the Rovaniemi city center to Santa Claus Village for €2.20 per person¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶.

Conclusion

Finland’s diverse landscapes, from the West Coast archipelago to the Arctic wonders of Lapland, make it an ideal destination for unforgettable scenic drives and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re chasing coastal charm, serene lakes, or winter wonderlands, these Finland road trips showcase the country’s natural beauty at its finest¹⁷.

With an extensive network of well-maintained roads¹⁷, Finland offers travelers the convenience and flexibility to explore its stunning scenery at their own pace. From the flat terrain and straight roads that make driving easy and safe¹⁷, to the abundance of lakes and forests that captivate nature enthusiasts¹⁷, Finland’s road trip experience is truly unparalleled.

With helpful tips on navigation, driving conditions, and must-see destinations, this guide equips you with the information needed to plan your own Finland road trip adventure. From the vibrant Ruska season in Lapland¹⁸ to the elusive Northern Lights that dance across the night sky¹⁸, Finland’s natural wonders await those who embark on these scenic journeys. So pack your bags, hop in your car, and get ready to experience the true essence of this remarkable Nordic country.