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Explore Finland by car
If you’re ready to hit the road, set your sights on Finland. Porvoo, Turku, Tahko, and Jyväskylä are just a few of the exciting destinations waiting to be explored by car.
5 things to know before a road trip in Finland
Photo: Julia Kivelä / Visit Finland
1. You drive on the right
Traffic moves on the right-hand side. The usual speed limit is 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h outside urban areas, unless signs show otherwise.
2. Distances can be longer than they look
Finland is bigger than it may seem on the map. Leave extra time for breaks, scenic stops, and slower roads.
3. Watch out for wildlife
Elk, deer, and reindeer may enter the road, especially around dawn and dusk. Slow down near wildlife warning signs.
4. Check the road conditions
Weather can change quickly, particularly in winter and northern Finland. Check current conditions and possible disruptions before you leave.
5. Prepare for the season
Winter tires are required when winter conditions demand them. Always check the forecast and make sure your car is ready for the route.
Helsinki and surroundings
Start your road trip in Helsinki and leave the city buzz behind. Before long, the road will take you along the beautiful coastline, through quiet forests, and into historic small towns and charming villages. Stop whenever the view calls, discover local design and flavors, and let every turn bring a new adventure.
Porvoo
Just a 45-minute drive from Helsinki, Porvoo welcomes you with colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and iconic red warehouses along the river. Explore the Old Town, visit Porvoo Cathedral and Holm House, and capture one of Finland’s most famous views. With more time, head to the National Urban Park or discover the city’s lively arts scene at the Art Factory.
Photo: Julia Kivelä / Visit Finland
Fiskars Village
About a 75-minute drive from Helsinki and an 85-minute drive from Turku, Fiskars is a historic ironworks village known for Finnish design, art, and craftsmanship. You can explore studios, galleries, shops, and cafés located inside its old buildings, browse locally made products, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the river. You can park in either of the village’s two main parking areas: the Marketplace parking area or the Assembly Hall parking area.
Discover more about the village
Photo: Maija Astikainen / City of Helsinki
Vantaa
Around 25 minutes from central Helsinki, Vantaa is best known as the home of Helsinki Airport, but it also has several attractions worth visiting. Explore the interactive exhibitions at Heureka, visit the Fazer Experience Visitor Center, or spend an active day at SuperPark Vantaa, an indoor activity park with games, climbing areas, and sports zones for all ages.
The city of Vantaa
Espoo
Around 20 minutes west of central Helsinki, Espoo combines culture, history, and nature. Visit the Nuuksio Reindeer Park, explore traditional rural life at the Glims Farmstead Museum, or discover modern and contemporary art at EMMA. Espoo is especially rewarding on a road trip, as its 95 lakes, 165 islands, and long coastline offer plenty of scenic places to stop along the way.
Museums and exhibitions in EspooWestern Finland
If beautiful landscapes, peaceful coastal towns, and long stretches of open road appeal to you, set your sights on Western Finland. Along the way, you’ll find sea views, wide-open fields, wooden villages, and small towns worth stopping to explore. It’s an ideal region for a road trip, with plenty of interesting places to discover throughout the journey.
Photo: Marko Kallio
Tampere
Just a two-hour drive from Helsinki or Turku, you can meet beloved characters at the Moomin Museum, uncover secrets at the Spy Museum, or explore Finnish wildlife at the Natural History Museum. For something different, visit Nuutajärvi Glass Village, spend a fun-filled day at Särkänniemi, climb through the trees at Flowpark Varala, or take a boat to Viikinsaari Island.
What else to do in Tampere
Photo: Metsähallitus / Visit Finland
Turku Archipelago
The Turku Archipelago is easy to explore by car, bike, boat, or ferry. With more than 40,000 islands scattered along the Baltic Sea, you can choose between lively island villages and peaceful stretches of nature where you may not see another person for hours. Along the way, stop for local food, outdoor activities, sauna experiences, and views shaped by rocky shores and open sea.
Fall in love with SaaristoCentral Finland
Central Finland suits travelers who like variety without long distances between stops. One day can include Alvar Aalto architecture in Jyväskylä, a lakeside lunch, forest trails, and an evening sauna in Himos-Jämsä. The roads are easy to follow, the scenery changes often, and there is always another lake, town, or viewpoint just ahead.
Photo: Julia Kivelä / Visit Finland
Himos-Jämsä region
Himos-Jämsä is a lively year-round stop. In summer, you can hike, bike, paddle, play golf, and explore the forests and shores of Lake Päijänne. In winter, Himos becomes one of Finland’s best-known ski destinations. You can also experience traditional Finnish sauna culture at Saunakylä, the country’s only Sauna Village. With concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year, there is always something happening.
What to do at Himos-Jämsa
Photo: Julia Kivelä / Visit Finland
Jyväskylä region
Surrounded by lakes and forests, Jyväskylä is a refreshing stop in the heart of Finland. Walk along the lively Lutakko Harbor, explore Finnish design and architecture at the Aalto2 Museum Center, or enjoy the views from the Harju observation tower. The city is known as the world capital of Alvar Aalto architecture, with 29 sites in the region, making it especially worth adding to your road trip if you enjoy culture, nature, and lakeside scenery.
Discover JyväskyläEastern Finland
What makes a road trip through Eastern Finland special? The roads wind between lakes and forests, with ferry rides becoming part of the journey. A quick stop might turn into a swim, a boat ride, or lunch with a lake view. Castles and lively summer towns add something new to every day.
Kotka and Loviisa
Start in Old Loviisa, wander among the wooden houses, and stop by the historic Strömfors Ironworks. Then head toward Kotka, where you can visit Maritime Centre Vellamo, explore Maretarium, or take a boat trip through the Eastern Gulf of Finland Archipelago. For a memorable end to the day, stay in a mirrored cabin surrounded by nature at ÖÖD Hotels Versso near Kotka.
Photo: Vicente Serra / City of Kuopio
Kuopio
In Kuopio, you can experience both city life and peaceful nature in a single day. Climb Puijo Tower, take in the views, and enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant, stroll through Kuopio Market Square, or head out on the trails around Väinölänniemi. When you need a break from the city, escape to the forests of the Vanuvuori Nature Reserve.
Things to see in Kuopio
Photo: Soile Nevalainen / City of Kuopio
Tahko
Tahko is a great summer and winter destination for both outdoor activities and relaxation. Hike scenic trails, climb the Tahko Stairs, explore the outdoor activity park, or try the zipline for a little extra excitement. After an active day, unwind at Forest Spa Lähde, Tahko Spa Hotel, or Break Sokos Hotel Tahko.
Activities in TahkoNorthern Finland
Northern Finland is a truly special destination. In winter, you may catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, while summer brings long, bright evenings. In the northernmost parts of Lapland, the midnight sun lasts for nearly two months.
Photo: Marko Junttila / Visit Finland
Lapland
Lapland is made for adventure. Hike through the wilderness, ride a bike, paddle along rivers, or try rafting, and spend summer nights under the midnight sun. In winter, Lapland turns into a snowy playground filled with husky rides, snowmobile safaris, skiing, and the Northern Lights. It is also Finland’s most sparsely populated region, home to just over 3% of the country’s population. If you haven’t visited Lapland yet, it deserves a spot on your travel list.
Places to go in LaplandFrequently asked questions
- What is the most convenient way to travel to Finland by car and return?What is the most convenient way to travel to Finland by car and return?
Traveling by ferry is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to bring your car to Finland. Depending on where your journey begins, you can sail with Tallink Silja Line from Tallinn to Helsinki, Stockholm to Helsinki, or Stockholm to Turku. Enjoy great food, sea views, and shopping on board, then continue your Finnish road trip as soon as you arrive.
- Should I book a vehicle space on the ferry in advance?Should I book a vehicle space on the ferry in advance?
It is best to book your vehicle space together with your ferry ticket as early as possible, especially during the summer, on weekends, and during school holidays. This gives you a better choice of departure times and helps ensure there is space available for your car.
More information about traveling by car - What is the best time of year for a road trip in Finland?What is the best time of year for a road trip in Finland?
Finland is a great road trip destination year-round. Summer brings long, bright evenings, lakes, and archipelagos, while fall offers colorful forests. In winter, you can enjoy snowy landscapes and the Northern Lights. Choose the season based on the kind of experience you want.
- Should I book accommodations in advance?Should I book accommodations in advance?
It is a good idea to book accommodations in advance in popular destinations, especially during the summer and on weekends. For a more flexible road trip, you can also leave some overnight stays open and decide where to stay along the way.