Van road trip in Finland : itinerary, tips and must-see spots

Nicknamed the land of a thousand lakes, Finland is the perfect destination to reconnect with nature. Vanlife lovers are truly spoiled here: outdoor sports, comfortable facilities, breathtaking landscapes, and a wide range of activities. Everything is in place to enjoy a magical and refreshing adventure.

The best van road trip routes in Finland

A nature-filled road trip through the Lakeland region: cities, lakes, and forests

Start your journey by driving to Helsinki, then head off on a scenic loop along the Blue Lakes Route. Spend a few days in the capital to explore the city center and some of the 330 islands that make up the Helsinki archipelago. Then, drive toward Lahti, making a stop at Lake Tuusula. Try out the many outdoor activities offered by the Salpausselkä Geopark, known for its exceptional landscapes.

In this region of lakes, you can’t miss Finland’s largest lake: Lake Saimaa, which spans 4,400 km². Be sure to drive along Route 62 between Mikkeli and Puumala, often described as one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the Nordic countries.

Continue heading north and catch a boat to Linnansaari National Park. Along the way, take time to admire the historic fortresses of Savonlinna and Lappeenranta. Wrap up this itinerary by heading south to Porvoo, a charming and colorful historic village.

Road trip through Finnish Lapland: a journey into the Arctic Circle

Lapland is a year-round destination: in winter for its endless snowy landscapes, and in summer for the midnight sun and untamed wilderness. Even the sauna is a tradition enjoyed in every season!

Start your route with one of Lapland’s most iconic stops: Rovaniemi, also known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. You won’t be alone there—but it’s still worth the visit, especially if you're traveling with kids. Discover the magic of festive cabins, elves, reindeer, and don’t forget to cross the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle!

Head east toward Oulanka National Park. We recommend hiking a portion of the "Bear Trail," either on foot or with snowshoes in winter. With some luck, you might spot moose, reindeer, lynx—or even bears. Continue north to Urho Kekkonen National Park and hike to the summit of Kiilopää for a panoramic view. This spot is also perfect in winter for catching a glimpse of the northern lights.

Want to enjoy classic winter sports during your trip? Make a stop at one of Finland’s ski resorts: Levi (the most famous), Ylläs, or Saariselkä.
Ski down snowy slopes, become a musher on a dog sled ride, or zoom through the wilderness on a snowmobile.

In summer, the lakes become fantastic playgrounds for hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or boating.

From Helsinki, head out to explore the coastal towns and landscapes along the Baltic Sea. Begin your journey in Turku, the oldest city in the country. Don’t miss the city’s two main attractions:

• The bright orange Föri ferry, which crosses the Aura River.
• The Kakola funicular, offering a scenic view over the city.

Make a stop in Naantali to explore its charming old town, then continue to Pori and the stunning sandy beach of Yyteri. Next, head to Kristinestad, a beautifully preserved wooden town. You'll come across several other picturesque wooden villages along this route. Be sure to stop in Vaasa and visit the Kvarken Archipelago before continuing on to Kalajoki, famous for its 15 kilometers of golden sandy beaches.

This coastal itinerary ends in Oulu. Rent a bike to reach Nallikari Island or explore the city center around the market square. And don’t miss the chance to sample some local Finnish cuisine while you're there.

Winter road trip in Finland: tips and tailored itineraries

Choosing your winter van itinerary
All the previously mentioned routes can be done in winter. The landscapes are completely transformed and take on a magical atmosphere. A road trip through Lapland is especially suited to the winter season, with plenty of activities to enjoy.

You can also lace up your skates and explore frozen lakes in the south, try cross-country skiing or ice fishing—and of course, enjoy the national pastime: the sauna! Make sure to plan your van trip carefully ahead of time.

Watching the northern lights in Finland
To see the northern lights, plan your road trip to Finland in winter. The best season runs from September to March. You’ll have the highest chances in Lapland, above the Arctic Circle. Choose a clear, open area and, most importantly, stay far away from any light pollution.

Driving in Finnish winter conditions
During the winter season, all vehicles must be equipped with snow tires (ask your Avis explore rental provider for this option). Main roads are always well maintained—even if they remain snow-covered.

Braving the polar cold
To make the most of your winter trip to Finland, bring gear suited to the country’s cold, dry climate. In winter, temperatures typically range from -10°C to -25°C. Layering is key:

• technical base layers (t-shirts, leggings, socks, liner gloves),
• warm middle layers (wool sweaters, insulated pants, wool socks),
• a thermal suit or outerwear,
• insulated boots,
• mittens,
• a hat, scarf (and even a balaclava for snowmobiling).

FAQ - Practical tips for a successful road trip in Finland

Is wild camping allowed in Finland ?

Good news for vanlife enthusiasts: wild camping is allowed in Finland, thanks to the country’s “Everyman’s Right.” However, you must follow some basic rules of respect and check local regulations in national parks. The country is very welcoming and offers plenty of free facilities for travelers!

What’s the best time to travel to Finland ?

Finland is a year-round destination, and your choice depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for :

• Winter (October to March) brings polar temperatures, snowy landscapes, short days, and the chance to see the northern lights.
• Summer (April to September) offers green scenery, mild temperatures, long sunny days, and unspoiled lakeside nature.

A winter road trip in Finland is absolutely doable just make sure you’re well equipped. That includes a suitable vehicle (you can count on AVIS explore for a properly outfitted campervan in option rental), thermal clothing, and a well-planned itinerary.

What kind of budget should you plan for a trip to Finland ?

The cost of living in Finland is higher than in France anywhere from 10% to 40% more, depending on the type of expense and the region. Tourist hotspots, such as Rovaniemi (Santa Claus Village) in Finnish Lapland, can be particularly pricey. However, if you opt for wild camping with a campervan, you can save significantly on accommodation and food. For a vehicle suited to Finland’s climate and at the best rate, you can rely on AVIS explore.

 

I RENT MY VAN !

 

We hope this has inspired you to explore Finland on a van road trip. It’s a journey that requires some planning—especially in winter—but with all these tips, you’re now ready to organize your adventure through the Finnish landscape.