12-Day Finland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Ruka to Rovaniemi, Kemi, Oulu, and Kajaani

On day 4 of your road trip in Finland, you’ll start and end your day in Rovaniemi, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 3 nights to spend in Rovaniemi, there’s no need to rush. Experience Sodankylä and Pelkosenniemi to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Rovaniemi, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sodankylä. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 25 min.

Jaakkola Reindeer Farm is a worthwhile farm we recommend visiting today. Discover its majestic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Luostotunturit, an eye-catching ski resort that’s well-regarded in the area.

When you’ve had your share of Sodankylä, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Pelkosenniemi. Your travel time is around 11 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Arctic Husky Farm, an intriguing farm that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Kopara Reindeer Park and admire its majestic features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Rovaniemi and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Scandic Rovaniemi City, a highly-rated dining destination in Rovaniemi. If you're eager to try something different, consider RAVINTOLA MEMOS, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Rock Ravintola & Café Grande. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Rovaniemi this evening.

Keep the evening going at People's Pub, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Finland!

Day 5 of your road trip across Finland promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Rovaniemi. You have 2 nights left in Rovaniemi. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Whether you decide to explore Rovaniemi on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Check out the underrated visitor center, Santa's Post Office. Afterward, continue to Santa Claus Village, a visitor center every traveler should visit. As you explore Rovaniemi’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Santa Claus Office. This frequently visited visitor center is an essential stop.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Finland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Rovaniemen Asemaravintola, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Kauppayhtiö offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Yuca. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Rovaniemi.

Say good night to Rovaniemi and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Finland!

Greet day 6 of your road trip in Finland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Rovaniemi, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Rovaniemi and Saarenkylä.

Santapark - The Home Cavern Of Santa Claus brings Rovaniemi's character to life. This photogenic amusement park is a highlight of any visit in the region.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rovaniemi and set your GPS to Saarenkylä. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 59 min. Upon reaching Saarenkylä, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ounasvaara Ski Oy. Spend some time admiring the gorgeous features of the ski resort before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rovaniemi.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Rovaniemi's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Hanki, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Saigon Noodle Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Rovaniemi.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Finland.

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Finland. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Rovaniemi. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Kemi, where you'll spend 1 night.

Visiting Culture House Korundi is always a good idea. This up-and-coming cultural center is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the eye-catching wonders of Angry Birds Playground, a must-see playground in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Lordi's Square. This increasingly popular public square offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Arktikum, where you can take in awe-inspiring features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Kemi, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Kemi's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Make sure to reserve a table at Lounaskahvila Kemin Paussi, an iconic dining spot in Kemi. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Pizzeria Di Mare, a popular restaurant in Kemi. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Kalle's Burger / Scanburger, a hidden gem nestled in Kemi. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Olutravintola Kukko, a top-rated bar in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Finland!

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Oulu. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Oulu, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

As you explore Oulu’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

After soaking in Kemi’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Oulu. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 20 min. When you arrive in Oulu, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Nallikari Beach. Spend some time admiring the serene features of the beach before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Nallikari Lighthouse. This frequently visited lighthouse is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Tietomaa Science Centre. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the science center. Next, take your journey to Oulu Art Museum, an up-and-coming art gallery. Conclude your sightseeing at Rotuaarin Pallo, known for its detailed features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Oulu. Oulu offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Oulu. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Frans & Camille Bistro, a top-rated dining spot in Oulu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Koivurannan kahvila, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Sauraha. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Oulu.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Pub Graali after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Leskinen, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, 1bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Finland.

On day 9 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Oulu, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Oulu is brimming with adventures.

University Of Oulu Botanical Gardens makes a great addition to your morning plans. This up-and-coming botanical garden is a romantic place to see in Oulu. Continue your discovery at Oulu Market Square, an eye-catching public square with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Oulu, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Oulu Market Hall. This often recommended market offers a visually striking encounter with Oulu. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Oulu.

Set your GPS to Kiiminki and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 34 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kiiminki beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Koitelinkoski, an up-and-coming waterfall known for its romantic features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Oulu and your accommodation.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Oulu, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Crecian, a popular restaurant in Oulu. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Oulu at Beijing Oy, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Pizzeria Finlandia. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Oulu tonight.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Finland!

On day 10 of your road trip in Finland, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Oulu are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Kajaani, where you will stay for 1 night.

Experience Mannerheim Park, an often recommended park in the city. Then, head to Heinätorinpuisto Park and soak in the ambiance of this eye-catching park.

There are many interesting places to see in Oulu, and when you are ready for more, go to Hollihaka Park Oulu Outdoor Gym. This is one of the city’s most worthwhile instagrammable spots of interest. After exploring the park, visit the increasingly popular Oulu Automobile Museum. Not far away, you'll also find Turkansaari Open Air Museum. This museum is a standout highlight in Oulu.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Kajaani. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Kajaani's best restaurants.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Taukopaikka Nuottijärvi, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Pancho Villa is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Peevee Bar Oy. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Kajaani tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar Jussila (t:mi Juha J. Immonen), ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Restaurant Saint Kukko is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Finland!

Your itinerary for day 11 of your road trip in Finland includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Kajaani and Suomussalmi. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Ruka, where you'll spend 1 night.

Whatever your travel style is, Kainuu Museum is an essential stop in Kajaani. This intriguing museum provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Kajaani Castle Ruins, a historic castle, promising a delightful encounter.

After soaking in Kajaani’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Suomussalmi. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 35 min. When you arrive in Suomussalmi, it's time to take a break from the road.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Hiljaisen Kansan Tilataideteos (the Silent People), a beloved art installation that everyone visiting Suomussalmi should see.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Ruka, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Ruka. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at RUOK, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner.

Say good night to Ruka and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Finland!