Gorgeous 9-Day Self-Drive to Finnish Forests and Lake Saimaa

Sunrise over Lappeenranta will melt the morning dew and disperse the mist that veils Finland in the evenings. The friendly Karelian locals will open their bakeries and stalls, and the fragrances of freshly baked goods will fill the streets. You will tuck into breakfast and an assortment of regional delicacies before you visit the Lappeenranta Fortress. Its 18th-century complex boasts several museums and historical sites that share insight into Finnish history. Your private walking tour will reveal the pearls of Lappeenranta before you revel in an evening cruise along the tranquil Saimaa Canal to Lake Saimaa.

Your adventures will continue to Imatra after breakfast, so take some time to appreciate the sweeping natural beauty of Lappeenranta before you get in your vehicle and head off. The drive will take you across the flourishing Finnish landscape to the Russian border, where the rugged and overgrown forests flank the Vuoksi River. Among the forest lies a breathtaking Art Nouveau-style castle covered in snow during winter. In summer, the glistening castle is a surreal gateway to the greenery of Crown Park Nature Reserve. You will learn about the Grand Duchy of Finland as you explore the picturesque park.

The vast, unspoiled Finnish countryside is yours to explore this morning after breakfast. Grand pine trees grow on the banks of the sparkling Punkaharju lakes, the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto showcases the locals’ deep connection to nature, and the Punkaharju arboretum displays the immense Finnish flora. These are a few breathtaking scenes to snapshot during your daily galivant. Lunch will be served at a restaurant on Punkaharju Ridge with spectacular countryside views. Then, the Carelicum of Joensuu will introduce you to Karelian cooking, customs, and more a stone’s throw from the historic Pielisjoki River.

Koli National Park of Northern Karelia is a remarkably diverse region that you will discover with the help of a knowledgeable guide on a private scenic tour. You will cross the conservation areas to the trails that ascend Ukko-Koli hill. Climbing the craggy quartz rock and weaving in and out of the greenery, you will get to see the stunning nature and wandering wildlife up close. The reward for your expedition will be the arresting views of Lake Pielinen that have inspired great works of Finnish art and literature.

You will enjoy your last moments in Joensuu exploring the Market Place and the Artisan’s Quarter. A warm and bubbly atmosphere envelopes the market, where you may tuck into incredible Karelian cuisine before you admire the architecture of Taitokortteli. You will then transfer in your rental vehicle to the New Valamo Monastery in Heinävesi, where you will learn about Orthodox traditions and visit the complex’s significant landmarks and monuments. Your wander through Finland will come to an end at Anttolanhovi on the banks of Lake Saimaa.

You will enjoy today at your leisure, choosing from a selection of self-guided experiences in and around Anttolanhovi. You may hike the shady paths of Neitvuori and descend upon views of Lake Saimaa and the sparkling islands. You may paddle across the serene waters in kayaks and embrace the icy waters of beautiful coves amongst the collection of islands. Some travelers prefer to fish from the banks of Lake Saimaa, and every adventurer is ecstatic to devour traditional Karelian pies at cafés overlooking the extraordinary scenery.

You will wake up to views of Lake Saimaa and slurp down a cup of coffee as you watch the sunshine glowing in the water. After breakfast, your private guide will show you to the charming towns of Mikkeli and Savonlinna. Savonlinna has a rich opera history and distinct Karelian culture that you will learn about as you explore bustling markets, the Olavinlinna Castle, and cross the lake by an old steamboat. In Mikkeli, World War II history unravels within the Mikkeli Headquarters Museum. You will visit several historical sites, fascinating exhibitions, and handicraft markets before you return to Anttolanhovi.

After breakfast, you will relish your last drive across the Finnish countryside from Anttolanhovi to Helsinki. You will capture stunning images of the Pulkkilanharju Ridge and surrounding islands, stop at a small farm in Kalkkinen for sumptuous wine tasting, cross the bridge of Pulkkilanharju to Lahti, and admire the modern architecture of Sibelius Hall. If time permits, you may also ascend to the top of the Ski Jump tower to marvel at the views or race down the powdery slopes before you visit the Ski Museum on-site. You will then continue to Helsinki where you will say your farewells.