10-Day Finland and Tallinn Road Trip: From Helsinki to Lapland Adventure

Day 1: Helsinki Introduction

Helsinki, Finland on June 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Engel

Start your day at Café Engel by Senate Square with fresh Finnish pastries and coffee, open from 8am to 6pm.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Helsinki City Tour

Explore Helsinki’s iconic sites including the Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, and Esplanade Park. Ideal for a walking tour.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Savotta

Enjoy traditional Finnish dishes near Senate Square, with a focus on local ingredients, open lunchtime from 11am to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Suomenlinna Fortress

Take a 15-minute ferry from Market Square to the UNESCO World Heritage site Suomenlinna and explore the historic sea fortress.
EUR7 (return ferry), 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Olo

Michelin-starred experience with modern Nordic cuisine; reservation recommended. Open from 6pm to 10pm.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 2: Porvoo Day Trip

Porvoo, Finland on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nikki's Diner

Cozy American-style breakfast spot in Helsinki to fuel before the drive to Porvoo, open from 7am to 3pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Porvoo

A 50-minute drive east to the charming old town of Porvoo, known for its wooden houses and riverside scenery.
Fuel cost approx EUR20, 1h

11:00am

Explore Porvoo Old Town

Walk along narrow cobbled streets, visit Porvoo Cathedral, and admire the colourful riverside warehouses.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Porvoon Paahtimo

Boutique café offering Finnish light lunches and excellent coffee, open 9am-5pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Helsinki

Drive back to Helsinki in the afternoon for a relaxed evening.
Fuel cost approx EUR20, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Yes Yes Yes

A trendy vegetarian restaurant in Helsinki, open from 4pm to 10pm, ideal for a light and flavourful dinner.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 3: Drive to Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä, Finland on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ekberg 1852

Enjoy a traditional Finnish bakery breakfast in Helsinki before the long drive, open from 7am to 7pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Jyväskylä

A scenic 3.5-hour drive northwest towards Jyväskylä through Finnish countryside.
Fuel approx EUR40, 3.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Alvar

Located near Alvar Aalto sites, this café offers light Finnish meals and coffee, open till 4pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Alvar Aalto Museum

Discover the works of Finland’s most famous architect from 10am to 5pm; a must-see for design lovers.
EUR12, 2h

4:30pm

Walk around Jyväskylä Harbour

Relax by the lakeside, enjoy the natural scenery and vibrant town atmosphere.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taulumäki

Lovely Finnish cuisine with local ingredients, open till 9pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Journey to Oulu

Oulu, Finland on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Jyväskylä at Coffee House

A casual spot for coffee and pastries before the long drive, opens at 7am.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Oulu

A 4-hour drive north to Oulu, Finland’s technology hub with a coastal charm.
Fuel approx EUR45, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Paala Bar & Kitchen

Modern Finnish cuisine with a relaxing atmosphere, open from noon to 10pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tietomaa Science Centre

Interactive science exhibits great for families, open 11am to 5pm.
EUR11, 2h

5:00pm

Walk at Ainola Park and Oulu Market

Explore the waterfront park and vibrant market square with stalls and local shops.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Uleåborg 1881

Historical restaurant known for local fish dishes and warm atmosphere, open till 9pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Lapland Arrival: Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, Finland on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel Valo

Start early with a hearty breakfast buffet at your hotel before the 2.5-hour drive.
Included with accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Rovaniemi

Drive north to the Arctic Circle gateway, approximately 2.5 hours from Oulu.
Fuel approx EUR30, 2.5h

11:00am

Santa Claus Village

Visit the world-famous Santa Claus Village, open year-round with attractions and Arctic Circle crossing.
Free entry, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Santa’s Salmon Place

Try Lappish specialties like salmon soup in a cozy setting, open 11am to 4pm.
EUR25, 1h

4:00pm

Arktikum Museum

Explore Arctic history, nature, and science; open from 10am to 6pm.
EUR16, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Roka Kitchen & Wine

Modern Finnish cuisine with local flavors, open until 10pm.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 6: Lapland Exploration

Rovaniemi, Finland on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café & Bar 21

Start your day with excellent coffee and pastries in downtown Rovaniemi, open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Ranua Wildlife Park

Drive 1 hour to see Arctic animals like polar bears and lynx, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ranua Café

Light lunches near the wildlife park, open 11am to 4pm.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Northern Lights Hunting Tour

Evening guided tour for Northern Lights spotting begins around 9pm but can offer late afternoon northern wilderness walk.
EUR80, 4h

6:00pm

Early Dinner at Nili Restaurant

Traditional Lappish dishes with a rustic atmosphere, open 4pm to 9pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 7: Inari & Sami Culture

Inari, Finland on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Rovaniemi hotel

Fuel up early for the longer drive north to Inari, open buffet until 9am.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Inari

A 3-hour scenic drive north into the heart of Lapland’s indigenous Sami region.
Fuel approx EUR40, 3h

11:30am

Siida Museum

Sami culture and Lapland nature museum, open 10am to 6pm, a cultural highlight.
EUR12, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Café Rávgos

Enjoy local Sami-inspired dishes in Inari village, open 11am to 4pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Lake Inari Walk

Leisurely walk along Lake Inari’s pristine waters, a peaceful nature experience.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner and stay at Hotel Inari

Relax with homely Finnish meals and best views of the northern landscape.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 8: Kemi & Coastal Lapland

Kemi, Finland on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Inari

Hearty Finnish breakfast to start the drive south toward coastal Lapland.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kemi

Situated on the Bothnian Bay, about 3 hours south of Inari.
Fuel approx EUR40, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Merituuli

Coastal cuisine with fresh fish dishes, open noon to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Kemi SnowCastle visit

Though best known for winter, check for summer events or exhibitions, open daily 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

3:30pm

Explore Kemi Harbour and Beach

Walk along the scenic harbour and relax at the nearby beach area.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Satama

Casual café and bistro located at the harbourfront, open until 9pm.
EUR20, 1.5h
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Day 9: Back South: Tampere

Tampere, Finland on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Kemi

Early breakfast before heading south for a longer drive.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Tampere

Approximate 5-hour scenic drive through Finnish countryside to Tampere.
Fuel approx EUR55, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Pispala

Charming café with traditional Finnish and café fare, open 10am to 5pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Vapriikki Museum Centre

Multiple museums including natural history and technology, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR14, 2h

6:00pm

Walk at Pyynikki Observation Tower

Beautiful views over Tampere and nearby lakes, try the famous doughnuts at the café.
EUR5, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant C

Innovative Nordic dining with local ingredients, reservation recommended. Open till 10pm.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 10: Helsinki & Tallinn Ferry

Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Tampere

Enjoy a filling breakfast before the drive back to Helsinki.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Helsinki

Approximate 2-hour drive back to Helsinki to catch the ferry to Tallinn.
Fuel approx EUR25, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast or Brunch at Market Square Helsinki

Enjoy a light nordic brunch before ferry, open from early morning.
EUR15, 1h

12:30pm

Ferry to Tallinn

Departure from Helsinki Market Square to Tallinn port; ferry duration approx 2 hours.
EUR25, 2h

3:00pm

Explore Tallinn Old Town

Walk through cobbled streets, visit Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Town Hall Square.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rataskaevu 16

Popular Estonian restaurant serving local and modern dishes, open till 10pm.
EUR35, 2h

9:00pm

Return Ferry to Helsinki or Overnight in Tallinn

Option to take an evening ferry back or stay overnight in Tallinn for convenience.
EUR25 (ferry return), 2h
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