12-Day Scenic Road Trip from Szamotuły through Sweden, Finland & Norway Featuring Suomenlinna, Lofoten & Glacier Adventures

Day 1: Poland to Sweden

Szamotuły to Ystad, Sweden on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Kawa w Mieście, Szamotuły

Enjoy a hearty Polish breakfast with fresh pastries and strong coffee to prepare for a day on the road.
PLN25, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Świnoujście port

Begin approximately 5-hour scenic drive north to Świnoujście on the Baltic coast.
Fuel Cost Approx. PLN100, 5h

3:00pm

Ferry from Świnoujście to Ystad, Sweden

Board the ferry (approx. 3.5 hours) to Sweden – a relaxing way to cross the Baltic Sea without flights.
EUR150, 3h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurang Babbel, Ystad

Savour fresh seafood dishes at this well-reviewed harbour-side restaurant open until 9pm.
SEK250, 1h30m

Day 2: South Sweden Exploration

Ystad and Malmö, Sweden on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Konditori Svea, Ystad

Start your day with traditional Swedish cinnamon buns and coffee at this charming bakery.
SEK60, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Malmö - explore beaches and parks

Visit Ribersborgsstranden beach and Kungsparken for beautiful green spaces and coastal views.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bastard, Malmö

Experience a modern Swedish bistro specialising in locally-sourced ingredients and innovative flavour pairings.
SEK300, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Stockholm (approx. 6 hours)

Enjoy the scenic Swedish countryside during this drive north. Consider quick rest stops along the way.
Fuel Approx. SEK450, 6h

9:30pm

Late dinner at Vapiano, Stockholm Central

Italian cuisine in a casual setting – convenient for arrival time and car parking nearby.
SEK180, 1h

Day 3: Helsinki & Suomenlinna

Stockholm, Sweden to Helsinki, Finland on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Saturnus, Stockholm

Enjoy Swedish pastries and coffee to energise before the ferry crossing.
SEK80, 1h

9:00am

Ferry Stockholm to Helsinki

Board a high-speed ferry (approx. 17 hours overnight option or daytime cruise). For time optimisation, we recommend an overnight ferry departing late afternoon the day before or an early morning cruise arriving next day.
EUR160 per car + passengers, 17h (overnight)

5:00pm

Check-in and relax

Arrive and settle in Helsinki hotel for 2 nights. Recommended centrally located hotel: Hotel Kämp.
EUR220 per night, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Savotta

Sample traditional Finnish cuisine in a rustic setting near the Senate Square, open until 10pm.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 4: Suomenlinna & Helsinki Highlights

Helsinki, Finland on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Ekberg

Indulge in classic Finnish pastries and coffee at Helsinki's oldest bakery, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Visit the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna fortress, a unique sea fortress with museums and historic sites, ferry runs frequently from Market Square, operating from 6am until late evening.
EUR5 return, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Piper on Suomenlinna

Enjoy light Nordic fare with stunning sea views on the fortress island.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Helsinki and explore Design District

Visit shops, galleries and museums showcasing Finnish design in a lively urban neighbourhood.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Olo Restaurant

Michelin-starred tasting menus featuring innovative Finnish cuisine.
EUR100, 2h

Day 5: Finland to Norway Drive

Helsinki to Tromsø via Rovaniemi, Finland to Norway border on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up early before the long drive north.
EUR15, 1h

8:00am

Begin drive towards Rovaniemi (approx. 8 hours)

A long but scenic drive through Finnish Lapland forests and lakes towards the Arctic Circle town.
Fuel Approx. EUR120, 8h

4:30pm

Quick sightseeing in Rovaniemi

Visit Arktikum Museum to learn about Arctic culture and environment, open until 6pm.
EUR16, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Nili Restaurant, Rovaniemi

Traditional Lappish cuisine with reindeer and fresh Arctic ingredients.
EUR40, 1h30m

8:00pm

Continue driving towards Norway border area; overnight stop nearby.

Rest overnight near Kilpisjärvi or nearby for early Norway entry next day.
Accommodation Approx. EUR100, 8h

Day 6: Enter Norway, Head to Lofoten

Norway border to Lofoten Islands on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Start with a nourishing breakfast before the drive into Norway.
EUR15, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Finland border through Norwegian wilderness towards Lofoten Islands (approx. 8-9 hours plus stops)

Pass through stunning northern wilderness, valleys and fjords en route to the iconic Lofoten archipelago.
Fuel Approx. EUR140, 9h

5:00pm

Check into accommodation in Lofoten

Stay in a traditional rorbu fisherman's cabin for authentic experiences.
EUR150, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Anitas Sjømat, Henningsvær

Freshly caught local seafood in a scenic fishing village setting.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 7: Lofoten Nature & Glacier

Lofoten Islands, Norway on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in cabin or nearby café

Enjoy local breads and cheeses amid historic surroundings.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Hiking at Reinebringen

Climb the iconic mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the fjords and villages below. Open day-round, but start early to avoid crowds.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Krambua, Reine

Enjoy traditional Norwegian dishes including fresh fish soup in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h

3:00pm

Glacier visit: Svartisen Glacier (optional day trip - around 2 hours drive each way plus boat tour)

Explore one of Norway’s largest glaciers with guided tours; open seasonally, check local availability.
EUR70, 5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Børsen Spiseri, Svolvær

Fine dining with local Arctic ingredients perfect to end the adventurous day.
EUR60, 1h30m

Day 8: Lofoten to Tromsø

Lofoten Islands to Tromsø, Norway on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up before the scenic drive north to Tromsø.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Drive scenic coastal route from Lofoten to Tromsø

Pass fjords, mountains and charming villages en route to Tromsø (approx. 6 hours).
Fuel Approx. EUR80, 6h

3:30pm

Arrive and check-in hotel in Tromsø

Recommended hotel: Clarion Hotel The Edge, located centrally with fjord views.
EUR130, Overnight

5:00pm

Explore Tromsø city centre

Visit Arctic Cathedral and Polaria aquarium. Arctic Cathedral open until 6pm; Polaria closes at 6pm.
EUR25 combined, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fiskekompaniet

Sample northern Norwegian seafood specialities in an elegant setting.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 9: Tromsø & Surrounds

Tromsø, Norway on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Smørtorget

Relaxed café offering local breads and breakfast classics in cozy surroundings.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Lyngen Alps

Visit the scenic Lyngen Alps for nature hiking or glacier viewing. Guided tours available; check local providers. Open all year.
EUR60, 6h

4:00pm

Return to Tromsø

Relax and refresh after the outdoor excursion.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mathallen Tromsø

Enjoy locally sourced ingredients and innovative Nordic dining.
EUR60, 1h30m

Day 10: Return South to Sweden

Tromsø, Norway to Umeå, Sweden on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast

Start the long drive southwards with a nutritious meal.
EUR15, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Tromsø to Umeå, Sweden (approx. 10 hours including border crossing)

Enjoy varied landscapes en route through Norway and Sweden's northern forests.
Fuel Approx. EUR140, 10h

6:30pm

Dinner in Umeå city centre

Try local Swedish dishes at Gotthards Krog open until 9pm.
SEK300, 1h

8:00pm

Overnight stay at a hotel in Umeå

Rest well after a full day of driving.
SEK900, Overnight

Day 11: Southbound to Szamotuły

Umeå, Sweden to Szamotuły, Poland on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the final leg of your journey.
SEK100, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Umeå to Świnoujście ferry port via Stockholm and southern Sweden (approx. 15 hours total with stops)

Break the journey with planned stops for meals and rest. Consider overnight stop in Jönköping or near Stockholm if desired.
Fuel Approx. SEK1000, 15h

Day 12: Return to Szamotuły

Świnoujście, Poland to Szamotuły, Poland on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Ferry Świnoujście to Ystad early morning

Cross back from Sweden with the car, approx. 3.5 hours.
EUR150, 3h30m

12:00pm

Drive from Świnoujście to Szamotuły (approx. 5 hours)

Enjoy the final stretch back home, reflecting on a spectacular 12-day Nordic adventure.
Fuel PLN100, 5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restauracja Stara Baśń, Szamotuły

Celebrate your return with traditional Polish hearty cuisine in a cozy setting.
PLN70, 1h30m