Head around forty minutes outside Helsinki and you enter the watery world of Finnish Lakeland. A sprawling area of lakes, islands and forests, it’s peppered with farms, villages and charming lakeside cottages. This is a place to recharge and connect nature. It’s where Finns go to kick back and spend leisurely days hiking, kayaking, eating well and of course, relaxing in saunas.
Lakeland’s pristine wilderness and numerous national parks provides the idyllic setting for our collection of laid-back self drives. Join the dots between characterful accommodation ranging from lakeside resorts to centrally located hotels. Plan your days around activities from boat trips in search of rare Saaima seals to paddle boarding, racket sports to mountain biking.
More than anything, this is the place to slow down and soak up your surroundings. One of the best ways to do this is to embrace sauna culture. The invigorating combination of deep heat and a cold water dip in the glorious freshwater lakes is an experience to be savoured.
There's nothing like personal experience from someone who's been there to elevate your holiday out of the ordinary. Our specialists have it in bucket loads ready to tailor make your adventure.
Self Drive through Finnish Lakeland
Discover the watery wilderness of Finnish Lakeland, a sprawling area of lakes, forests and glorious accommodation where you can get close to nature and discover your inner peace on a summer self drive. Follow travel writer and photographer, Will Gray as he journeys through this untouched corner of Europe.
Trip ideas
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Taste of Finnish Lakeland
Finland Self DriveThis 5-night holiday offers the perfect escape to Europe’s largest Lakeland region.
From £608 Excluding Flights
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Summer Magic at Lehmonkärki
Finland Self DriveLakeside villas, saunas, and unforgettable nature experiences on Lake Päijänne, discover the essence of Finnish summer at Lehmonkärki Resort.
From £890 Excluding Flights
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The Best of Finnish Lakeland
Finland Self DriveExperience the essence of Finnish Lakeland with this iconic journey, unrivalled in its pristine beauty and tranquil nature.
From £1716 Excluding Flights
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Land of a Thousand Lakes
Finland Self DriveA week of pure relaxation, exciting activities, rejuvenating saunas, and the breathtaking beauty of Finland’s Lakeland scenery.
From £890 Excluding Flights
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Lakeland Cities and National Parks
Finland Self DriveExplore the stunning Lakeland Finland with thousands of lakes, lush green landscapes, and charming towns.
From £1657 Excluding Flights
Accommodation ideas
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Radalla Resort
Finland Standard HotelNestled amidst pristine landscapes, Radalla is a captivating retreat where relaxation and outdoor activities seamlessly blend. Accommodation options include stylish Manor House rooms, comfortable rooms in the Lakeside Hotel and modern Scandinavian-style Lakeside Suites while dining is a delight.
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Other Finland regions
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Eastern Finland
The location for our brown bear watching trips, Kuhmo in East Finland is located near to the Russian border in a region that is home to some fabulous scenery, idyllic villages, wetlands and ancient taiga forests.
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Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland is a magical destination all year round, whether you're hunting the aurora or basking in the midnight sun.
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Helsinki
Helsinki is a charming mix of styles: Art Nouveau influences as well as quirky modern touches means it never takes itself too seriously, unlike some other Scandinavian cities.
