Spend a leisurely week exploring the towns, villages and national parks of Finland’s stunningly scenic Lakeland region.
Spend your first overnight in Lappeenranta, a charming city in south-eastern Finland, on the shores of Lake Saimaa, the largest lake in the country. Continue to the enchanting town of Savonlinna, famous for its medieval Olavinlinna Castle and stunning archipelago views.
Your adventure then takes you to the unique wilderness of Nature Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän, where luxurious accommodation, nature experiences and traditional Finnish hospitality meet amidst ancient forests and pristine waters.
Finally, unwind at Radalla Resort, a serene lakeside retreat offering relaxation, wellness, and a deep connection to nature.
This journey weaves together the rich culture and history of Finnish Lakeland with its unique natural beauty, complemented by unforgettable culinary experiences featuring local flavours.
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.
Itinerary
Collect your rental vehicle and embark on a leisurely 2.5-hour drive from Helsinki Airport to Lappeenranta. On route, explore Finland’s second oldest town, Porvoo, renowned for its picturesque old town featuring red ochre-painted riverside warehouses, cobbled streets, and colourful wooden houses housing charming cafes and quirky shops. Porvoo is also celebrated for its array of restaurants and chocolatiers. Upon arrival in Lappeenranta, you will catch your first glimpse of Lake Saimaa, Europe’s 4th largest freshwater lake.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the breathtaking Punkaharju esker to the charming town of Savonlinna. Along the way, you might like to make a short detour to Kerimäki and visit the world’s largest wooden church.
Once in Savonlinna, explore the magnificent 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle, which hosts the renowned annual opera festival each July. From Savonlinna, continue your journey with a leisurely 45-minute drive to Nature Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän, where you will stay for the next three nights.
Nature Hotel and Spa Resort Järvisydän
Surrounded by tranquil nature and situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa, Järvisydän offers some of the finest accommodation in the lakeland area. Options vary from stylish rooms or suites to quirky lodgings such as a houseboat, bird’s nest or forest suite.
Here you can fill your day with activities such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, biking, fishing or taking a boat trip to the Linnansaari National Park where you may spot the protected Saimaa ringed seals basking on the shores. You can also treat yourself to a relaxing yoga session and a visit to the spa with a range of treatments.
Take your time on a leisurely drive to Radalla Resort, with plenty of fascinating stops along the way.
Rapio Mill, a beautifully preserved 19th-century watermill, offers a charming glimpse into Finland’s milling heritage. Set in picturesque countryside by the gently flowing Rapio River, it continues to produce high-quality stone-ground flour using traditional methods. For a delightful pitstop, visit the Tea House of Wehmais, where you can savour exquisite afternoon teas in an cosy setting. If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, Tertti Manor serves a delicious buffet lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Another must-visit is the old vicarage of Kenkävero, home to a restaurant, a summer café, and an artisan shop showcasing beautiful local crafts and Finnish design.
Radalla Resort
Spend the day unwinding in a sauna, taking a refreshing swim, paddleboarding, or cycling. Explore the scenic 8 km Radansuu hiking trail or venture further afield to discover the UNESCO-listed Verla Mill Village, the historic Kimola Canal, the breathtaking landscapes of Repovesi National Park, or the thrills of Tykkimäki Amusement Park. Nature lovers can wander through the enchanting Mustila Arboretum, while families will enjoy meeting friendly animals at Olgan Farmi petting zoo. For a touch of history and stunning views, climb the Hiidenvuori natural hillfort.
Drive to Helsinki Airport, drop off your rental vehicle and fly back to the UK.
Recommended accommodation
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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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Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Daily breakfast
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Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £853 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
May-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Jenna
18
Countries visited
3
Continents travelled
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Calum
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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