Campervan routes in Finland: Lakeland, Lapland & coast

Campervan routes in Finland: Lakeland, Lapland & coast

A campervan trip through Finland is a journey through endless forests, 188,000 lakes and the wilderness of Lapland. Finland is the land of the sauna, the midnight sun and Jokamiehenoikeus — the Finnish right of access to nature, similar to Sweden's Allemansrätt. Getting to Finland by campervan takes a bit more planning than Sweden or Denmark: you'll take a ferry from Stockholm to Turku or Helsinki, or fly and rent locally.

This page covers everything you need to plan your Finland campervan adventure: route suggestions from 1 to 3+ weeks, a region-by-region comparison, tips on wild camping and an honest cost breakdown. We draw on 66 destinations across Finland and more than 119 campsites, with a curated campervan route that include Finland. Or build your own itinerary with the AI route planner.

Why Finland is perfect for a campervan trip

Finland gets mentioned less often than Norway or Sweden as a campervan destination, but it has unique qualities that make it especially appealing:

• Land of a thousand lakes: Finland has 188,000 lakes — more than any other European country. Many campsites sit directly on the water, with swimming jetties and canoes. In summer the water is a comfortable 18–22°C in southern Finland.
• Peace and space: Finland is the least densely populated country in the EU. Outside Helsinki and Tampere, you'll regularly drive kilometres without seeing another vehicle — the ultimate campervan experience.
• Jokamiehenoikeus (Everyman's Right): similar to Sweden's Allemansrätt. This Finnish right of access gives everyone permission to hike, swim, pick berries and mushrooms in the forests.
• Sauna culture: Finland has more saunas than cars — literally. Many campsites have a lakeside sauna. After steaming, you jump straight into the lake. It's not a luxury; it's a way of life.
• Pay in euros: unlike Sweden, Norway and Denmark, Finland uses the euro. No exchange rates, no double prices.
• Midnight sun and Lapland: above the Arctic Circle the sun doesn't set from early June to mid-July. Rovaniemi, Inari and Kilpisjärvi offer a unique campervan experience under 24 hours of daylight.

Finland campervan routes: 1, 2 or 3 weeks

Finland is big — the fifth-largest country in Europe by area. Your trip length determines how much you can see. Below you'll find advice by duration, with links to the AI route planner to build a custom Finland campervan itinerary.

• 1 week — southern Finland and the Lakeland

  With one week, explore southern Finland: start in Helsinki or Turku, drive via Tampere to the Lakeland around Jyväskylä and Savonlinna, and return via the coast. Compact distances (200–300 km per day) and a good mix of cities and nature.

  Plan a 1-week Finland itinerary →

  The AI route planner selects the best stops from 66 Finnish destinations.



• 2 weeks — Lakeland and Lapland

  With two weeks you can combine the Lakeland with Lapland. Drive from Helsinki via Tampere and Kuopio to Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle. Optionally continue to Inari and Sámi country. Return via Oulu and the west coast. Expect 150–250 km per day.

  Plan a 2-week Finland itinerary →

  The AI route planner combines the Lakeland with Lapland and optimises driving times.

• 3 weeks — all of Finland

  Three weeks gives you the complete Finland road trip: from Helsinki via the south coast (Hanko, Turku) to the Lakeland, up to Lapland (Rovaniemi, Inari, Kilpisjärvi) and back via Oulu and the west coast. This is the ultimate Finland adventure, with enough time to enjoy the saunas, lakes and midnight sun.

  Plan a 3-week Finland itinerary →

  The AI route planner builds a realistic day-by-day programme including driving times and overnight stops.



• 3 weeks or longer — Scandinavia combination

  Want to combine Finland with Sweden and Norway? Our Arctic Grand Tour takes you through three Scandinavian countries in 3 weeks — via Swedish Lapland through Finland to the Norwegian Lofoten. Note: this is a combination route, not Finland only.

  Arctic Grand Tour - Lofoten & Lapland(21 days · 3,871 km · 15 stops)

  ⚠️ Multi-country route through SE + FI + NO — not Finland only

  This Arctic Grand Tour motorhome trip takes you on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Sweden, Finland, and Norway. You start in the green Umeå, where you visit the special…

  This is a combination route through Sweden, Finland and Norway — ideal if you want to explore multiple Scandinavian countries.

  This route is fully customisable — adjust the duration, stops and order to suit your plans.

  View route map

What's the best campervan route through Finland?

The best campervan route through Finland depends on what you're looking for. Three profiles:

• Lakeland (Tampere – Savonlinna – Kuopio) — for peace and nature. The Finnish Lakeland is a labyrinth of lakes, islands and forests. Savonlinna with its medieval water castle Olavinlinna, the Saimaa ringed seal (one of the world's rarest seals) and endless opportunities for swimming, canoeing and fishing. Ideal for those seeking tranquillity.
• Lapland (Rovaniemi – Inari – Kilpisjärvi) — for wilderness and midnight sun. Above the Arctic Circle the landscape transforms: tundra, reindeer, Sámi culture and the midnight sun. Rovaniemi is the gateway, Inari the heart of Sámi Finland, and Kilpisjärvi the tri-border point (Finland, Sweden, Norway). Plan at least two weeks if you want to explore Lapland.
• Coast and Archipelago (Helsinki – Turku – Åland) — for city and sea. The Finnish south coast offers a mix of design (Helsinki), historic towns (Turku, Finland's oldest city), coastal villages (Hanko, Ekenäs) and the unique archipelago towards Åland. Compact and easily combined with a shorter holiday.

Not sure which route suits you? The AI route planner builds an itinerary based on your trip length, starting point and interests — from lakeside routes to wilderness treks through Lapland.

Regions of Finland: where to go by campervan

Finland is enormous (1,160 km from south to north) and each region has its own character. Here's an overview of the key areas for a campervan trip through Finland.

Southern Finland & Helsinki — the capital Helsinki is compact, modern and full of design and architecture. Combine it with the historic fortress Suomenlinna (UNESCO), a day trip to Porvoo (Finland's most colourful town) and the coast towards Hanko — Finland's southernmost town, with beaches and a belle époque atmosphere.

Lakeland — the heart of Finland. Between Tampere, Jyväskylä, Savonlinna and Kuopio lies an endless landscape of lakes, islands and forests. This is where the Finns themselves spend their summer holidays — in a mökki (summer cottage) by the lake. Highlights: the Olavinlinna water castle in Savonlinna, the Saimaa ringed seal, and Linnansaari National Park.

Eastern Finland & Karelia — the border region is the wildest part of southern Finland. Hossa National Park (with 10,000-year-old rock paintings), Joensuu and the Orthodox monastery of Valamo are highlights. This is also the best area to spot brown bears.

Lapland — everything above the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is the gateway (and the official home of Santa Claus). Further north you're rewarded with tundra, reindeer, gold-panning villages and Sámi culture. Inari is the cultural heart of the Finnish Sámi. Kilpisjärvi at the tri-border point is the most remote and spectacular endpoint.

West coast & Ostrobothnia — less touristy but full of surprises. Oulu is a lively student city. Kalajoki has wide sandy beaches. And Vaasa/Björköby gives access to the Kvarken Archipelago (UNESCO), Finland's answer to the Stockholm skerries.

Our recommendation: for a first campervan trip through Finland, combine southern Finland with the Lakeland — that gives you a good feel for the country. With more time, add Lapland for the ultimate experience.

Combining Sweden and Finland by campervan

A Sweden and Finland campervan route is a popular and logical combination. The ferry from Stockholm to Turku is a comfortable overnight crossing (Viking Line or Tallink Silja, roughly 11 hours) — you board in the evening and step off in Finland the next morning. No travel time lost, because you sleep on the way.

Route suggestion (3 weeks): start in Sweden → drive the Swedish west coast or east coast → take the ferry Stockholm–Turku → drive through the Finnish Lakeland to Lapland → return via Oulu and the Finnish west coast → ferry Turku–Stockholm or via northern Finland to Norwegian Lapland.

Why it works well: Sweden and Finland complement each other. Sweden offers coast, islands and red wooden houses. Finland offers lakes, saunas and Lapland. The ferry is an experience in itself — with restaurants, shops and views of the archipelago.

See also our routes through Sweden and Finland or build a combination route with the AI route planner.

Getting to Finland by campervan

Finland isn't accessible by road from the UK or western Europe — you always need to cross the sea. This is the key difference from destinations like Sweden or Denmark. Here's a comparison of your options:

Our recommendation: the Stockholm–Turku ferry is the most popular option for campervanners. You combine the trip with Sweden, sleep comfortably on board and arrive refreshed in Turku — a lovely city to start your Finland road trip. The Finnlines ferry from Travemünde is an alternative if you want to skip Sweden, but takes a full day longer.

Travelling with kids

A campervan trip through Finland with children is a fantastic choice. Finland is safe, clean and exceptionally child-friendly. Here's why it works so well:

• Moomin World (Naantali): the Moomin theme park near Turku is a magical experience for children aged 3–10. Walk through the Moomin House, meet the characters and play on the island. Open in summer (June–August).
• Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi): the official home of Santa Claus, right on the Arctic Circle. Open year-round. Children meet Santa, send a letter from the post office and cross the Arctic Circle.
• Swimming in lakes: Finland has 188,000 lakes — and at virtually every campsite you can get in the water. The water is a comfortable 18–22°C in southern Finland in summer. Many campsites have swimming jetties, canoes and SUP boards.
• Heureka (Vantaa/Helsinki): an interactive science museum with planetarium, experiments and a dinosaur exhibition. Ideal for a rainy day.
• Berry and mushroom picking: thanks to Jokamiehenoikeus, everyone can pick berries and mushrooms in Finnish forests. Children love searching for blueberries, lingonberries and wild strawberries.
• Sauna: Finnish sauna culture is an experience for the whole family. Many campsites have a lakeside sauna — after steaming, you jump into the water together.

Wild camping in Finland: Jokamiehenoikeus and the rules for campervans

Jokamiehenoikeus (Everyman's Right) is one of the most remarkable aspects of travelling in Finland. This right gives everyone — including visitors — access to nature: hiking, swimming, skiing, picking berries and mushrooms, and camping with a tent, regardless of who owns the land.

Important for campervanners: as in Sweden, Jokamiehenoikeus applies to non-motorised stays. Off-road driving with a campervan or motorhome isn't allowed. Overnight parking on car parks or roadsides isn't always permitted either. Always check local signs and rules. In popular areas (national parks, town edges) free camping is often prohibited.

Our recommendation: Jokamiehenoikeus makes Finland fantastic for daytime activities — hiking, fishing, berry picking. But for overnight stays, you'll practically always choose official campsites and caravan parks. Finland has more than 119 campsites — there's always one nearby. Many Finnish campsites sit directly on a lake and offer a nature experience that's barely distinguishable from wild camping, complete with sauna.

Best time for a campervan trip to Finland

The best period for a campervan trip through Finland is June through August. In southern Finland temperatures reach 18–25°C with very long, light days. In Lapland the sun doesn't set from early June to mid-July — the midnight sun.

June is ideal: long light, few tourists and nature at its finest. The Finnish Midsummer celebrations (Juhannus, around 21 June) are the most important holiday of the year — Finns flock to their mökki by the lake. July is the warmest and slightly busier, but Finland never feels crowded. August still offers warm weather but shorter days, and lake water is at its warmest.

September (ruska): the Finnish autumn is spectacular — birch forests turn gold and red, especially in Lapland. This is called 'ruska' and it's a distinct season in Finland. Fewer tourists, stunning colours, but colder nights (5–10°C). Ideal for experienced campervanners with good insulation.

Lapland: the midnight sun makes a summer campervan trip above the Arctic Circle extraordinary — you can sit outside at midnight in full daylight. But watch out for mosquitoes in July (especially in Lapland and near lakes). Bring good insect repellent and choose campsites with some breeze.

Practical tips for your Finland campervan trip

• Currency: Finland uses the euro — the only Scandinavian country with the common currency. Card payments work virtually everywhere. No exchange-rate stress.
• Roads: Finnish roads are well maintained. The speed limit is 80–120 km/h on motorways, 60–80 km/h on country roads. In Lapland the roads are narrower and you need to watch for reindeer — they always have right of way.
• Sauna etiquette: the Finnish sauna is a quiet, meditative experience — not a place for loud conversation. Go naked (it's the norm), sit quietly, and jump into the lake after steaming. Many campsites have a public sauna, sometimes with separate times for men and women.
• Mosquitoes: in Lapland and near lakes from mid-June to mid-August. They're not dangerous but incredibly annoying. Bring DEET spray and choose campsites with some wind or higher ground.
• Groceries: K-Market, S-Market and Prisma are the main chains. Prices are comparable to the UK. Alcohol above 5.5% is sold only at Alko (the state shop, limited opening hours). Finnish supermarkets have excellent fresh fish and bread (ruisleipä).
• WiFi: Finland has one of the world's best mobile networks. 4G/5G works virtually everywhere, even in remote parts of Lapland. Many campsites offer free WiFi.

How much does a campervan trip through Finland cost?

Finland is cheaper than Norway and Iceland, but slightly above the European average. The big advantage: you pay in euros, so no exchange-rate differences. The main cost items:

• Campsites: €20–35 per night for a pitch with facilities and sauna. Basic campsites are cheaper (€10–15).
• Fuel: diesel costs around €1.70–1.90 per litre. A 2,500 km route costs roughly €200–250 in fuel.
• Ferry: Stockholm–Turku return costs €150–350 for campervan + cabin, depending on season and operator. Travemünde–Helsinki is pricier (€300–600 return).
• Groceries: comparable to the UK. Eating out is more expensive (mains €15–25).
• No tolls: Finland has no toll roads — a big difference from Norway.

Rule of thumb: a two-week campervan trip through Finland costs on average €1,500–2,500 for two people with your own campervan, including campsites, fuel, groceries and ferry. That's comparable to Sweden and significantly cheaper than Norway or Iceland.

Why Camproads for your Finland campervan route?

We've selected and reviewed 66 destinations across Finland — from well-known spots like Helsinki and Rovaniemi to hidden gems like Hossa National Park, Savonlinna and the Kvarken Archipelago. For each destination we've mapped more than 119 campsites, so you always know where to stay.

Since there are currently no dedicated Finland-only routes in our database, the AI route planner is the best way to build a custom Finland campervan route. The planner selects from our full database of 66 Finnish destinations and builds a realistic day-by-day programme — including driving times, overnight stops and campsite suggestions. From a week in southern Finland to three weeks from Helsinki to Inari.

We also have a combination route that include Finland — ideal if you want to combine Sweden, Finland and Norway in one grand Scandinavian road trip.

Frequently asked questions about a campervan trip to Finland