Famous route

Finnish Lakeland

The Finnish Lakeland covers much of central and eastern Finland, and lakes make up about a quarter of its area. A suggested road trip links lakeside towns such as Lappeenranta, Savonlinna, Mikkeli and Kuopio.

Region: Central and eastern Finland
Lakes: Saimaa, Päijänne
Start / end: Lappeenranta to Kuopio (suggested)
Suggested time: 5 to 7 days
Best season: Summer to autumn

What should you know before visiting Finnish Lakeland?

No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.

This is a suggested route, not a signed road: the sources used describe no single road. The order of towns depends on the lakes and bays.
Everyman's right allows temporary camping at a reasonable distance from homes. Driving motor vehicles off road without the landowner's permission is not allowed.
Lighting a campfire without the landowner's permission is not allowed, and collecting fallen wood is not covered by everyman's right. For motorhomes, campsites are the simpler solution.
Campsites typically offer a kitchen, shower, sauna and electricity. Contact them ahead in high season. Most national parks are at their best in summer and autumn.

The drive

The Lakeland lies in central eastern Finland and measures roughly 370 km by 350 km. Larger towns include Lappeenranta, Imatra, Savonlinna, Mikkeli, Kuopio, Joensuu and Jyväskylä. Saimaa is the largest lake at over 4,400 km² with 5,484 islands; Päijänne is the deepest at 95 m. A road trip can chain lakeside towns, ordered by the map.

Camping

According to the Finnish Ministry of the Environment you may camp temporarily in the countryside at a reasonable distance from homes, and never in a private yard. For vehicles it only says that driving off road needs the landowner's permission; it says nothing on parking a motorhome. Plan on campsites, also for water and waste. Fire without the owner's permission is not allowed. Check current rules with the ministry or the campsite beforehand.

FAQs

Where is the Finnish Lakeland?

In central eastern Finland, bounded to the south by the Salpausselkä ridges and to the north by Upland Finland. The region is about 370 km long and 350 km wide.

May I park and sleep freely in a motorhome?

Everyman's right allows temporary camping away from homes. The source used says nothing on parking motorhomes. Driving off road needs permission. If in doubt, choose a campsite or ask the landowner.

How large is Lake Saimaa?

At over 4,400 km² it is the largest lake of the region, with 5,484 islands according to Wikipedia. The region has at least 55,000 lakes at least 200 m wide; no exact count exists.

When is the best time to go?

Visit Finland says most national parks are at their peak in summer and autumn. Summer daytime temperatures run from about +15 to +30 °C depending on the place. For winter camping it recommends an experienced guide, especially for beginners.