In-depth guide · CampingSpirit
From Helsinki and Porvoo via Saimaa, Olavinlinna and the heights of Koli to the gorges of Oulanka and across the Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi: around 1,400 kilometres through forest, water and long evenings – with elk at the roadside and a sauna at the end of the day.
The spirit of the route
Finland is a quiet country to drive. Beyond Helsinki the city dissolves into birch and pine, then comes the first lake, and after that they never stop: Saimaa with its islands and bays, Pielinen with the Koli ridge, the clear rivers around Oulanka. From the sliding door you see red timber houses, a jetty, a thread of smoke above a sauna chimney, and in high summer the sun sets so late that evening runs into morning. The roads are wide, empty and straight; only the distances are long. If you plan to wild camp here, you should know the rules: the famous everyman's right applies to tents and hikers, not to a camper van on someone else's land. In return there are good campsites by the water, a sauna almost everywhere and, in the north, the line of the Arctic Circle, which you cross quite unceremoniously – under Ruska colours in autumn, under mosquitoes and the midnight sun in summer.
Stage-by-stage plan
1Stage 1: Helsinki to Lappeenranta (via Porvoo) (approx. 235 km)
- The drive
- From Helsinki take the E18 (Ring III, then motorway) east, leave it briefly at Porvoo for the old main road into the old town, then continue on the E18 towards Kotka and Kouvola and on main road 6 (Vt 6) to Lappeenranta at the southern end of Saimaa. A wide, well-built route, with up to 120 km/h on the motorway in summer and 80–100 km/h throughout after that. Driving time is a good 3 hours; with the stop in Porvoo it fills a whole day.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Porvoo (Borgå): the cobbled old town with its timber houses, the red riverside warehouses on the Porvoonjoki and the cathedral where the Diet met in 1809.
- The old harbour jetty and the riverside path along the Porvoonjoki for an evening-light stroll.
- Lappeenranta: the Linnoitus fortress quarter above the Saimaa harbour, with cafés and craft shops.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
-
Official campsite or RV park: If you arrive in Helsinki by ferry, Rastila Camping in the Vuosaari district is a good choice, with a metro station at Rastila; check opening times, facilities and motorhome pitches with the operator in advance. For the night in Lappeenranta, Camping Lappeenranta lies on the Saimaa shore a few kilometres from the centre, with pitches for motorhomes; check facilities and opening times with the operator in advance.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Jokamiehenoikeus does not allow blanket overnighting in a motorhome: it permits temporary tenting and camping away from houses, but not leaving a vehicle on someone else's land. Roadside parking is governed by the road traffic rules, and sleeping there is only allowed where parking is allowed; in cities such as Helsinki the city enforces this strictly. On private forest tracks with a barrier and on fields, stopping without the owner's permission is forbidden. Better: use a spot at a farm or a Matkaparkki location.
- Insider tip for campers
- The Finnlines ferries from Travemünde dock at the port of Vuosaari, near Rastila, while the ferries from Tallinn dock at the West Harbour (Länsisatama) and Katajanokka. Fill up with fuel and water straight after the port. In Porvoo, park in the car park by the river rather than in the narrow old town, which is too tight for camper vans.
2Stage 2: Lappeenranta to Savonlinna (via Imatra) (approx. 165 km)
- The drive
- From Lappeenranta take the Vt 6 along the Saimaa shore to Imatra and continue north through the lake district to Savonlinna; along the way there are numerous bridges and small ferries (cable ferries are free) across the lakes. Little traffic, straight sections with elk warning signs, driving time around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Imatrankoski: the rapids of the Vuoksi, a water spectacle in summer (Koskiajo) – according to the regional portal GoSaimaa from 1 July to 30 August in 2026, Wednesday to Sunday at 6 pm; check dates in advance. Next to it stands the Art Nouveau castle of the Valtionhotelli.
- Savonlinna: Olavinlinna castle (founded 1475) on an island in the strait, venue of the Opera Festival in July.
- Kerimäki: the great wooden church, regarded as one of the largest wooden churches in the world, about 25 kilometres east of Savonlinna.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
-
Official campsite or RV park: Sun Camping Vuohimäki in Savonlinna on the edge of town, with motorhome pitches; during the opera season in July it is very busy, so book early. As an alternative there are further motorhome pitches in the Saimaa region, for example via the Campercontact and park4night apps.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): As everywhere in Finland: you may park where parking is allowed, but overnighting in car parks in the centre of Savonlinna may be prohibited locally, especially during the festival. If you want a quiet spot by the lake, ask a farm owner or use providers in the Matkaparkki network. Open fires and camping on private land are not allowed without permission; during a forest fire warning, open fires outdoors are banned regionally.
- Insider tip for campers
- The old town of Savonlinna lies on islands and the approach to the castle is narrow: leave the camper at the campsite and take a bicycle or the bus. If you have opera tickets, plan your arrival several days ahead; traffic backs up on the evening before a performance.
3Stage 3: Savonlinna to Koli National Park (approx. 215 km)
- The drive
- From Savonlinna take the Vt 14 to Joensuu, then the road north and up to Koli on the western shore of Pielinen. A long, straight stretch through forest, often with oncoming timber lorries; the last kilometres to Koli are winding with moderate gradients. About 3.5 hours of driving time.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Ukko-Koli: the main summit with a view over Pielinen, a short climb from the Ukko visitor centre.
- Circular trails through the cultural landscape of slash-and-burn meadows and timber buildings that document the earlier use of the hill.
- Pielinen: a walk along the shore at Koli or a boat trip from Koli harbour.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
-
Official campsite or RV park: There are several sites near the national park in Koli, such as Holiday Koli Camping and Loma-Koli; in addition there is Koli Freetime a few kilometres south of the village. Facilities and opening times are seasonal and should be clarified before you travel.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Koli National Park, overnighting in a vehicle is intended only on campsites and designated areas; driving off-road away from the car parks is forbidden. Campfires only at the designated fireplaces of the park authority Metsähallitus. Everyman's right covers temporary tenting, not a motorhome on someone else's land.
- Insider tip for campers
- Come early in the day so that the car parks at the start of the climb are still free – at weekends they fill up. Koli is especially busy in September during Ruska; planning here without a reservation can fail. Fill up with fuel and shop in Joensuu before leaving: in the area north of Koli the distances between filling stations are greater.
4Stage 4: Koli to Hossa (Suomussalmi) (approx. 330 km)
- The drive
- From Koli north via Nurmes and Kuhmo to Suomussalmi and on to Hossa; the longest day stage, mostly on main roads with few bends through taiga, often deserted. Around 5 to 6 hours of driving time; if you would like to split the stage, Kuhmo is roughly halfway, but we have not confirmed a motorhome site there; clarify an overnight stay in advance. Elk warning signs become more frequent, and the risk rises at dusk.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Kuhmo: a forest and lake town near the Russian border, with wildlife watching in the taiga in summer.
- Hossa National Park: the Värikallio rock paintings, several thousand years old, with a hiking trail and viewpoint.
- Lakes and bogs around Hossa with boat trips and hiking trails.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
-
Official campsite or RV park: Camping Hossan Lumo in Hossa, facilities according to the operator; the season is short and in autumn the site may already be closed, so clarify opening times in advance. For a stop in Kuhmo, look for a site in advance and have it confirmed.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Here too, everyman's right applies only to tents and hikers; in national parks, camping is permitted only at designated places. Lay-bys and car parks by the road are for short breaks; overnighting there is legally a grey area and should be checked on site against the signage. Reindeer and elk cross often – drive slowly at dusk.
- Insider tip for campers
- Fill up in Kuhmo or Suomussalmi before driving to Hossa; many small filling stations are unmanned and accept only cards with a PIN. Take a packed snack and water for the hike to Värikallio; there are hardly any shops along the way.
5Stage 5: Hossa to Oulanka National Park (Kiutaköngäs) (approx. 130 km)
- The drive
- From Hossa through forest and bog to Kuusamo and from there north on the road to the Oulanka visitor centre and Kiutaköngäs. A well-built road with little traffic, driving time about 2 hours; the last kilometres are narrower. Wildlife crossings here too.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Kiutaköngäs: rapids of the Oulankajoki, a short walk from the car park.
- Pieni Karhunkierros: the roughly 12-kilometre circular trail from the visitor centre with suspension bridges and views into the gorge.
- Jyrävä waterfall: reached via the Karhunkierros trail, with especially plentiful water in early summer.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
-
Official campsite or RV park: Oulanka National Park Camping Ground (Metsähallitus) near the visitor centre and Kiutaköngäs; according to reports on Campercontact the site closes from September, so confirm opening and facilities with Metsähallitus in advance and do not count on it in autumn. Alternatives are Juuma Camping in Juuma and sites around Kuusamo.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Oulanka National Park, driving off the roads is forbidden and campfires are allowed only at designated places. Tenting is intended only at the designated camping areas; motorhomes belong on campsites or official car parks. The visitor centre is not an overnight spot. Check the current rules of the park authority at nationalparks.fi.
- Insider tip for campers
- The mosquito season runs from late June to August; in September the Ruska season is more beautiful, but the nights get cold. Take water for the hike, and wear bog shoes or waterproof boots on the boardwalks. If you plan the whole Karhunkierros (around 80 kilometres), you will need bus transfers and several days.
6Stage 6: Oulanka to Rovaniemi (via Posio and Ranua) (approx. 300 km)
- The drive
- From Oulanka back to Kuusamo, then through the forests to Posio and on along minor roads via Ranua to Rovaniemi (check the route and road conditions in your sat nav in advance). A long, quiet stretch without large towns, with wide views over hills and bog. About 4.5 hours of driving time. In northern Finland reindeer roam freely; collisions are common, especially at dusk and in autumn.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Riisitunturi: a national park near Posio with views and hiking trails, known in winter for the snow crystals (tykky) on the trees.
- Ranua Wildlife Park: Nordic animals such as polar bear, elk and lynx in enclosures.
- Arriving at the Arctic Circle: near Rovaniemi the line is marked by the main road and Santa Claus Village.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
-
Official campsite or RV park: Ounaskoski Camping in Rovaniemi on the bank of the Ounasjoki, close to the centre, with pitches for motorhomes, electricity, fresh water/waste disposal, sanitary facilities and a sauna; the season is limited to the summer. Alternatively Napapiirin Saarituvat or the motorhome site BestPark Arctic Circle near the Arctic Circle, both with electricity and fresh water/waste disposal according to the operators.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): The same rules apply in the north too: tent yes, motorhome on someone else's land no. In the reindeer-herding area of northern Finland, respect fences and gathering pens on private forest tracks. Parking at lay-bys and viewpoints is allowed; overnighting there may be prohibited locally.
- Insider tip for campers
- There are shops and filling stations in Posio and Ranua, followed by longer stretches without. Reindeer often stand calmly on the road – don't sound the horn, approach slowly, and after an accident with a reindeer or elk call 112 immediately, and in the case of reindeer also inform the owner if known.
7Stage 7: Rovaniemi to Napapiiri (Arctic Circle) and back (approx. 35 km)
- The drive
- A short excursion on the main road north to Santa Claus Village, where the Arctic Circle is marked, and back to the centre for the Arktikum exhibition and the Ounasvaara hill. Well-built roads, driving time under an hour; sightseeing takes up the rest of the day.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle: post office, shops and the marked line, open all year.
- Arktikum: museum and science centre on the nature and culture of the north.
- Ounasvaara: a hill with hiking trails and a view over Rovaniemi and the confluence of the Ounasjoki and Kemijoki.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
-
Official campsite or RV park: A second night at Ounaskoski Camping, with motorhome pitches according to the operator and short routes into the centre; book in summer. Alternatively BestPark Arctic Circle or Napapiirin Saarituvat near the Arctic Circle.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Motorhomes may park in Rovaniemi where parking is allowed, but overnighting at the roadside is monitored in the city. Camping is not permitted on natural areas on Ounasvaara. In summer, only the tent form of everyman's right applies around the Arctic Circle, not the motorhome.
- Insider tip for campers
- Visit Santa Claus Village in the early morning or late evening, when it is quieter. The midnight sun in Rovaniemi lasts roughly from early June to early July, and in autumn there are chances of the northern lights under clear skies. Stock up on food and gas in Rovaniemi before continuing north.
Camping practice & local rules
Wild camping & overnight parking
- Jokamiehenoikeus (everyman's right) in Finland allows hiking, berry picking, cycling and temporary tenting away from houses, but not leaving vehicles on someone else's land. For motorhomes: roadside parking is permitted under the road traffic rules where parking is allowed; overnighting on private land, fields and forest tracks with a barrier is not allowed without the owner's permission.
- National parks (Koli, Hossa, Oulanka) have special rules: overnighting in a vehicle only on campsites and designated areas, driving off the roads is forbidden, campfires only at fireplaces. Check the current rules with the park authority Metsähallitus (nationalparks.fi).
- Municipalities and cities can issue their own parking rules for motorhomes; parking is monitored in Helsinki and Rovaniemi. The usual approach is a combination of campsites, pitches in the Matkaparkki network and spots on farms with permission. Useful apps: Matkaparkki, park4night, Campercontact.
- Open fires are banned regionally during a forest fire warning (metsäpalovaroitus); the warnings are published by the weather service.
Waste disposal & supplies
- Fresh water and waste disposal are available at most campsites and at motorhome sites in towns; a few disposal points stand at filling stations or service areas, but not everywhere. Check before you set off and do not rely on them.
- Tap water in Finland is of very good quality and drinkable everywhere; empty grey water and the cassette only at the stations provided.
- Gas: Finland uses its own cylinder models, and German exchange cylinders are generally not swapped. Autogas (LPG) is rare; arrive with two full cylinders or a refillable cylinder with a suitable adapter.
- Shopping: supermarkets may sell fermented drinks (beer, wine, cider) up to 8 per cent and other drinks up to 5.5 per cent alcohol; stronger drinks, including spirits and most wines, are sold only at the state-run Alko. Filling stations in the north are in some cases unmanned and accept only cards with a PIN; cash is rarely needed.
Vehicle size & traffic rules
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, usually 80 km/h outside them, 100 km/h on main roads, up to 120 km/h on motorways in summer. In the winter half-year the limits are lowered regionally and by signs (motorway mostly 100, many main roads 80 km/h); the changeover begins in autumn, and the summer limits usually return in spring. Motorhomes up to 3.5 t follow the car limits. Vehicle-trailer combinations generally drive at 80 km/h at most (with a light trailer sometimes 100). For motorhomes over 3.5 t, 80 km/h applies in principle, and with certain equipment (including ABS, driver airbag, seat belts) and registration up to 100 km/h – observe the signs and vehicle documents.
- Dipped headlights are mandatory all year round. Alcohol limit 0.5 per mille, mobile phone only with a hands-free kit. Carry a warning triangle.
- Dimensions: maximum width 2.55 m, height 4.40 m, length 12 m (combinations longer). There is no toll or vignette for cars and motorhomes; bridges and roads are free of charge.
- Winter tyres are compulsory from 1 December to the end of February; in wintry road conditions they may also apply between 1 November and 31 March (minimum tread depth 3 mm, from 1 December for non-studded tyres with the snowflake symbol). This also applies to foreign vehicles. Collisions with elk, deer, wild boar, bear, wolf or lynx as well as with reindeer must be reported immediately by calling 112, even if the animal seems unhurt; set up the warning triangle 200–300 m before the spot.
- Getting there: ferries Travemünde–Helsinki (Finnlines, arrival in Vuosaari), Tallinn–Helsinki (several shipping lines) and from Sweden to Turku, Naantali and Helsinki. Overland, the route via Sweden and Haparanda–Tornio is possible. Prices depend on vehicle length and height; book early in high season and observe the shipping line's gas rules.
CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist
- Head net and insect protection: mosquitoes and blackflies are a plague in the north from June to August.
- Fly screens for the sliding door and roof window: ventilation without mosquito visitors, especially in the light nights.
- Waterproof hiking boots: the boardwalks and bog paths in Oulanka and Hossa are wet and slippery.
- Blackout blinds or a sleep mask: during the midnight sun it stays light at night.
- Warm layers and a rain jacket: even in summer the nights can get close to zero.
- Spare fuel can and two full gas cylinders: filling stations and shops are far apart in the north.
As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go.
