Finland Road Trip: Rovaniemi to Mariehamn, 7 Stops
This 1957.8 km route through Finland showcases the country's most remarkable natural and cultural landmarks, from the Arctic Circle's Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi to medieval Olavinlinna Castle and the pristine lakes of Saimaa. The journey spans Finland's diverse geography across 31 minutes of curated footage.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Kastelholm Castle
- End
- Mariehamn
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Kastelholm Castle — 14th-century medieval castle on Åland Islands standing as testament to the archipelago's rich historical heritage and Nordic medieval architecture.
- Lake Saimaa — Finland's largest lake with over 13,000 islands, forming a complex labyrinthine network of waterways and channels shaped by glacial movement.
- Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park — Finland's third-largest national park spanning seven rounded fells in western Lapland, featuring pristine air quality and the legendary Snow Village built annually.
- Pyhä-Luosto — Twin-fell mountain range part of Finland's oldest mountain system, featuring sacred Sámi rock formations and winter ski resort with dramatic gorge formations.
- Rovaniemi — Official hometown of Santa Claus located exactly on the Arctic Circle, rebuilt after WWII with unique reindeer-antler city layout designed by Alvar Alto.
- Santa Claus Village — Year-round attraction on the Arctic Circle where visitors can cross the latitude line and experience Christmas magic in Lapland.
- Mariehamn — Capital of Åland Islands known for charming wooden architecture, maritime museums, and traditional island culture with Swedish heritage.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Santa Claus Village in the morning and see Northern Lights in the evening - both are possible on the same day in Finland.
- Timing
- Best time to witness Northern Lights is between September and March, with roughly 200 nights per year visibility in Lapland.
- Timing
- Skiing season runs from October to May at Levi resort with guaranteed snow from sophisticated snowmaking systems.
- Timing
- Autumn 'ruska' season features vibrant red and gold ground vegetation colors in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
- Timing
- Summer brings Midnight Sun phenomenon when daylight extends for months, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Where to stay
- Stay in specialized glass igloos or Aurora cabins to view Northern Lights from bed during winter months.
- Transport
- Levi is located 170 km north of the Arctic Circle; Saariselkä lies 250 km north of the Arctic Circle.
- Food
- Try vendace (small white fish) at Kuopio's Fish Market Hall, a local delicacy often served smoked, dating back to 1902.
- Tip
- Experience traditional Finnish sauna culture at Yläkampa in Kuopio, the world's largest smoke sauna accommodating up to 60 people.
- Tip
- Lake Saimaa freezes completely in winter, transforming into a natural ice rink across over 4,400 km area.
- Tip
- Try gold panning near Tavara village, Finland's largest gold panning grounds where enthusiasts still search for gold.
- Avoid
- Winter temperatures in eastern Lapland (Salla) regularly drop below -40°C; prepare extreme cold weather gear.
Video on this route
Finland in Winter Looks Fake… Seriously | Travel Documentary 4K