There are some places in the world that feel like they belong to another rhythm entirely — quieter, wilder, more grounded in nature. For us, Finland was exactly that. A destination we chose not because of famous sights or bustling cities, but for its promise of open roads, dense forests, glassy lakes, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
We travelled by campervan, just the four of us — two grown-ups, two kids — and from the very first morning coffee in the wild to evenings watching the northern sky shift colours, we knew we had chosen the right way to see this incredible country.
Finland might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a road trip, but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding. It’s a peaceful, camper-friendly country, far from the chaos of mass tourism — and full of small, unforgettable moments.
If you’re considering a similar trip, we found Campstar incredibly useful for comparing camper van rental options. Their platform made planning easy and transparent, which gave us more time to focus on the exciting parts — like choosing the lakes we’d swim in or trails we’d hike.
- Tampere: The Gateway to Finnish Lakes
- Into the Heart of Lapland
- Hiking in Ruka: The Little Bear Trail
- Rovaniemi and the Northern Lights
- Helsinki: Design, Saunas, and Seaside Vibes
- The Turku Archipelago: A Scenic Farewell
- Sample 10-Day Finland Campervan Itinerary
- What to Pack for a Campervan Trip in Finland
- Final Thoughts: Finland, Wild and Free
Tampere: The Gateway to Finnish Lakes
We kicked off our journey in Tampere, a city we instantly fell for — not because it was busy or flashy, but because of its setting: tucked between two shimmering lakes and surrounded by woods. We spent our first day wandering along forest trails and stopping by the Moomin Museum, which was a hit with the girls. It set the tone for the trip — calm, cozy, and full of nature.
This region is part of Finland’s famous Lakeland, and it truly lives up to its name: thousands of lakes scattered across the landscape, each more tranquil than the last. It’s a place where you can park the camper for the night and wake up to birdsong and mist lifting off the water.
Into the Heart of Lapland
From Tampere, we headed north towards Kuopio, stopping at Puijo Hill for sweeping views over pine forests and lakes. It was early autumn — our favourite time to travel — and the trees were just beginning to turn, giving us a sneak peek of the fiery Finnish fall colours.
After Kuopio, the landscape shifted as we moved deeper into Lapland. The forests grew wilder, the air cooler, and by the time we reached Rovaniemi, we were fully immersed in the north. We skipped the touristy bits and instead found a small campsite along a riverbank, where we spent the evening grilling sausages and watching for signs of the Aurora Borealis.
Hiking in Ruka: The Little Bear Trail
One of the highlights of our journey was the stop in Ruka, a small town that felt like a hidden gem. We tackled the Pieni Karhunkierros (Little Bear Trail), a 12-kilometre circular route located within Oulanka National Park, one of Finland’s most stunning protected areas. This trail showcases all the iconic Finnish landscapes: cascading waterfalls, serene rivers, dense pine forests, steep cliffs, tranquil lakes, and thrilling suspension bridges hanging over rushing streams.
It was a good workout but manageable for the kids, especially with so many exciting features along the way. They loved crossing the hanging bridges and collecting colourful leaves. We loved the silence — and the feeling of being miles from anywhere.
Rovaniemi and the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights was something we’d all dreamed of, and Rovaniemi didn’t disappoint. Around 10:30 PM, just as we were starting to think it wouldn’t happen, a green shimmer appeared above the treetops. Within minutes, it was dancing across the sky. We all stood in our pyjamas outside the camper, mouths open, eyes wide.
It’s hard to describe how it feels to see the aurora for the first time — like you’ve stepped into a dream, or the sky has decided to show you a secret.
For those chasing the lights, February to March and September to October are the best times to visit, with the clearest chances of spotting them around midnight.
Helsinki: Design, Saunas, and Seaside Vibes
After weeks in nature, rolling into Helsinki felt like a gentle return to city life. It’s a capital that doesn’t overwhelm — full of green spaces, fresh air, and a cool Nordic vibe. We spent time exploring the seaside market at Kauppatori, taking a ferry to Suomenlinna fortress, and relaxing in one of the public saunas (which are an absolute must-try). We chose Löyly, a stylish seaside sauna with a traditional wood-fired smoke sauna, where you can alternate between steamy heat and refreshing dips in the Baltic Sea.
It’s a great city for families — easy to navigate, plenty of playgrounds, and lots of open spaces to run around.
The Turku Archipelago: A Scenic Farewell
Our final stretch took us southwest to the Turku Archipelago, a peaceful network of islands connected by ferries and bridges. It was here that we felt Finland’s pace of life most clearly — slow, simple, and in tune with nature. We parked the camper near a quiet bay, let the kids skim stones across the water, and watched the sunset behind pine-lined shores.
If you have time, this part of the country is absolutely worth including in your itinerary — especially in late summer, when the days are long and the water’s still warm enough for a swim.
Sample 10-Day Finland Campervan Itinerary
Start: Tampere
End: Turku Archipelago
Total Driving Distance: approx. 1,500 km
Best Time to Travel: Late summer to early autumn (August–October) or late winter for Northern Lights (February–March)
Rental Tip: Book through Campstar to compare van options and find campsites across Finland.
Day 1: Tampere
- Pick up your campervan
- Visit Moomin Museum, stroll along Näsijärvi Lake
- Overnight: Nearby campsite by the lake (e.g. Tampere Camping Härmälä)
Day 2–3: Kuopio
- Scenic drive north via the Finnish Lakeland region
- Stop at Puijo Tower for panoramic views
- Optional: Sauna on a floating raft in Kuopio
- Overnight: Rauhalahti Holiday Centre
Day 4–5: Ruka & Pieni Karhunkierros
- Drive north to Ruka
- Hike the 12km Little Bear Trail
- Spot reindeer and enjoy forest picnics
- Overnight: Ruka Caravan Park
Day 6–7: Rovaniemi & Northern Lights
- Continue to Rovaniemi
- Visit the Arktikum Museum or just chill riverside
- Evening: Chase the Aurora!
- Overnight: Camping Napapiiri (with aurora viewing spots)
Day 8: Oulu or Jyväskylä (optional break)
- Drive back south with an overnight stop depending on pace
- Visit science centres, lakeside saunas, or just rest
- Overnight: Any lakeside stop along the route
Day 9: Helsinki
- Park the camper just outside the city (e.g. Rastila Camping Helsinki)
- Explore the city: Kauppatori, Suomenlinna Fortress, Design District
- Try traditional salmon soup at the Market Hall
Day 10: Turku Archipelago
- Drive to Turku, take ferries through a few islands
- Walk, swim, or enjoy one final peaceful night in nature
- Overnight: Island campsite like Nagu or Pargas
What to Pack for a Campervan Trip in Finland
- Warm clothes (even in summer)
- Mosquito repellent (for lake regions in summer)
- Swimwear + quick-dry towels (sauna & lake time!)
- Headlamps / torches
- Offline maps (Signal is good but patchy in remote areas)
- Campfire cooking kit and foldable chairs
Final Thoughts: Finland, Wild and Free
Traveling through Finland by camper gave us something we hadn’t found in many other places: space. Space to think, to breathe, to explore without rush. It reminded us how little we actually need to feel free — just a road, a camper, and a map filled with possibilities.
Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or trying it for the first time, we can’t recommend Finland enough. And if you’re looking to plan your own camper adventure, Campstar is a great starting point — simple, affordable, and designed for travelers who love the open road.
Have you travelled Finland by camper? We’d love to hear your stories. Drop a comment below as we’re always inspired by fellow adventurers.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
