Travelling Finland in a motorhome is a unique and exciting experience that any adventurous traveller should consider. From the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders to the rich culture and history, Finland offers a wide range of opportunities for exploration and adventure.
As someone who has spent half a year travelling in a motorhome and only a week in Finland, I can confidently say that this beautiful country has so much to offer, and I look forward to going back and exploring more.
Finnish Lapland & the Sami
We arrived in Finland from Sweden, in Tornio, and from there went upwards. We travelled with our motorhome through Finnish Lapland, known for its beautiful winter scenery and the Northern Lights in winter. While we visited during the summer months, we still had an opportunity to explore the area.
We also had time to learn about its rich cultural heritage. Natalie wanted to learn more about the Sami as we both knew very little about their history and culture.
The Sami people are the indigenous people of the Arctic regions of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. They have a rich and vibrant culture with a history that dates back thousands of years. The Sami have a deep connection to the land and the environment, which is reflected in their customs, language, and way of life. Historically, the Sami were primarily nomadic, relying on reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting for their survival.
We didn’t know that the Sami faced various forms of discrimination and oppression over the centuries, including forced assimilation, displacement, and colonization. In the Siida museum in Inari, we learned more about these horrible events that have taken place and how they still influence Sami to this day.
Stunning nature in Finland
One of Finland’s first things that struck me was its stunning natural scenery. The country is home to vast forests, pristine lakes, and beautiful coastlines, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The nature makes travelling Finland in a motorhome absolutely fabulous. You see so many stunning views while you drive. And Finland allows for wild camping.
The Finnish Lakeland, a region with over 187,000 lakes and countless islands, is a region we want to visit sometime. You can hike, kayak and fish in the beautiful surroundings. But all national parks in Finland are a must-visit for any nature lover, like Koli National Park, located in the eastern part of the country. You will get blown away by the stunning views of Lake Pielinen and the surrounding forests. The park offers hiking trails for all levels of fitness, making it a fabulous place for all to see beautiful scenery.
Cities in Finland
In addition to the beautiful scenery and natural wonders, Finland also has a rich cultural history that is worth exploring. Helsinki, the capital city, is a vibrant metropolis offering various cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and theatres. Though it might be hard to visit the city with our motorhome, we would love to check out the city’s architecture, which is a mix of traditional Nordic styles and modern designs.
Another city that is praised a lot is Oulo, the most northern city of Finland. Known for its unique blend of modernity and tradition, Oulu has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a taste of authentic Finnish culture. The city is situated near Bothnian Bay, offering stunning views of the sea and access to various outdoor activities.
Meeting Santa
Back to North Finland, where we got to meet Santa in Rovaniemi. Around the line where the Arctic Circle begins is a whole Santa Claus village with shops, a place to meet Santa’s reindeer and most importantly, Santa himself!
Tips & Tricks
Finland allows wild camping. This is amazing with all those spots in nature where you can stay. Of course, you have to follow the general rules of conduct while wind camping, only go onto uncultivated land and don’t go into nature reserves, national parks or beaches.
Camping grounds are ok in Finland but nothing spectacular, while the pricing can be high for European standards. More and more campings offer special motorhome spots though, that can be cheaper.
One of the things we regret about our trip to Finland was the timing. We were chased out of Finland by the many midgets. Very small flies that bite. They went through all the vents and holes in the camper, and at several moments our camper was black inside from how many there were.
The small annoying bugs are all over the Scandinavian countries but mostly can be found near still-standing water, and Finland is filled with lakes. When we go again, we will go either earlier or later in the year when the chances of these creatures are smaller.
Visit Finland
We only scratched the surface of what this beautiful country has to offer, and we look forward to returning and exploring more. If you’re planning a trip to Finland, I highly recommend travelling in a motorhome, as it allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of the country at your own pace.
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