What I try to say is. It does not have to be boring to drive thru Finland.

Avoid big roads E75, E63, E8 and look for the roads with 3 or 4 numbers.
Put the navigator to avoid gravel, if you don't want to drive on gravel
Remember that gravel road in Finland is not like Gravel road in Mongolia
Finnish people are very helpful, so just ask advice for the best route.

All up to how much time you have. I can do Helsinki - Rovaniemi in two days. But i usually do it in five, going smaller roads. But I also sometimes ship the bike on the train to Rovaniemi or back. Just to win time.

I think we Finns on the HUBB should open a topic "Driving thru Finland". Because I do not find much at all information on what, where and how. And what else to do than boring E75

And if I compare Finland to Baltic countries, they are about the same. But roads in Finland are slightly better. All these country are Flat and if you try to go fast, the roads will be boring. But if you take the advice to avoid bigger roads, then you can really enjoy scenery and perhaps meet some local people.

It would be nice to put together the "driving through Finland" topic. Currently there aren't too much in the BBR and similar planning software.


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Thank you. I do need to do some more research in to Finland. I'm meeting up with my travel buddy in August so we can look at maps then and decide our plan of action. :) If you have any recommendations on places to stay that would be great also.

Absolutely!

I found some ready made tour plans by Finnish national park authority. Looks like there is good balance between main roads and scenic routes.

Self-guided tours of Finland’s natural attractions - Nationalparks.fi

Aw thanks Rami, that is really helpful! :)

Something I found what can be useful. Mud Map of Finland
This map will show you the pave and the gravel roads in Finland. It is a hobby project. So don’t except too much

Here is the link: kurakartta
If you click on the British flag on the up right on the page, you get some info in English

You use it like this

1. Move the cursor on the icon with layers. You find it on the left side on the page
2. First tag HERE. This will make you use HERE maps. You can also choose another map layer if you want.
3. Second tag the 6th point what say “Päällyste”. That will activate colors on the roads to distinguishes between different pavements

Hint.
If you cannot tag “Päällyste” because it does not allow you. Try to zoom a bit closer on the map.
After zooming close enough you will be allowed to tag “Päällyste” and now you can see the roads in color

What you need to know is that the brown and green is gravel.
All the other roads are asphalt or tarmac
You can of cause also do route planning and save the route...
But that is for you to find out by yourself, by simply testing :smartass:


Happy gravel road adventure. Or maybe not?