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From Helsinki to the High North

This is a 4-part information article about a round-trip Scandinavia. These articles describe the motorcycle route ridden from the Netherlands through Germany and Poland, the Baltic States, Finland, and finally from the North of Norway back to the South via the Lofoten and Fjords back into Sweden.

1. 1. Part 1: Route Info Motorcycle Adventure from the Netherlands to Tallinn
   2. This article
   3. Part 3: Route Info Motorcycle Adventure from Tromsø to Lillehammer
   4. Part 4: Route Info Motorcycle Adventure from Lillehammer to The Netherlands

This five-week, multi-country route is designed for the adventurous rider ready to leave the highway behind. Starting in the Netherlands, this journey weaves through Central Europe and the Baltics to Tallinn before heading into the stunning wilderness of Finland and the Lofoten and majestic fjords of Norway.

Note on the Route: This guide details a path focusing on scenic B-roads and sometimes includes off-road sections (gravel roads), providing a true taste of wilderness riding. The provided GPX file divides the entire route into 20 tracks, offering rough guidance for day-by-day planning.

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The Arctic Push: Finland's Lake District to the Norwegian Coast

Leg 4: Finnish Lakeland and the Arctic Circle

Helsinki: A Necessary Rest Day

After clocking 2,500 kilometers on the road, take a well-deserved rest day in Helsinki. The city is the perfect place to pause, do laundry, and prepare for the push north.

• Rider Alert: The Midnight Sun: Be prepared for the endless daylight. Even in early summer, the sun can be blazing on your tent by 4:00 AM. Strategically pitch your tent in the shade and use a sleep mask to get proper rest.
• Must-See Sight: Purchase a day pass for public transport to the city center and take the ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage military fortress island. It's a charming place to explore barracks, wander the ramparts, and indulge in a bit of geocaching if you're so inclined.
• Practical Tip: Stop by an outdoor gear store for a mosquito net and/or head net. The summer heat pushes the mosquito population to explode early in Finland, and you will need protection in the lake district.

Helsinki to Hankasalmi (The Lake District)

The journey shifts dramatically today. Leave the city behind and head into the serene heart of Finland’s lake-studded countryside. The roads are a joy to ride: scenic routes with gentle hills, framed by lakes on all sides.

• Riding Conditions: You’ll be sticking to scenic B-roads with hardly any highway sections, offering a pure experience of Finnish nature.
• Stopover Suggestion: Aim for the area around Hankasalmi. Campsites like Ruokoniemi often sit right on a lake, providing a chance for a refreshing (if rustic) dip. Be ready for basic facilities, as many sites may have just reopened for the season.

Hankasalmi to Vaala (Oulujärven)

Continue your push north. The route becomes wonderfully varied, alternating between long, straight stretches and winding country paths.

• Rider Challenge: Be prepared to tackle sections of loose gravel if road resurfacing is underway. This can be a tough, sweaty ride, so maintain focus and momentum.
• Roadside Tip: Look for local gas stations around midday. Many offer incredibly affordable and hearty hot lunches for around 10 euros—a much better deal than cooking soup and bread later!
• Stopover Suggestion: Find a campsite near Vaala, such as Oulujärven Lomakylä Camping, often situated right by a lake. These quiet spots often feature covered outdoor kitchens, a bonus for meal preparation.

Vaala to Rovaniemi (The Arctic Circle)

Today, you make the iconic crossing of the Arctic Circle as you drive all the way to Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus.

• Riding Conditions: The weather can shift violently as you head this far north. Be ready for sudden, intense thunderstorms that can flood the ground in minutes. Pitch your tent quickly, or look for a hotel if the forecast is severe.
• Stopover Suggestion: Camp on the edge of the city, but be aware that city campsites in the Arctic region can be the most expensive of the trip.
• City Highlight (Rovaniemi):
  • Santa Claus Village: This is the most famous stop on the route, located right on the Arctic Circle. While some tourist attractions may be closed during the summer, it's essential for the photo op.
  • Arktikum Museum: Spend an afternoon here to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and wild beauty of the Arctic.
  • Nili Restaurant: Treat yourself to an unforgettable meal of authentic Lappish delicacies—a culinary highlight of the entire trip.

Rovaniemi to the Finnish-Swedish Border

This leg is an emotional one, as you leave Rovaniemi and make the final push west toward Norway, following the Finnish-Swedish border river.

• Traveler Emergency: Be prepared for unexpected detours. Hospitals and specialized clinics are often hundreds of kilometers apart in Lapland. If you require medical attention, you may face lengthy taxi or train rides to the nearest facility. Plan to book a hotel for several days in Rovaniemi or Oulu if forced to pause.
• Riding Challenge: Reindeer! Once you are officially in the land of 24-hour daylight, you are in reindeer territory. These animals appear out of nowhere and are highly unpredictable. Always slow down immediately and approach cautiously; their next move is always a gamble.
• Stopover Suggestion: Aim to stop right on the border river. You may be lucky enough to find cozy log cabins—often cheaper than a crowded campsite—complete with a wood-fired sauna. Camping in a cabin on the border allows for an extremely fast morning pack-up.

Leg 5: From Finland to the Fjords (The Final Push to Tromsø)

Finnish Border to Tromsø, Norway

From the border near Kilpisjärvi, you will have a 160 km ride after crossing into Norway and setting your sights on Tromsø.

• Crossing: Be ready for your first taste of Norwegian transport logistics, which may involve waiting for a ferry to cross water near the Tromsø peninsula. Check ferry schedules in advance to avoid long delays.
• Rider Alert: Suspension Leak: Perform a quick check on your bike while waiting for the ferry. The rough roads of the Baltics and Lapland can take a toll; keep an eye out for leaking fork suspension seals.
• Stopover Suggestion: The city of Tromsø is perched on a peninsula, and finding a central campsite is difficult. Look for an open site like Skittenelv Camping, about 22 km away. Be ready for a significant temperature drop, as there is often snow visible on the peaks above the site. Pack your down jackets and woolly hats!
• Final Destination: You have arrived in Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic." Switch back to Central European Time (local time) to match the clock at home.