Roadtrip in Historical South-West Finland

04.06.2024


What better way to explore Finland than a roadtrip! There are lots of routes that offer it all: breathtaking sceneries, interesting stories and must-see places – and we have collected the best parts for you. This is the first one that will take you to:

Historical South-West Finland

Our route starts in Turku, the former capital and the oldest city in Finland, heading to north-west on road 192. You first stop takes place at Louhisaari Manor. This impressive manor from 17th century introduces you to the lives of the bold and beautiful of those days. 

Continue towards north to Uusikaupunki. At Automobile Museum, you will learn about the history of cars, including the first car in Finland from 1913 and some futuristic creations of Finnish car designers. Then, continue your route to Rauma via a charming small road by the sea (road 1960 via Pyhäranta).

One cannot say ”history” without visiting the legendary Old Rauma. This Unesco World Heritage Site is the largest coherently preserved wood town area in the Nordic countries. It is still the heart of the city, where people live, work, trade and play in a historic environment all year round. Medieval features, such as narrow and meandering lanes and irregular plots, are still perceivable in the town structure of Old Rauma. The densely built area of almost 30 hectares has about 600 buildings, most of which are privately owned. Gorgeous gates and board fences bordering the yards are typical in the townscape.

Then continue west towards Eura. For some history way further in the past, stop at Luistari which is one of Finland’s best-known and widest graveyards from the Iron Age. A Prehistory Center gives you more information about life in Finland 1,000 years ago, and at Luistari, you can read stories and see drawings of people that once lived here.

Now head back to Turku. Choose to ride back via Rantatie road following the eastern banks of Lake Pyhäjärvi via Säkylä. The sceneries to the wide lake are breathtaking. Perhaps you want to have a swim by sunset? Or familiarize yourself to the Finnish traditional dancing culture and stop for a waltz or two at Valasranta

Facts on this adventure:

  • Total length of the route:: 270 km
  • Time needed: You can drive the route through in one day, but if you want to explore the cities and destinations more thoroughly, allow for more time and stay overnight in Rauma, for example.
  • Charging stations: On parking areas of supermarkets in Uusikauounki, Rauma, Eura and Säkylä, as well as in Savilanpuisto parking area next to Old Rauma.
  • Who the route is for: Both children and adults alike, Please note though that dancehall in Valasranta start later in the evening and may contain age restrictions.
  • The route in Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P1ACQoCn5QDCMquC7