Peripatetic drivers will enjoy exploring this beautiful part of the world, which is home to 187,000 lakes. Summer is the best time to visit and explore the region's many little lakeside towns, but it is just as much fun during the winter when it teems with snow-sport enthusiasts who explore the land on cross-country skis and snowmobiles. With its ruined medieval castles, shimmering lakes, and cute artist-inspired towns, the region can provide eight or nine days worth of exploring for those keen to meander from town to town at a leisurely pace. For those keen for a bit more adventure, the region is home to The Neste Oil Rally, the biggest publicly organised event in any Nordic Country. More than 500,000 spectators flood the usually scarcely populated country in June and July every year, to watch the daredevil drivers take on high-speed jumps and hairpin turns as they race to the finish line.

Luxury Stay. Klaus K, Helsinki. Begin and end your journey at this unique member of Design Hotels. The romantic era building was given a modern makeover by Finnish Architects Antti-Matti Siikala and Sarlotta Narjos who also designed Helsinki's Kone Building.