This is perhaps the most insane break point in Finland – Hakkaa Huoltsikat: “Favorite place”

What’s the best place to take a break? Readers told us which stops in Finland have been their favorites. Mikkeli is a real hidden gem.

In the summer, many Finns spend long distances in their cars. Stopping places become important when it’s time to walk, eat, or just catch your breath.

We asked our readers where to find the best roadside rest stops in Finland. Where can you get the freshest coffee and doughnuts? Which place charms with its cozy setting, and where does the landscape look particularly beautiful?

Based on the responses, we compiled a list of places worth stopping at. The first two were clearly mentioned most often, but after that the places are in random order.

Kirkonvarkaus kiosk and café, Mikkeli

The Kirkonvarkaus kiosk and café in Mikkeli received the most mentions in the Iltalehti survey. Readers particularly praised the kiosk café’s ambiance and fresh pastries.

– The best donuts in Finland, and the scenery is unparalleled. A kiosk that has already achieved legendary fame, one reader shared his experiences of the place.

– Excellent homemade donuts and buns in a stunning setting. A family favorite, always a must-visit, commented another.

The kiosk café’s location and customer service also received praise.

– In a convenient location when driving from south to north. Absolutely great coffee, fresh and juicy donuts and great service!

Kontoriya Rami, Mikkeli

Mikkeli has an appeal, as Konditoria Rami, located there, also received a lot of praise.

– Such a great place to stop, everyone should visit!

– Very diverse selection. Really good food, and the sweet treats are also good.

– Neat. Delicious buffet lunch. For those with a smaller appetite, there is a huge selection of filled sandwiches and pastries. It’s a joy to explore the display cases and find fresh and delicious food, one of the readers explained his choice.

Readers also praised these:

Brass clock, Pyhäsalmi

– Old-time gas station nostalgia and a unique and beautiful stopping place where I have stopped on almost every trip to Oulu since childhood and will continue to do so.

– Really tasty food, made only after ordering. Fresh salads and tasty breads. Definitely the best place to eat on Nelostie. Clean place. The bells create a nice atmosphere.

Anne’s Art Café, Karvia

– At the same time, you can explore the magnificent paintings made by Anne Mattila. The coffee and doughnuts are the best in the country. Located along the Kammista Skantziin art route, a tourist route approved by the Finnish Transport Agency.

Strömfors Ironworks, Loviisa

– Strömfors Ironworks is one of the finest places to stop in all of Finland. I have stopped there for a meal or a drink, both by motorbike and by boat. The setting is incredibly beautiful and there is so much to see that sometimes I don’t even feel like continuing my journey.

Sanna’s boutique, Enontekiö

– By far the best place. Authentic, atmospheric. Always fresh doughnuts and coffee. Nothing pretentious, just a genuine Lapland atmosphere with reindeer and dogs.

Heinolan Harju Pavilion

– Heinola is a wonderful summer town and this is in a beautiful location.

Malmgård Manor, Loviisa and Kotka Market Square

– When driving east from Helsinki, it’s worth stopping at Malmgård Manor. There’s a farm shop and a brewery café. Grain products and beers. If you have more time, you can visit Malmgård Manor and be guided by a real count. Then when you drive to southeast Finland, go to Kotka Market Square to eat possoja.

Corrected the caption of the article at 3 p.m.: The Kirkonvarkaus kiosk is located along road 62, not road 13.

Corrected the caption of the article at 3 p.m.: The church theft kiosk is located along road 62, not road 13.

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These places, among others, also received mentions:

  • Kaunispään Huippu, Saariselkä
  • Punaisen Piipu Kievari, Nuutilanmäki
  • ABC Oritupa Orivesi
  • Zippi ja Suhaus, Sodankylä Porttipahta
  • Neste Matin ja Liisa Station, Lapinlahti
  • Miekankoski café, Mäntyharju
  • Farm shop, Kirkkonummi
  • Kyläspää, Petäjävesi
  • Utsjoki village hall Giisá