10 days in Tampere, Turku & Helsinki Itinerary

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Wed): enjoy breathtaking views from Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum.

For maps, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Tampere trip planner .

Paris, France to Tampere is an approximately 7.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; or drive. The time zone changes from Central European Time (CET) to Eastern European Time (EET), which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Paris in August, things will get little chillier in Tampere: highs are around 23°C and lows about 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) so you can take a train to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

Turku Castle and Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova will appeal to museum buffs. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Turku Cathedral and Old Rauma. Get out of town with these interesting Turku side-trips: Kurjenrahka National Park (in Poytya) and Burial Site of Sammallahdenmaki (in Rauma). There's lots more to do: examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, wander the streets of Naantali Old Town, step aboard Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, and get lost in a book at Turku City Library.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Turku trip itinerary builder tool .

Take a train from Tampere to Turku in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight. In August, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) so you can drive to Helsinki.

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Mannerheim Museum. Museum-lovers will appreciate Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Kansallisgalleria. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Helsinki: Cathedral of Porvoo (in Porvoo), Maritime Centre Vellamo (in Kotka) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). There's much more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukion Church, take in the spiritual surroundings of Johannes Church, get curious at Heureka, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral.

For more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, use the Helsinki online journey maker .

Drive from Turku to Helsinki in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In August in Helsinki, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Thu) so you can travel back home.