11 days in Finland Itinerary

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.

Escape the urban bustle at Nuuksio National Park and Hirsala Golf. The adventure continues: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For where to stay, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary website.

Rome, Italy to Helsinki is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Rome to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Rome in August, plan for much colder days and slightly colder nights in Helsinki: temperatures range from 24°C by day to 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to travel to Joensuu.

Joensuu is a city and municipality in North Karelia in the province of Eastern Finland. Visiting Paha-Koli Hill and Pielinen will get you outdoors. Get out of town with these interesting Joensuu side-trips: Patvinsuon Kansallispuisto (in Lieksa), Koli National Park (Kolinuuron kierros Nature Trail, Rasavaara Observation tower, &more) and Koli Shop Retkitupa (in Koli).

To see maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Joensuu trip planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Helsinki to Joensuu. August in Joensuu sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. On the 9th (Fri), take in the dramatic natural features at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site and then sample the tasty concoctions at Bock’s Corner Brewery.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Vaasa trip maker site.

You can drive from Joensuu to Vaasa in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. In August, daily temperatures in Vaasa can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) early enough to drive to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 10th (Sat): stroll through Herrainpaivat Beach, then make a trip to Juselius Mausoleum, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Yyteri Beach.

For where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Pori trip itinerary planning app.

Getting from Vaasa to Pori by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in August, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) so you can go by car to Tampere.

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

On the 11th (Sun), look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, then enjoy the sand and surf at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, and then stroll around Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower. On your second day here, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas and then enjoy the sand and surf at Rauhaniemi Beach.

To find photos, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Tampere travel planner.

Traveling by car from Pori to Tampere takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in August, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.