11 days in Helsinki & Central 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.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Sun): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, then take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, then admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, and finally admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria. On the next day, stroll around The Esplanadi Park, then hunt for treasures at Hakaniemi Market, then admire the striking features of Cathedral of Porvoo, and finally make a trip to Porvoo Old Town.

To see other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Helsinki tour planner.

Dallas, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 18-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually an 8 hour difference. Prepare for colder weather when traveling from Dallas in September: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 61°F and lows are around 45°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can travel to Saarijarvi.

Saarijärvi is a town and municipality of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 17th (Tue): see the interesting displays at Car Museum Wanhat Wehkeet and then get your game on at Liikelataamo. Keep things going the next day: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Pyha-Hakki National Park.

To see reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Saarijarvi trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Saarijarvi takes 4 hours. In September, plan for daily highs up to 57°F, and evening lows to 41°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) so you can travel to Jyvaskyla.

Jyväskylä is a city and municipality in Finland and in the western part of the Finnish Lakeland. Popular historic sites such as Church of Keuruu and Muurame Church (Muuramen kirkko) are in your itinerary. Step off the beaten path and head to Oravivuori Triangulation Tower and Serlachius Museum Gustaf. Venture out of the city with trips to Mikkeli (Mikkelin Taidemuseo, Mikkeli Cathedral, &more), Pirtin perinnepuisto (in Kangasniemi) and Gösta Serlachius Museum, Museum of Art (in Mantta-Vilppula). There's still lots to do: admire the striking features of Petajavesi Old Church, examine the collection at The Craft Museum of Finland, learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum of Central Finland, and test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms.

For photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Jyvaskyla sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Saarijarvi to Jyvaskyla takes an hour. September in Jyvaskyla sees daily highs of 57°F and lows of 41°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to travel back home.