11 days in Helsinki, Lakeland & Finnish Archipelago 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.

Visiting Nuuksio National Park and Aurinkolahti Beach will get you outdoors. There's still lots to do: brush up on your military savvy at Fortress of Suomenlinna, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, don't miss a visit to Senate Square, and step off the mainland to explore Pihlajasaari Recreational Park.

For photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read Helsinki road trip app .

Seville, Spain to Helsinki is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or drive. Traveling from Seville to Helsinki, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Seville in July, plan for colder days in Helsinki, with highs around 25°C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) so you can take a train to Lappeenranta.

On the shores of the country's largest lake system, Lappeenrata serves as the economic and cultural center of southeast Finland.

On the 2nd (Fri), explore the historical opulence of Sandcastle Lappeenranta, get engrossed in the history at South Karelia Museum, then pause for some serene contemplation at Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Joutsenon kirkko, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Saimaa Canal.

For more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Lappeenranta planning app .

Traveling by train from Helsinki to Lappeenranta takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. August in Lappeenranta sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) so you can take a train to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. On the 3rd (Sat), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Repovesi National Park.

To see traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Kouvola road trip planning website .

Getting from Lappeenranta to Kouvola by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In August, daytime highs in Kouvola are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sat) so you can go by car to Turku.

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

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Sun): take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, then get engrossed in the history at Turku Castle, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Vepsa Island. On your second day here, browse the collection at Turku City Library, enjoy the sand and surf at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, then see the interesting displays at Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum, and finally explore the ancient world of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.

To see more things to do, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Turku sightseeing planner .

Drive from Kouvola to Turku in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and flight. In August, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to drive to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 6th (Tue): contemplate the long history of Palace of Junnelius, then admire the masterpieces at Pori Art Museum, then don't miss a visit to Juselius Mausoleum, and finally kick back and relax at Yyteri Beach.

To see traveler tips, photos, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Pori trip itinerary app .

Drive from Turku to Pori in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. August in Pori sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Tue) so you can drive to Tampere.

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

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Wed): stroll through Rauhaniemi Beach.

For reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Tampere road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Pori to Tampere takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. August in Tampere sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 7th (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.