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 lots more to do: explore the galleries of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, kick back and relax at Hietaranta Beach, admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, and walk around Pihlajasaari Recreational Park.

Find out how to plan Helsinki trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Seville, Spain to Helsinki is an approximately 10- hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or drive. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a 1 hour difference. While traveling from Seville, expect much colder days and slightly colder nights in Helsinki, ranging from highs of 25°C to lows of 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Thu) early enough to catch the 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), step into the grandiose world of Sandcastle Lappeenranta, get engrossed in the history at South Karelia Museum, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God, then pause for some serene contemplation at Joutsenon kirkko, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Saimaa Canal.

To see photos, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Lappeenranta tour itinerary maker.

You can take a train from Helsinki to Lappeenranta in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. August in Lappeenranta sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Fri) early enough to take a train to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Sat): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Repovesi National Park.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read Kouvola trip planner.

Traveling by train from Lappeenranta to Kouvola takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August, daytime highs in Kouvola are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sat) to allow time to drive to Turku.

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

On the 4th (Sun), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral, explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Vepsa Island. Here are some ideas for day two: browse the collection at Turku City Library, then kick back and relax at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, then examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, and finally get engrossed in the history at Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.

For more things to do, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, read Turku trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kouvola to Turku takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in August, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) so you can drive to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 6th (Tue): admire the landmark architecture of Palace of Junnelius, then shop like a local with Pori Art Museum, then make a trip to Juselius Mausoleum, and finally kick back and relax at Yyteri Beach.

To see photos, reviews, maps, and tourist information, read Pori trip planner.

You can drive from Turku to Pori in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. In August in Pori, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 12°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Tue) 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 7th (Wed), stroll through Rauhaniemi Beach.

To see traveler tips, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Tampere trip planner.

You can drive from Pori to Tampere in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. In August, daily temperatures in Tampere can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 7th (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.