11 days in Helsinki Region & Southwest 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.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Sun): cruise along King's Road, steep yourself in history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, and then explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria. On the next day, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Nuuksio National Park.

To see photos, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read Helsinki sightseeing planner .

Newark, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 17-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Eastern European Time (EET), which is usually a 7 hour difference. In May, Helsinki is a bit cooler than Newark - with highs of 60°F and lows of 43°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Pernio.

Perniö is a former municipality of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 21st (Tue): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Teijo national park.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Pernio trip planner .

You can drive from Helsinki to Pernio in 2 hours. In May, daytime highs in Pernio are 59°F, while nighttime lows are 40°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) so you can travel to Turku.

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

Turku Castle has been added to your itinerary. On the 22nd (Wed), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Archangel Michael's church, pause for some serene contemplation at Martinkirkko, then make a trip to Pargas Church, and finally step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle. On the 23rd (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the natural beauty at Kultaranta Garden, tour the pleasant surroundings at The Archipelago Trail, then examine the collection at Louhisaari Manor, and finally let the kids burn off some steam at Adventure Park.

For where to stay, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Turku online road trip planner .

Traveling by car from Pernio to Turku takes 1.5 hours. In May, plan for daily highs up to 59°F, and evening lows to 40°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) so you can drive to Kimito Island.

On the 24th (Fri), identify plant and animal life at Oro and then get engrossed in the history at Soderlangvik. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 25th (Sat): enjoy the sea views from Archipelago National Park.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Kimito Island day trip app .

Traveling by car from Turku to Kimito Island takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Kimito Island can reach 59°F, while at night they dip to 40°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Porvoo.

Porvoo, one of Finland's oldest and prettiest towns, boasts cobbled streets, famous red-brick warehouses, and a charming river.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Sun): ponder the design of Musical Fountain, then see the interesting displays at Directions Lahden historiallinen Museo, and then identify plant and animal life at Arboretum Mustila. On the 27th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pyhtaa Church of Saint Henry, then stroll through Santalahti Nature Trail, then look for all kinds of wild species at Riverside Park, and finally steep yourself in history at Castle Hill.

To see reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Porvoo trip tool .

Getting from Kimito Island to Porvoo by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and train; or do a combination of bus and flight. Expect a daytime high around 60°F in May, and nighttime lows around 42°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.