11 days in Helsinki, Turku & Mariehamn 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali). Museum-lovers will get to explore Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Design Museum. When in Helsinki, make a side trip to see Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, approximately Espoo away. Next up on the itinerary: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, take a stroll through Katajanokka, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church.

To find maps and other tourist information, read our Helsinki trip builder tool.

If you are flying in from France, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. In August, daytime highs in Helsinki are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) to allow enough 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.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna and Vepsa Island. Naantali Old Town and Forum Marinum Maritime Centre are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's still lots to do: step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle, take a spin around town with Bike Rental - by Carfield, take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, and admire the landmark architecture of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel.

For maps, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Turku trip itinerary builder website.

You can drive from Helsinki to Turku in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or fly. In August, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Mariehamn.

Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. Get in touch with nature at Getabergen and Kobba Klintar. Get some cultural insight at Kastelholm Castle and Museumship Pommern. Venture out of the city with trips to Bomarsund (in Sund) and Aland Hunting & Fishing Museum (in Eckero). Next up on the itinerary: brush up on your military savvy at Aland Maritime Museum, try to win big at PAF Casino, stroll around Lilla holmen, and explore the engaging exhibits at The Cultural History Museum of Aland.

To see photos, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, use the Mariehamn travel route planner.

Traveling by flight from Turku to Mariehamn takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. August in Mariehamn sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.