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. There's much more to do: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, take a stroll through Ullanlinna, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, and get to know the fascinating history of The Esplanadi Park.

To find ratings, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki online tour planner.

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) so you can 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 Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo 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 Bomarsund. Change things up with a short trip to Aland Hunting & Fishing Museum in Eckero (about 32 minutes away). There's still lots to do: brush up on your military savvy at Aland Maritime Museum, have fun and explore at The Aland Island Art Museum, take in the waterfront at The Maritime Quarter, and walk around Lilla holmen.

Before you visit Mariehamn, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Traveling by flight from Turku to Mariehamn takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. In August, daily temperatures in Mariehamn can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.