11 days in Lakeland, Aland & Helsinki Itinerary

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

On the 2nd (Sun), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pyhan Birgitan kirkko, examine the collection at Moomin Museum, and then get in on the family fun at Sarkanniemi Theme Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Finlayson Church, take in the spiritual surroundings of Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, then identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum, and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

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Bologna, Italy to Tampere is an approximately 9.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Bologna to Tampere, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Bologna in August, plan for much colder days in Tampere, with highs around 23°C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) to allow time to travel to Mariehamn.

Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. Kick off your visit on the 4th (Tue): walk around Lilla holmen, brush up on your military savvy at Aland Maritime Museum, see the interesting displays at Museumship Pommern, then examine the collection at Kastelholm Castle, and finally take a leisurely stroll along The Maritime Quarter.

To see where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Mariehamn day trip planning app.

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Tampere to Mariehamn in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or fly. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in August, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can travel to Savonlinna.

The picturesque town of Savonlinna sits on two islands surrounded by shimmering lakes and lush greenery.

On the 5th (Wed), explore the historical opulence of Savonlinna Cathedral, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Paaskylahden kirkko, pause for some photo ops at The Spirit of the fortress, then appreciate the history behind Olavinlinnan Musta Passi, then explore the historical opulence of Olavinlinna Castle, and finally examine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum.

To find where to stay, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, read Savonlinna online travel route planner.

Traveling by flight from Mariehamn to Savonlinna takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In August, daytime highs in Savonlinna are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Wed) so you can go by car to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Repovesi National Park and Riverside Park. Visit Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum and Hamina Fortress for their historical value. Get out of town with these interesting Kouvola side-trips: Kotka (Maritime Centre Vellamo, Sapokka Water Garden, &more) and Hamina (St. John's Church, Hamina Town Hall, &more).

To see where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Kouvola trip planner.

You can drive from Savonlinna to Kouvola in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In August in Kouvola, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can go by car to Helsinki.

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.

Explore hidden gems such as Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and The National Museum of Finland. Do some cultural sightseeing at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Mannerheim Museum. And it doesn't end there: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, steep yourself in history at Old Customs House, admire the striking features of Johannes Church, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Temppeliaukio Church.

For ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Helsinki online trip builder.

Traveling by car from Kouvola to Helsinki takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in August, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Tue) so you can travel back home.