12 days in 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 2nd (Tue): view the masterpieces at Okra. On the 3rd (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, contemplate the long history of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, thendeepen your knowledge of military history at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, thencontemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), and finally shop like a local with Hakaniemi Market.

To find where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki online trip itinerary maker.

Bern, Switzerland to Helsinki is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. Traveling from Bern to Helsinki, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Bern in July, you will find days in Helsinki are a bit cooler (°C), and nights are about the same (°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Thu) to allow enough 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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Maritime Centre Vellamo and Cathedral of Porvoo. Get in touch with nature at Hiidenvuori and Arboretum Mustila. Venture out of the city with trips to Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area (in Kouvola) and Kotka (Riverside Park & Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum). The adventure continues: revel in the low prices at Brunberg Candy Factory Shop, make a trip to Porvoo Old Town, contemplate the long history of Ungern and Rosen Fortresses, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Castle Hill.

To see where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Porvoo travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Porvoo takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. July in Porvoo sees daily highs of °C and lows of °C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Turku.

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

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Turku Castle and Forum Marinum Maritime Centre. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Turku Cathedral and Old Rauma. Step out of Turku with an excursion to Teijo National Park in Pernio--about 1h 20 min away. There's more to do: examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo and take an in-depth tour of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.

For reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Turku trip planning site.

You can drive from Porvoo to Turku in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and train; or fly. In July, daytime highs in Turku are °C, while nighttime lows are °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Wed) early enough to drive to Tampere.

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

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Vapriikin Museokeskus and Tampereen Tuomiokirkko. Escape the urban bustle at Hatanpaa Arboretum and Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto. Step out of Tampere with an excursion to Laukko Manor in Vesilahti--about 42 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: enjoy breathtaking views from Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, take an in-depth tour of Emil Aaltosen Museo, examine the collection at Mediamuseo Rupriikki, and get a taste of the local shopping with Galleria Ronga.

To see other places to visit and tourist information, refer to the Tampere trip site.

Getting from Turku to Tampere by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In July in Tampere, expect temperatures between °C during the day and °C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can travel back home.