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, then deepen your knowledge of military history at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, then contemplate 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 (25°C), and nights are about the same (15°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 Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum. Get in touch with nature at Hiidenvuori and Riverside Park. Venture out of the city with trips to Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area (in Kouvola) and Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki). There's lots more to do: admire the striking features of Cathedral of Porvoo, revel in the low prices at Brunberg Candy Factory Shop, get to know the fascinating history of Castle Hill, and steep yourself in history at Ungern and Rosen Fortresses.

To see traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Porvoo sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Porvoo takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In July, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 15°C. 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 Turku Cathedral. Let the collections at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo and Forum Marinum Maritime Centre capture your imagination. Change things up with these side-trips from Turku: Teijo National Park (in Pernio) and Old Rauma (in Rauma). There's more to do: get engrossed in the history at Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.

For maps, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Turku trip itinerary website.

Getting from Porvoo to Turku by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and train; or fly. In July, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Wed) to allow time 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 Laukko Manor. Escape the urban bustle at Hatanpaa Arboretum and Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, get engrossed in the history at Emil Aaltosen Museo, view the masterpieces at Galleria Ronga, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

To find other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Tampere driving holiday planner.

Getting from Turku to Tampere by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in July, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.