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.

On the 2nd (Tue), view the masterpieces at Okra. On the next day, take in the spiritual surroundings of Rock Church, take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, steep yourself in history at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), and finally browse the eclectic array of goods at Hakaniemi Market.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Helsinki vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Bern, Switzerland to Helsinki is an approximately 7-hour combination of train and flight. You can also do a combination of train, bus, and flight; or drive. The time zone difference moving from Central European Time (CET) to Eastern European Time (EET) is 1 hour. When traveling from Bern in July, plan for a bit cooler days in Helsinki, with highs around 25°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Porvoo.

Porvoo, one of Finland's oldest and prettiest towns, boasts cobbled streets, famous red-brick warehouses, and a charming river.

You'll explore and learn at Maritime Centre Vellamo and Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum. Cathedral of Porvoo and Ungern and Rosen Fortresses are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get out of town with these interesting Porvoo side-trips: Riverside Park (in Kotka), Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki) and Hiidenvuori (in Iitti). There's much more to do: take a peaceful walk through Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area, get to know the fascinating history of Castle Hill, don't miss a visit to Porvoo Old Town, and get some fabulous bargains at Brunberg Candy Factory Shop.

To find maps, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Porvoo itinerary planner .

You can drive from Helsinki to Porvoo in an hour. Another option is to take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Porvoo can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sun) 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.

Appreciate the collections at Turku Castle and Ett Hem Museum. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Old Rauma and Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. When in Turku, make a side trip to see Teijo national park in Pernio, approximately 1h 20 min away. There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral, see the interesting displays at Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum, and brush up on your military savvy at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Turku driving holiday website .

You can drive from Porvoo to Turku in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Wed) early enough to take a train to Tampere.

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

Do your shopping at Laukko Manor and Galleria Ronga. Do some cultural sightseeing at Vapriikin Museokeskus and Emil Aaltosen Museo. When in Tampere, make a side trip to see Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto in Ylojarvi, approximately 54 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampere Cathedral, enjoy breathtaking views from Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, and see the interesting displays at Mediamuseo Rupriikki.

To see more things to do, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Tampere road trip planner .

Traveling by train from Turku to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in July, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can travel back home.