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.

For where to stay, maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki online 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. 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 take a bus 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 Riverside Park. Venture out of the city with trips to Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum (in Kotka), Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area (in Kouvola) and Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki). And it doesn't end there: get some fabulous bargains at Brunberg Candy Factory Shop, don't miss a visit to Porvoo Old Town, appreciate the extensive heritage of Castle Hill, and steep yourself in history at Ungern and Rosen Fortresses.

To see traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Porvoo vacation planner.

You can take a bus from Helsinki to Porvoo in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in July, and nighttime lows around 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sun) so you can 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 Ett Hem Museum capture your imagination. Change things up with these side-trips from Turku: Teijo National Park (in Pernio) and Old Rauma (in Rauma). It doesn't end there: take an in-depth tour of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova and learn about all things military at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre.

For ratings, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Turku trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Porvoo to Turku takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or do a combination of bus and flight. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in July, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can catch the train 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 Hatanpaa Arboretum and Vapriikin Museokeskus. Laukko Manor and Emil Aaltosen Museo will appeal to museum buffs. Go for a jaunt from Tampere to Ylojarvi to see Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto about 58 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, view the masterpieces at Galleria Ronga, tour the pleasant surroundings at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, and examine the collection at Mediamuseo Rupriikki.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Tampere trip site.

Getting from Turku to Tampere by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In July in Tampere, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can travel back home.