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 Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki) and Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area (in Kouvola). 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 Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo. 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. 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.

To see reviews, maps, 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 fly. 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 go by car 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, view the masterpieces at Galleria Ronga, examine the collection at Mediamuseo Rupriikki, and take an in-depth tour of Emil Aaltosen Museo.

To see where to stay, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Tampere road trip app.

You can drive from Turku to Tampere in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Tampere are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can travel back home.