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.

Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Katajanokka are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Visit Temppeliaukio Church and The Esplanadi Park for their historical value. Take a break from Helsinki with a short trip to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, about 48 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence, take a stroll through Ullanlinna, and look for all kinds of wild species at Laajalahti Nature Reserve.

For reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Helsinki tour planning app.

London, UK to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from London to Helsinki. In September, Helsinki is a bit cooler than London - with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Kick off your visit on the 13th (Fri): look for all kinds of wild species at Riverside Park, then stop by Linden Esplanade, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pyhtaa Church of Saint Henry, and finally don't miss a visit to Stromforsin Ruukki. Here are some ideas for day two: look for all kinds of wild species at Arboretum Mustila, then explore the striking landscape at Hiidenvuori, then take a peaceful walk through Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area, and finally see the interesting displays at Kouvola City Museum.

To find maps, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Kouvola online attractions planner.

You can drive from Helsinki to Kouvola in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 17°C in September, and nighttime lows around 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. On the 15th (Sun), examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, and then take a memorable tour with Tours.

To find ratings, photos, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Inari tour itinerary tool.

You can fly from Kouvola to Inari in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Kouvola in September; daily highs in Inari reach 13°C and lows reach 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 16th (Mon): explore the striking landscape at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site. Keep things going the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Mustasaaren kirkko, then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Bock’s Corner Brewery, then examine the collection at Pohjanmaan Museo - Osterbottens Museum, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Hietasaaren uimaranta.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Vaasa online travel route planner.

You can fly from Inari to Vaasa in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from Inari in September, plan for a bit warmer days in Vaasa, with highs around 17°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) early enough to catch the train to Tampere.

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

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Tampereen Tuomiokirkko and Vapriikin Museokeskus. Get some historical perspective at Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing and Vanha Kirkko. Take a break from Tampere with a short trip to Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto in Ylojarvi, about 54 minutes away. The adventure continues: identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum, pause for some serene contemplation at Finlayson Church, and kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach.

For more things to do, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Tampere trip planning website.

Traveling by train from Vaasa to Tampere takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. September in Tampere sees daily highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.