12 days in Finland Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 21st (Fri): let little ones run wild at Duck Park (Sorsapuisto), stroll through Rauhaniemi Beach, and then meet the residents at Sarkanniemi Theme Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat): get your game on at HopLop, tour the pleasant surroundings at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, then look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, and finally have some family-friendly fun at PortaaliVR.

To find where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Tampere trip planner.

Ljubljana, Slovenia to Tampere is an approximately 7.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Ljubljana to Tampere is 1 hour. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Ljubljana in August; daily highs in Tampere reach 23°C and lows reach 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) to allow enough time to take a train to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 23rd (Sun): snap pictures at Raippaluodon Silta and then explore the striking landscape at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Vaasa trip planner.

Traveling by train from Tampere to Vaasa takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) so you can travel to Koli National Park.

Although many Koli National Park tours revolve around the majestic natural landscape, there are still plenty of things to see and do for those pursuing culture and heritage.

Koli National Park is known for trails, nature, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: hike along Paha-Koli Hill, explore the activities along Pielinen, tour the pleasant surroundings at Kasken Kierros Nature Trail, and examine the collection at Pielisen Museum.

For reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Koli National Park trip planner.

Traveling by car from Vaasa to Koli National Park takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in August, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. On the 27th (Thu), see the interesting displays at Woikosken Automuseo, explore the striking landscape of Repovesi National Park, and then examine the collection at Kouvola City Museum. On your second day here, stroll through Santalahti Nature Trail, then admire the striking features of Varissaari - Fort Elisabeth, and then delve into the lush surroundings at Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area.

To see other places to visit, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Kouvola trip itinerary builder website.

Drive from Koli National Park to Kouvola in 5 hours. In August in Kouvola, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Helsinki.

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.

Bring the kids along to Temppeliaukio Church and Senate Square. There's lots more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha, get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, and look for gifts at MyGoodKnife Helsinki.

For more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, use the Helsinki journey planning website.

You can drive from Kouvola to Helsinki in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. August in Helsinki sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Mon) so you can travel back home.