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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Cathedral of Porvoo. Go for a jaunt from Helsinki to Porvoo to see Porvoo Old Town about 50 minutes away. The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, and get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo).

For where to stay, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read Helsinki itinerary planner.

New York City, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 13-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 7 hours traveling from New York City to Helsinki. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from New York City in July: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 71°F and lows are around 55°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) early enough to drive to Tampere.

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

Start off your visit on the 11th (Sun): tour the pleasant surroundings at Sarkanniemi Theme Park. Keep things going the next day: examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, then identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum, and finally stroll through Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

For photos, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Tampere online travel route planner.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. July in Tampere sees daily highs of 70°F and lows of 52°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) so you can go by car to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. On the 13th (Tue), test your team's savvy at Mysteeri Pori - Escape Room with a Story, head outdoors with Yyterin Nakotorni, then enjoy the sand and surf at Yyteri Beach, and finally kick back and relax at Herrainpaivat Beach.

For maps, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Pori trip builder site.

Getting from Tampere to Pori by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 69°F in July, and nighttime lows around 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Wed): explore the landscape on two wheels at Bike Rental - by Carfield, then explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle, then brush up on your military savvy at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, and finally see the interesting displays at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo. Keep things going the next day: wander the streets of Naantali Old Town, take an in-depth tour of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral.

To find traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Turku itinerary planning site.

Traveling by car from Pori to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In July, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 70°F, while at night they dip to 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Thu) early enough to travel to Mariehamn.

Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. Start off your visit on the 16th (Fri): walk around Lilla holmen, then learn about all things military at Aland Maritime Museum, then examine the collection at Museumship Pommern, and finally see the interesting displays at Kastelholm Castle.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Mariehamn day trip planning website.

Getting from Turku to Mariehamn by flight takes about 2 hours. Other options: ride a ferry. Expect a daytime high around 68°F in July, and nighttime lows around 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.