12 days in Helsinki & Turku 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.

Get outdoors at Nuuksio National Park and Bellevue Beach. Visit Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Helsinki Cathedral for their historical value. Venture out of the city with trips to Castle Hill (in Porvoo), Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki) and Teijo National Park (in Pernio). And it doesn't end there: take a stroll through Katajanokka, browse the exhibits of Mannerheim Museum, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Kallio Church, and explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria.

To find reviews, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read Helsinki online vacation planner.

If you are flying in from Canada, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. In December, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 3°C, while at night they dip to -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Fri) 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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Turku Castle. Start off your visit on the 5th (Sat): learn about all things military at Rauman Merimuseo - Rauma Maritime Museum, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Church of the Holy Cross, and then get engrossed in the history at Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: relax and rejuvenate at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, take in the spiritual surroundings of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel, then learn about all things military at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, and finally get engrossed in the history at Turku Castle.

To see other places to visit, ratings, photos, and tourist information, use the Turku trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Helsinki to Turku in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In January in Turku, expect temperatures between -3°C during the day and -9°C at night. On the 7th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive back home.