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 Teijo National Park. Visit Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum for their historical value. Venture out of the city with trips to Castle Hill (in Porvoo), Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki) and Bellevue Beach (in Hanko). And it doesn't end there: take a stroll through Katajanokka, pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), and explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria.

For other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Helsinki day trip site.

If you are flying in from Canada, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. Expect a daytime high around °C in December, and nighttime lows around °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) so you can 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, thentake 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, thenlearn 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 °C during the day and °C at night. On the 7th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive back home.