12 days in Helsinki, Lakeland & Lapland 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. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Kansallisgalleria. There's much more to do: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence.

For photos, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip planner.

Kathmandu, Nepal to Helsinki is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3.8 hours traveling from Kathmandu to Helsinki. In August, Helsinki is slightly colder than Kathmandu - with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) 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 12th (Mon): kick back and relax at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum, and then stroll through Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus and then kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach.

For other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Tampere trip itinerary builder website.

You can drive from Helsinki to Tampere in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in August, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Pyhatunturi.

On the 14th (Wed), explore the striking landscape of Pyha-Luosto National Park. On the 15th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: discover the riches below the earth's surface at Amethyst Mine Lapland and then identify plant and animal life at Kopara Reindeer Park.

For other places to visit, reviews, maps, and tourist information, read our Pyhatunturi tour planner.

Explore your travel options from Tampere to Pyhatunturi with the Route module. In August in Pyhatunturi, expect temperatures between 20°C during the day and 9°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can travel to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Escape the urban bustle at Repovesi National Park and Hiidenvuori. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area and Arboretum Mustila. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kouvola: Kotka (Riverside Park, Linden Esplanade, &more).

To see photos and other tourist information, read our Kouvola travel route planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Pyhatunturi to Kouvola. Traveling from Pyhatunturi in August, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Kouvola, with lows of 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can travel back home.