12 days in Helsinki, Southwest Finland & Lakeland 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.

Visiting Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kallahdenniemi Beach will get you outdoors. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Bellevue Beach and Hietaranta Beach. Explore Helsinki's surroundings by going to Tulliniemi Nature Path (in Hanko) and Inkoon kirkko (in Inkoo). And it doesn't end there: steep yourself in history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, see the interesting displays at Mannerheim Museum, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, and admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church.

To find more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki journey app.

Budapest, Hungary to Helsinki is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Budapest in August, expect Helsinki to be slightly colder, temps between 24°C and 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to drive to Turku.

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

On the 14th (Fri), take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, then let the kids burn off some steam at Adventure Park, and finally wander the streets of Naantali Old Town. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 15th (Sat): learn about all things military at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, then explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle, and then get engrossed in the history at Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.

To find other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Turku trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In August, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Tampere.

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

On the 16th (Sun), kick back and relax at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, then take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, then identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko.

For ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Tampere trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Turku to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. August in Tampere sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) so you can drive to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Get in touch with nature at Valkmusa National Park and Lehman. Get some cultural insight at Maritime Centre Vellamo and Kotka Church. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kouvola: Kotka (Aijanniemi Beach, Linden Esplanade, &more).

To find other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Kouvola driving holiday planner.

Getting from Tampere to Kouvola by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In August in Kouvola, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.