12 days in Savonlinna, Imatra & Helsinki Itinerary

The picturesque town of Savonlinna sits on two islands surrounded by shimmering lakes and lush greenery.

On the 14th (Sun), pause for some serene contemplation at Pikkukirkko, explore the historical opulence of Olavinlinna Castle, then examine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum, then examine the collection at S/S Salama, and finally explore the historical opulence of Savonlinna Cathedral.

To find more things to do and more tourist information, you can read our Savonlinna road trip site .

Copenhagen, Denmark to Savonlinna is an approximately 12-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Copenhagen to Savonlinna is 1 hour. July in Savonlinna sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) so you can drive to Imatra.

Although predominately an industrial town, Imatra boasts a long and impressive history of tourism, largely owing to its fierce rapids, considered to have been Finland's first ever tourist attraction.

Get outdoors at Repovesi National Park and Saimaa Canal. Lappeenranta Fortress and Imatrankoski Church are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get out of town with these interesting Imatra side-trips: Kouvola (Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area & Hevoshaan Arboretum) and Lappeenranta (Sandcastle Lappeenranta & Lappeenrannan kirkko). There's lots more to do: take in the dramatic scenery at Imatra Waterfall, head off the coast to Lammassaari Island, and get outside with Atreenalin Seikkailupuistot.

For more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Imatra itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Savonlinna to Imatra takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in July, and nighttime lows around 14°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to catch the train to Helsinki.

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 Arboretum Mustila and Teijo National Park will get you outdoors. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Cathedral of Porvoo. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Helsinki: Porvoo (Porvoo Old Town & Castle Hill). Spend the 20th (Sat) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's still lots to do: admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria, hunt for treasures at Hakaniemi Market, get engrossed in the history at The National Museum of Finland, and learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo).

For reviews, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Imatra to Helsinki by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and flight. In July, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.