13 days in Finland 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Nuuksio National Park. Get a sense of the local culture at Katajanokka and Kansallisgalleria. Go for a jaunt from Helsinki to Vantaa to see Sipoonkorven Kansallispuisto about 30 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: learn about all things military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, take in the spiritual surroundings of Temppeliaukion Church, and make a trip to Hakaniemi Market.

For where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Helsinki journey site .

Venice, Italy to Helsinki is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or drive. The time zone changes from Central European Time to Eastern European Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Venice in August: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 24°C and lows are around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) early enough to travel to Mariehamn.

Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. On the 9th (Fri), pick up a one of a kind souvenir at Antikbutiken, examine the collection at Museumship Pommern, then brush up on your military savvy at Aland Maritime Museum, then examine the collection at Kastelholm Castle, and finally identify plant and animal life at Getabergen. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to Bomarsund, examine the collection at Eckerö Post & tullhus, examine the collection at Aland Hunting & Fishing Museum, then have fun and explore at The Cultural History Museum of Aland, and finally explore the engaging exhibits at The Aland Island Art Museum.

To see where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Mariehamn online vacation planner .

Fly from Helsinki to Mariehamn in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of bus and flight. In August, daily temperatures in Mariehamn can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Jyvaskyla.

Jyväskylä is a city and municipality in Finland and in the western part of the Finnish Lakeland. Start off your visit on the 11th (Sun): stroll around Maki-Matin perhepuisto, brush up on your military savvy at Finnish Air Force Museum, get some fabulous bargains at Panda Factory Outlet, then examine the collection at Toivolan Vanha Piha, then examine the collection at The Alvar Aalto Museum, and finally get engrossed in the history at Keski-Suomen museo (Museum of Central Finland).

To find where to stay, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, use the Jyvaskyla trip website .

You can do a combination of flight and train from Mariehamn to Jyvaskyla in 6 hours. Other options are to fly; or do a combination of flight and bus. Traveling from Mariehamn in August, expect little chillier with lows of 10°C in Jyvaskyla. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sun) so you can go by car to Savonlinna.

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

Start off your visit on the 12th (Mon): examine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum, step into the grandiose world of Olavinlinna Castle, pause for some serene contemplation at Kirkkoniemen Kellotapuli, then step into the grandiose world of Savonlinna Cathedral, then pick up some local products at Savonlinna Market Square, and finally explore the activities along Siikalahti Wetland. Keep things going the next day: explore the striking landscape of Kolovesi National Park.

To see photos, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Savonlinna itinerary planner .

Traveling by car from Jyvaskyla to Savonlinna takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Savonlinna can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Porvoo.

Porvoo, one of Finland's oldest and prettiest towns, boasts cobbled streets, famous red-brick warehouses, and a charming river.

Get a sense of the local culture at Cathedral of Porvoo and Söderskärin majakka. Do your shopping at Brunberg Candy Factory Shop and Taidetehdas - Culture and Congress Center. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Porvoo: Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area (in Kouvola), Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki) and Hiidenvuori (in Iitti). There's still lots to do: make a trip to Porvoo Old Town, look for all kinds of wild species at Riverside Park, trek along Santalahti Nature Trail, and take in the dramatic natural features at Hiidenkirnut.

To find where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Porvoo online travel route planner .

Traveling by car from Savonlinna to Porvoo takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. In August, daytime highs in Porvoo are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.