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.

Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Katajanokka are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Visit Temppeliaukio Church and Helsinki Cathedral for their historical value. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Old Market Hall, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), shop like a local with Hakaniemi Market, and buy something for everyone on your list at Kamppi Shopping Centre.

To find ratings, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Helsinki attractions planner.

Kampala, Uganda to Helsinki is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Kampala to Helsinki is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Kampala in March, things will get cooler in Helsinki: highs are around 3°C and lows about -5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Thu): step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle, soothe aching muscles at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, then admire the striking features of Kuusisto Manor, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral. On the 9th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, make a trip to ArtBank, then take an in-depth tour of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, and finally browse the collection at Turku City Library.

Before you visit Turku, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Drive from Helsinki to Turku in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In March, daytime highs in Turku are 3°C, while nighttime lows are -5°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) so you can go by car to Tampere.

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

On the 10th (Sat), stop by Alko, enjoy the sand and surf at Suolijarvi Beach, and then see a show at Tampere Hall.

To see other places to visit, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read our Tampere trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Turku to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In March, daily temperatures in Tampere can reach 3°C, while at night they dip to -7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Tavastia Proper.

Tavastia Proper is a region of Finland. Start off your visit on the 11th (Sun): see the interesting displays at Jokioinen Museum Railway and then step into the grandiose world of Hame Castle. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Holy Cross Church, then admire the local landmark of Musical Fountain, and then take a stroll around Sibelius Hall.

To find more things to do, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Tavastia Proper holiday planner.

Getting from Tampere to Tavastia Proper by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 1°C in March, and nighttime lows around -8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) so you can travel back home.