13 days in Helsinki, Lakeland & Seinajoki 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Sapokka Water Garden and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Get out of town with these interesting Helsinki side-trips: Riverside Park (in Kotka) and Porvoo (Porvoo Old Town, Cathedral of Porvoo, &more). Pack the 30th (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church, explore the galleries of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, admire the natural beauty at Observatory Hill Park, and pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral.

To see reviews, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Helsinki driving holiday site.

San Francisco, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 14- hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of flight and ferry. You'll lose 10 hours traveling from San Francisco to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Traveling from San Francisco in May, things will get a bit cooler in Helsinki: highs are around 60°F and lows about 43°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) so you can drive to Jyvaskyla.

Jyväskylä is a city and municipality in Finland and in the western part of the Finnish Lakeland. Step off the beaten path and head to Puijo Tower and Kuopio Market City Hall. Venture out of the city with trips to Pyha-Hakki National Park (in Saarijarvi), Room Escape Games (in Kuopio) and Paijatsalo Trail (in Sysma). Spend the 4th (Tue) exploring nature at Leivonmaki National Park. Next up on the itinerary: brush up on your military savvy at Finnish Air Force Museum, examine the collection at The Alvar Aalto Museum, take in the waterfront activity at Jyvaskylan Harbour, and pause for some serene contemplation at Mikkeli Cathedral.

To see photos, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read Jyvaskyla online travel planner.

Drive from Helsinki to Jyvaskyla in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect little chillier evenings in Jyvaskyla when traveling from Helsinki in June, with lows around 45°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Seinajoki.

Seinäjoki is a city located in Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland. Kick off your visit on the 8th (Sat): browse the collection at Seinajoki Library, view the masterpieces at Seinajoen Taidehalli, then see the interesting displays at Civil Guard and Lotta Museum, and finally make a trip to Aalto Center of Seinajoki.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Seinajoki online trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Jyvaskyla to Seinajoki takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In June, daily temperatures in Seinajoki can reach 64°F, while at night they dip to 45°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sat) early enough to take a train back home.