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. And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church, browse the exhibits of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria, and admire the natural beauty at Observatory Hill Park.

To see reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Helsinki sightseeing planning site.

San Francisco, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a 10 hour 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, learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum of Central Finland, take in the waterfront activity at Jyvaskylan Harbour, and see the interesting displays at The Alvar Aalto Museum.

To find photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read Jyvaskyla online travel planner.

Drive from Helsinki to Jyvaskyla in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. 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 - Kunsthalle Seinajoki, then see the interesting displays at Civil Guard and Lotta Museum, and finally make a trip to Aalto Center of Seinajoki.

To find more things to do, ratings, where to stay, 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.