13 days in Turku, Lapland & Helsinki Itinerary

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Sun): take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, let the kids burn off some steam at Adventure Park, enjoy the sand and surf at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, then explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle, and finally get lost in a book at Turku City Library. Keep things going the next day: trek along The Archipelago Trail, see the interesting displays at Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum, and then explore the ancient world of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Turku trip planner.

Manama, Bahrain to Turku is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. Traveling from Manama to Turku, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Manama in September, with highs in Turku at 18°C and lows at 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Rovaniemi.

An urban center set amongst the great Arctic wilderness, Rovaniemi serves as the capital of Lapland province.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Tue): engage your brain at Pilke Science Centre and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church.

For reviews, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read Rovaniemi online visit planner .

Traveling by combination of train and flight from Turku to Rovaniemi takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. While traveling from Turku, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Rovaniemi, ranging from highs of 13°C to lows of 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Akaslompolo.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): look for gifts at Akaslompolo Sportshop, then head outdoors with Scandinavian Adventures, and then take an exotic tour of a safari tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: meet the residents at Konijanka Petting Zoo and then head outdoors with Seven Fells Up.

For ratings, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Akaslompolo trip itinerary maker website .

Traveling by car from Rovaniemi to Akaslompolo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Akaslompolo can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 5°C. On the 8th (Sat), you'll travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sat): make a trip to Giewont Husky Adventures and then experience rural life at Ounaskievari Reindeer Farm.

To see maps, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read our Levi trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Akaslompolo to Levi by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 13°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Start off your visit on the 9th (Sun): examine the collection at Siida, then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, then hike along Juutua Nature Trail, and finally experience rural life at Tuula's Reindeer. On your second day here, go for a walk through Otsamo Fell.

For reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Inari itinerary planner .

Traveling by combination of bus, flight, and shuttle from Levi to Inari takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 13°C in September, and nighttime lows around 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Mon) to allow time for travel 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Sibelius Monument. Next up on the itinerary: learn about all things military at Fortress of Suomenlinna, browse the eclectic array of goods at Hakaniemi Market, take in the spiritual surroundings of Rock Church, and admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria.

To find traveler tips, maps, photos, and tourist information, read our Helsinki day trip tool .

Traveling by combination of shuttle and flight from Inari to Helsinki takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Inari in September, things will get a bit warmer in Helsinki: highs are around 19°C and lows about 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) so you can travel back home.