14 days in Helsinki & Vaasa 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.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Bellevue Beach and Aurinkolahti Beach. Appreciate the collections at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. Change things up with a short trip to Stromforsin ruukki in Ruotsinpyhtaa (about 1h 25 min away). Pack the 2nd (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Fortress of Suomenlinna, get engrossed in the history at National Museum of Finland, enjoy the sand and surf at Hietaranta Beach, and hunt for treasures at Hakaniemi Market.

To see where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Helsinki trip itinerary builder .

Stavanger, Norway to Helsinki is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone changes from Central European Time to Eastern European Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Stavanger in July, expect nights in Helsinki to be about the same, around 15°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Neristan (Old Wooden Town) and Skata. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Hietasaaren uimaranta and Carlsro Museum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Vaasa: Salgrund Pilot Station (in Kaskinen), Arctic Museum Nanoq (in Pietarsaari) and Kristiinankaupunki (Ulrika Eleonora Church & Lebellska kopmansgarden).

For reviews, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read Vaasa trip itinerary maker tool .

You can fly from Helsinki to Vaasa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In July, daytime highs in Vaasa are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 14th (Sat) to allow time for travel back home.