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.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Appreciate the collections at Kansallisgalleria and Design Museum. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Helsinki: Bellevue Beach (in Hanko) and Stromforsin Ruukki (in Ruotsinpyhtaa). Pack the 2nd (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's still lots to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Kallio Church, admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, shop like a local with Hakaniemi Market, and admire the masterpieces at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.

To see where to stay, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, use the Helsinki itinerary maker website.

Stavanger, Norway to Helsinki is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus, train, and ferry. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. When traveling from Stavanger in July, plan for a bit warmer days in Helsinki, with highs around 25°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) so you can travel to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Museum-lovers will appreciate Arctic Museum Nanoq and Carlsro Museum. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Neristan (Old Wooden Town) and Stundars Museum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Vaasa: Kristiinankaupunki (Ulrika Eleonora Church & Lebellska kopmansgarden), Salgrund Pilot Station (in Kaskinen) and Skata (in Pietarsaari). There's still lots to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Hietasaaren uimaranta, snap pictures at Raippaluodon Silta, see the interesting displays at Pohjanmaan Museo - Osterbottens Museum, and take in the exciting artwork at Tikanoja Art Museum.

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

You can fly from Helsinki to Vaasa in 3.5 hours. Other options are to 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.