14 days in Helsinki Region & Lakeland 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 out of Helsinki to go to Espoo and see Nuuksio National Park, which is approximately 48 minutes away. There's still lots to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, get to know the fascinating history of The Esplanadi Park, take an in-depth tour of The National Museum of Finland, and don't miss a visit to Senate Square.

Plan my day in Helsinki using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

London, UK to Helsinki is an approximately 6- hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or do a combination of car and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from London to Helsinki. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from London in November; daily highs in Helsinki reach 5°C and lows reach 0°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to travel to Lieksa.

Lieksa is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Eastern Finland and is part of the North Karelia region. On the 14th (Sat), examine the collection at Pielisen Museum, make a trip to Paateri, then take in panoramic vistas at Rasavaara Observation tower, and finally hit the slopes at Ukko-Koli. On the 15th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get outside with Neitikoski Rapids and then hike along Akka-Koli Hill.

For where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read our Lieksa travel route app.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Helsinki to Lieksa. In November, Lieksa is a bit cooler than Helsinki - with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) so you can travel to Kuopio.

Kuopio is a city and a municipality located in the region of Northern Savonia, Finland. Kick off your visit on the 16th (Mon): have fun at Vainolanniemi, pause for some serene contemplation at St. Nikolaos Cathedral, stroll around Snellman Park, then get a sense of history and politics at Kuopio Market City Hall, and finally test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: examine the collection at Kulttuurihistoriallinen Museo, take in panoramic vistas at Puijo Tower, then examine the collection at RIISA - Orthodox Church Museum of Finland, then admire the masterpieces at Kuopio Art Museum, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Lutheran Cathedral.

For where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Kuopio trip itinerary planning site.

You can drive from Lieksa to Kuopio in 3 hours. Expect a daytime high around 1°C in November, and nighttime lows around -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) early enough to take a train to Mikkeli.

Mikkeli is a town and municipality in Finland. Kick off your visit on the 18th (Wed): cruise along Puumalan Lake, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. George Church, and then get into the urban bustle at Konsertti-ja Kongressitalo Mikaeli. Here are some ideas for day two: get outside with Lietvesi Scenic Road, don't miss a visit to Viewing Platform in Puumala, pause for some serene contemplation at Mikkeli Rural Parish Church, then don't miss a visit to Naisvuori Observation Tower, and finally examine the collection at Communications Centre Lokki.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Mikkeli trip planner.

You can take a train from Kuopio to Mikkeli in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In November, daytime highs in Mikkeli are 2°C, while nighttime lows are -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Tampere.

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

Get out of town with these interesting Tampere side-trips: Ahvenisto (in Hameenlinna) and Padasjoen Tuomastornit (in Padasjoki). The adventure continues: examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, have fun at Pyynikki's Swim Hall, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Finlayson Church, and steep yourself in history at Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing.

For other places to visit, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read Tampere road trip planner.

Drive from Mikkeli to Tampere in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Tampere can reach 3°C, while at night they dip to -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.