15 days in Finland 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 Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo). Change things up with a short trip to Porvoo Old Town in Porvoo (about 50 minutes away). Pack the 10th (Wed) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. Next up on the itinerary: explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, get a taste of the local shopping with Hakaniemi Market, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral.

For reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip planning site.

Zurich, Switzerland to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Zurich to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Zurich in July, expect nights in Helsinki to be about the same, around 15°C, while days are little chillier, around 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Fri) so you can travel to Punkaharju.

Punkaharju is a former municipality of Finland. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Olavinlinna Castle and Linnansaari National Park. When in Punkaharju, make a side trip to see Savonlinna Provincial Museum in Savonlinna, approximately Savonlinna away. There's lots more to do: see the interesting displays at Lusto - The Finnish Forest Museum, take in the dramatic natural features at Punkaharju Ridge, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kerimaki Church.

For photos, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Punkaharju holiday planner.

Drive from Helsinki to Punkaharju in 4.5 hours. In July, daytime highs in Punkaharju are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) early enough to travel to Oulu.

Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Nallikari Beach and Tietomaa. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Oulu: Raahe Museum (in Raahe), Luovon Puoji (in Hailuoto) and Kierikki Stone Age Centre (in Yli-Ii). There's still lots to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Hupisaaret Park, admire the natural beauty at Botanical Garden, University of Oulu, examine the collection at Pohjois-Pohjanmaan museo, and shop like a local with Pohjoisen Valokuvakeskus.

For ratings, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Oulu day trip planning site.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Punkaharju to Oulu. In July, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 14°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Fri) early enough to catch the train to Rovaniemi.

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

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Syvasenvaara Fell and Santa's House of Snowmobiles. Go for a jaunt from Rovaniemi to Ylitornio to see Tatuka Reindeerfarm about 38 minutes away. There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, see the top attractions with Feelapland, and look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier.

For ratings, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi tour planner.

Traveling by train from Oulu to Rovaniemi takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. July in Rovaniemi sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.