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.

You'll explore and learn at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Visit Temppeliaukio Church and Kamppi Chapel of Silence for their historical value. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Brunberg Candy Factory Shop (in Porvoo) and Gumbostrand Konst & Form (in Sipoo). There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, get to know the fascinating history of The Esplanadi Park, get a taste of the local shopping with Galerie Forsblom, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali).

For traveler tips, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip planning site.

Kelowna, Canada to Helsinki is an approximately 18-hour flight. Traveling from Kelowna to Helsinki, you'll lose 10 hours due to the time zone difference. In August, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can drive to Tampere.

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

Get some historical perspective at Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing and Pyhan Birgitan kirkko. Head to Laukko Manor and Vitikkala Manorfor some retail therapy. Change things up with these side-trips from Tampere: Visavuori (in Valkeakoski) and The Parola Armour Museum (in Parola). There's still lots to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, stroll through Rauhaniemi Beach, take in the exciting artwork at Galleria Ronga, and see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus.

To find maps, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Tampere tour planner.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in August, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Wed) so you can go by car to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 22nd (Thu): stroll through Yyteri Beach, then get a taste of the local shopping with Pori Art Museum, then look for gifts at Ruokapuoti Lumo, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Church of the Holy Cross. Here are some ideas for day two: get engrossed in the history at The Old Town Hall Museum, get to know the fascinating history of Old Rauma, then enjoy the sand and surf at Herrainpaivat Beach, and finally see the interesting displays at Villa Mairea.

For other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Pori day trip tool.

Traveling by car from Tampere to Pori takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In August, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) so you can go by car to Turku.

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

Do some cultural sightseeing at Turku Castle and Turun Taidehalli. You'll explore and learn at Galleria Joella and Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. Step out of Turku with an excursion to Bellevue Beach in Hanko--about 1h 55 min away. There's lots more to do: browse the different shops at Kauppakeskus Mylly, deepen your understanding at Turku Cathedral, examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, and enjoy the sand and surf at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna.

For more things to do, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Turku trip planner.

Traveling by car from Pori to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in August, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) so you can travel back home.