15 days in Finland Itinerary

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

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Auttikongas and SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus. The adventure continues: Head underground at Syvasenvaara Fell, see Santa Claus Office, get your game on at Snowman World Igloo Hotel, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Napapiirin Porofarmi.

For more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, use the Rovaniemi travel planner.

San Francisco, USA to Rovaniemi is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 10 hours traveling from San Francisco to Rovaniemi. Traveling from San Francisco in August, expect Rovaniemi to be a bit cooler, temps between 63°F and 49°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) early enough to drive to Kuusamo.

Kuusamo is a town and municipality in Finland. On the 7th (Fri), look for gifts at Shopping Center Kumpare, then trek along Pieni Karhunkierros Trail, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Kiutakongas Rapids. On the 8th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the world behind art at Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre, then head outdoors with Karhunkierros, then stop by Riipisen Wild Game and Souvenier Shop, and finally experience rural life at Palosaari Reindeer and Fishing Farm.

To find where to stay, photos, maps, and tourist information, read our Kuusamo online visit planner.

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Kuusamo in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In August in Kuusamo, expect temperatures between 63°F during the day and 48°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Sotkamo.

Sotkamo is a municipality of Finland, located in the Kainuu region. Kick off your visit on the 9th (Sun): get outside with Kainuun Vaellustalli and then enjoy the sand and surf at Venajanhiekka. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Hiidenportti National Park.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read Sotkamo travel planner.

Drive from Kuusamo to Sotkamo in 3.5 hours. In August in Sotkamo, expect temperatures between 66°F during the day and 50°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) so you can travel to Koli National Park.

Although many Koli National Park tours revolve around the majestic natural landscape, there are still plenty of things to see and do for those pursuing culture and heritage.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Tue): explore the striking landscape of Kolinuuron kierros Nature Trail, hike along Ukko-Koli Hill, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Pielinen. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 12th (Wed): look for gifts at Koli Shop Retkitupa, then hike along Herajarvi Hiking Trail, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Paha-Koli Hill.

For ratings, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Koli National Park trip planner.

Traveling by car from Sotkamo to Koli National Park takes 2.5 hours. In August, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 52°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to travel to Imatra.

Although predominately an industrial town, Imatra boasts a long and impressive history of tourism, largely owing to its fierce rapids, considered to have been Finland's first ever tourist attraction.

On the 13th (Thu), step off the mainland to explore Lammassaari Island, enjoy the sand and surf at Lempukka Beach, then trek along Malonsaari, and finally admire the sheer force of Imatra Waterfall.

For reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Imatra online trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Koli National Park to Imatra in 3.5 hours. August in Imatra sees daily highs of 68°F and lows of 53°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. On the 14th (Fri), kick back and relax at Yyteri Beach, kick back and relax at Herrainpaivat Beach, and then enjoy some friendly competition at Space Bowling & Billiards.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Pori trip itinerary maker app.

Getting from Imatra to Pori by car takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of train, flight, and bus. In August, daily temperatures in Pori can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to drive to Helsinki.

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.

Explore hidden gems such as Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Sibelius Monument. Change things up with a short trip to Porvoo Old Town in Porvoo (about 50 minutes away). Pack the 16th (Sun) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. The adventure continues: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, make a trip to Senate Square, explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, and pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral.

To find other places to visit and other tourist information, use the Helsinki trip website.

You can drive from Pori to Helsinki in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. August in Helsinki sees daily highs of 69°F and lows of 53°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.