15 days in Helsinki, Lakeland & Lapland 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Kansallisgalleria and Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo). Let the collections at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum capture your imagination. There's still lots to do: visit Katajanokka, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), see the interesting displays at Hakasalmi Villa, and explore the world behind art at Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

For reviews, photos, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip itinerary app.

San Francisco, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 14- hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of flight and ferry. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a 10 hour difference. Traveling from San Francisco in April, expect nights in Helsinki to be little chillier, around 32°F, while days are cooler, around 47°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) early enough to go by car to Tampere.

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

Take a break from the city and head to Riihiniemen Uimaranta and Rauhaniemi Beach. Museum-lovers will get to explore Vapriikin Museokeskus and The Parola Armour Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from Tampere: Linna Golf & Country Club (in Hameenlinna) and Visavuori (in Valkeakoski). There's more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko and steep yourself in history at Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing.

To see photos, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Tampere trip itinerary planning tool.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. April in Tampere sees daily highs of 45°F and lows of 29°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) so you can take a train to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. On the 7th (Tue), look for all kinds of wild species at Arboretum Mustila, kick back and relax at Beach Mansikkalahti, and then get to know the fascinating history of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Here are some ideas for day two: wander the streets of Linden Esplanade, take an in-depth tour of World Heritage Site - Verla Groundwood and Board Mill, then hike along Hiidenvuori, and finally delve into the lush surroundings at Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area.

For more things to do, maps, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Kouvola trip builder website.

Traveling by train from Tampere to Kouvola takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 45°F, and evening lows to 31°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) early enough to drive to Savonlinna.

The picturesque town of Savonlinna sits on two islands surrounded by shimmering lakes and lush greenery.

On the 9th (Thu), explore the historical opulence of Savonlinna Cathedral, stop by Taito Shop Savonlinna, pause for some serene contemplation at Pikkukirkko, step into the grandiose world of Olavinlinna Castle, then examine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum, and finally contemplate the long history of Olavinlinnan Musta Passi.

For traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Savonlinna journey builder site.

You can drive from Kouvola to Savonlinna in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. April in Savonlinna sees daily highs of 44°F and lows of 28°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Thu) early enough to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. On the 10th (Fri), surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, then examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

To find reviews, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Inari online attractions planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and shuttle from Savonlinna to Inari takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, flight, and shuttle; or drive. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Savonlinna in April, with highs in Inari at 37°F and lows at 22°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Akaslompolo.

Get outdoors at Levi Ski Resort and Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. Step off the beaten path and head to Safaris and Lapland Hotels SnowVillage.

To find other places to visit, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Akaslompolo trip planner.

Traveling by car from Inari to Akaslompolo takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 38°F in April, and nighttime lows around 25°F. On the 14th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.