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.

Museum-lovers will appreciate Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo). Discover out-of-the-way places like Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Kansallisgalleria. There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Rock Church, see the interesting displays at Hakasalmi Villa, wander the streets of Ullanlinna, and steep yourself in history at Mannerheim Museum.

For other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip itinerary maker site .

San Francisco, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 14-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or do a combination of flight and train. The time zone difference when traveling from San Francisco to Helsinki is 10 hours. While traveling from San Francisco, expect much colder days and little chillier nights in Helsinki, ranging from highs of 47°F to lows of 32°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) to allow time to take a train to Tampere.

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

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Visavuori and Tampere Cathedral. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Riihiniemen Uimaranta and Rauhaniemi Beach. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Tampere: Linna Golf & Country Club (in Haemeenlinna) and Parola Tank Museum (in Parola). There's lots more to do: see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, and steep yourself in history at Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing.

For more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Tampere trip itinerary maker site .

Traveling by train from Helsinki to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. In April, daytime highs in Tampere are 45°F, while nighttime lows are 29°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) so you can drive 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, then enjoy the sand and surf at Beach Mansikkalahti, and then get to know the fascinating history of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. On your second day here, wander the streets of Linden Esplanade, get engrossed in the history at World Heritage Site - Verla Groundwood and Board Mill, then take in the dramatic natural features at Hiidenvuori, and finally take a peaceful walk through Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area.

For more things to do, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Kouvola trip planner .

Drive from Tampere to Kouvola in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 45°F in April, and nighttime lows around 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), step into the grandiose world of Savonlinna Cathedral, stop by Taito Shop Savonlinna, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pikkukirkko, then step into the grandiose world of Olavinlinna Castle, then see the interesting displays at Savonlinna Provincial Museum, and finally pause for some photo ops at Olavinlinnan Musta Passi.

Plan my trip to Savonlinna with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

You can drive from Kouvola to Savonlinna in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can 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. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Thu) so you can travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Kick off your visit on the 10th (Fri): surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, see the interesting displays at Siida, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

For where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Inari travel planner .

Fly from Savonlinna to Inari in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. Traveling from Savonlinna in April, expect Inari to be a bit cooler, temps between 37°F and 22°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Fri) so you can go by car to Akaslompolo.

Get in touch with nature at Levi Ski Resort and Safaris. Discover out-of-the-way places like Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park and Seven Fells Up. When in Akaslompolo, make a side trip to see Snow Village in Kittila, approximately 32 minutes away.

To see ratings, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Akaslompolo trip planning website .

Traveling by car from Inari to Akaslompolo takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. In April in Akaslompolo, expect temperatures between 38°F during the day and 25°F at night. On the 14th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.