15 days in Lakeland & Helsinki Itinerary

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

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Sarkanniemi Theme Park and Hatanpaa Arboretum. There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing, stroll around Nasi Park, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, and see the interesting displays at Moomin Museum.

To see maps, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, read Tampere travel planner.

Rome, Italy to Tampere is an approximately 8.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Rome to Tampere due to the time zone difference. While traveling from Rome, expect much colder days and slightly colder nights in Tampere, ranging from highs of 20°C to lows of 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) so you can drive to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Bring the kids along to Repovesi National Park and Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area. Get out of town with these interesting Kouvola side-trips: Kotka (Linden Esplanade, Varissaari - Fort Elisabeth, &more). The adventure continues: examine the collection at Kouvola Tube Radio Museum.

To see ratings, maps, and tourist information, read our Kouvola online trip planner.

Traveling by car from Tampere to Kouvola takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In June, daytime highs in Kouvola are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Lappeenranta.

On the shores of the country's largest lake system, Lappeenrata serves as the economic and cultural center of southeast Finland.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Thu): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Ristikankaan kappeli, pause for some serene contemplation at Lappeenrannan kirkko, step into the grandiose world of Sandcastle Lappeenranta, admire the striking features of Lappeen Marian kirkko, then explore the activities along Saimaa Canal, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Joutsenon kirkko.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Lappeenranta road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kouvola to Lappeenranta takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Lappeenranta can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to 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.

Koli National Park is known for trails, nature, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: trek along Paha-Koli Hill, stroll through Kasken Kierros Nature Trail, explore the activities along Pielinen, and head outdoors with Neitikoski Rapids.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Koli National Park route builder tool.

Traveling by car from Lappeenranta to Koli National Park takes 4 hours. Expect a daytime high around 20°C in June, and nighttime lows around 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) to allow time to travel 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.

Attractions like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Helsinki Cathedral make great kid-friendly stops. Next up on the itinerary: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, browse the eclectic array of goods at Market Square Kauppatori, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria.

To find other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Helsinki online visit planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Koli National Park to Helsinki. June in Helsinki sees daily highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.