15 days in Lappeenranta, Koli National Park & Rovaniemi Itinerary

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

Step out of the city life by going to Lammassaari Island and Lietvesi Scenic Road. Explore hidden gems such as Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God and Lappeen Marian kirkko. Change things up with these side-trips from Lappeenranta: Imatra (Tainionkosken Church & Church of St. Nicholas), Ruokolahti (Ruokolahden Kirkko, Ruokolahden Kellotapuli, &more) and Mikkeli (Mikkeli Rural Parish Church, Naisvuori Observation Tower, &more). The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to Viewing Platform in Puumala, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Joutsenon kirkko, get engrossed in the history at Wolkoff House Museum, and admire the striking features of Varissaari - Fort Elisabeth.

To find out how to plan a trip to Lappeenranta, use our trip itinerary maker.

Pisa, Italy to Lappeenranta is an approximately 14-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is 1 hour. In August, Lappeenranta is a bit cooler than Pisa - with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) to allow time 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.

Step out of the city life by going to Pielinen and Akka-Koli Hill. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Paateri and Neitikoski Rapids. Step out of Koli National Park to go to Juuka and see Paalasmaan Surukivi, which is approximately 38 minutes away. There's much more to do: hike along Herajarvi Hiking Trail, stroll through Makravaara Hill, see the interesting displays at Pielisen Museum, and delve into the lush surroundings at Patvinsuon Kansallispuisto.

To find photos, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Koli National Park vacation app.

Drive from Lappeenranta to Koli National Park in 4 hours. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in August, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Get in touch with nature at Korouoma Canyon and Auttikongas. Explore hidden gems such as Syvasenvaara Fell and Angry Birds Park. Change things up with these side-trips from Rovaniemi: Sodankyla (Museum - Gallery Alariesto, Luosto, &more). The adventure continues: stroll the grounds of German Soldier s Cemetery, don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square, take in the dramatic natural features at Hiidenkirnut, and get engrossed in the history at Rovaniemi Local History Museum.

To see reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Rovaniemi trip tool.

Traveling by car from Koli National Park to Rovaniemi takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight. In August, daytime highs in Rovaniemi are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.