16 days in Finland 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.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Nuuksio National Park and Room Escape Games. Change things up with a short trip to Porvoo Old Town in Porvoo (about 50 minutes away). And it doesn't end there: explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, admire the landmark architecture of Helsinki Central Railway Station, and hunt for treasures at Hakaniemi Market.

For photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip planner.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Helsinki is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Amsterdam to Helsinki. Traveling from Amsterdam in September, expect Helsinki to be a bit cooler, temps between 19°C and 8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) early enough to drive to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Kick off your visit on the 17th (Tue): see the interesting displays at Kouvola City Museum, then explore the striking landscape of Repovesi National Park, and then witness the site of a historic battle at Utti Fort.

For reviews, ratings, photos, and tourist information, use the Kouvola trip planner.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Kouvola takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Kouvola are 17°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Wed): admire the sheer force of Imatra Waterfall, then take in the dramatic natural features at Kummakivi Boulder, and then identify plant and animal life at Siikalahti Wetland. On the 19th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the waterfront views at Saimaa Canal, then don't miss a visit to Sandcastle Lappeenranta, and then see the interesting displays at Lappeenranta Fortress.

For where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Imatra trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Kouvola to Imatra takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 17°C, and evening lows to 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Fri): fly down the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort and then hike along Urho Kekkonen National Park.

For where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Saariselka trip builder tool.

Do a combination of train and flight from Imatra to Saariselka in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Imatra in September: high temperatures in Saariselka hover around 13°C and lows are around 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sat): gear up at Elan Ski Shop & Rental and then explore the landscape on two wheels at Levi Ski Resort. On the next day, join the crowd at Icekarting Levi, get your game on at G2 ICEKARTING, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm.

To see reviews, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Levi day trip site.

Traveling by flight from Saariselka to Levi takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September in Levi, expect temperatures between 13°C during the day and 5°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can go by car to Kuusamo.

Kuusamo is a town and municipality in Finland. Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): tour the pleasant surroundings at Ruka and then explore the striking landscape at Julma Olkky. Keep things going the next day: look for gifts at Riipisen Wild Game and Souvenier Shop, then contemplate the waterfront views at Kiutakongas Rapids, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Pieni Karhunkierros Trail.

To see other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read our Kuusamo trip itinerary maker app.

You can drive from Levi to Kuusamo in 5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or fly. In September, daytime highs in Kuusamo are 13°C, while nighttime lows are 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova and Turun Kauppahalli. Step out of Turku to go to Rauma and see Old Rauma, which is approximately 1h 25 min away. There's much more to do: brush up on your military savvy at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral, step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle, and get your game on at Moomin World.

To see reviews, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Turku trip planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and train from Kuusamo to Turku takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Kuusamo in September, expect nights in Turku to be about the same, around 7°C, while days are a bit warmer, around 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (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.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, then look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, and finally stroll through Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

To see more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Tampere road trip planning site.

Getting from Turku to Tampere by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 17°C, and evening lows to 7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.