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). The adventure continues: explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria, admire the striking features of Helsinki Central Railway Station, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali).

For photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki trip planner.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Helsinki is an approximately 5.5- hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or drive. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is 1 hour. 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 take a train 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.

To find maps, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, use the Kouvola trip planner.

Traveling by train from Helsinki to Kouvola takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; 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 take a train 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.

To see maps, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Imatra trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by train from Kouvola to Imatra takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; 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 maps, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Saariselka trip builder tool.

Do a combination of train and flight from Imatra to Saariselka in 6.5 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 traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Levi day trip site.

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Saariselka to Levi takes 3 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 travel 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 find other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our Kuusamo trip itinerary maker app.

You can fly from Levi to Kuusamo in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. 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 Turku Castle and Naantali Old Town. Step out of Turku to go to Rauma and see Old Rauma, which is approximately 1h 25 min away. And it doesn't end there: get engrossed in the history at Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, get lost in a book at Turku City Library, and get your game on at Moomin World.

For other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Turku travel site.

Traveling by flight from Kuusamo to Turku takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. While traveling from Kuusamo, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Turku, ranging from highs of 18°C to lows of 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (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.

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 find more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, read our Tampere road trip planning site.

Getting from Turku to Tampere by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; 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.