16 days in Helsinki, Finnish Archipelago & Lakeland 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.

Head to Hakaniemi Market and Taiga Colorsfor plenty of shopping. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Aurinkolahti Beach and Hietaranta Beach. Change things up with a short trip to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo (about 48 minutes away). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, browse the exhibits of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, pause for some serene contemplation at Temppeliaukio Church, and make a trip to Market Square Kauppatori.

For more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Helsinki journey planning website.

Singapore, Singapore to Helsinki is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. Traveling from Singapore to Helsinki, you'll gain 6 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Singapore in September, things will get colder in Helsinki: highs are around 19°C and lows about 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Mariehamn.

Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. Start off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): see the interesting displays at Museumship Pommern, learn about all things military at Aland Maritime Museum, thenhead off the coast to Kobba Klintar, and finally step into the grandiose world of Jan Karlsgården Outdoor museum Jan Karlsgården.

To find ratings, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Mariehamn trip tool.

You can fly from Helsinki to Mariehamn in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry; or ride a ferry. In September in Mariehamn, expect temperatures between 18°C during the day and 9°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) early enough to travel to Hanko.

Hanko is a bilingual port town and municipality on the south coast of Finland, 130km west of Helsinki. Popular historic sites such as Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral are in your itinerary. You'll get in some beach time at Bellevue Beach and Ispoinen Beach and Sauna. Step out of Hanko with an excursion to Teijo National Park in Pernio--about 1h 10 min away. There's more to do: hike along Tulliniemi Nature Path and contemplate the long history of Pike's Gut.

To see photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Hanko trip planner.

Explore your travel options from Mariehamn to Hanko with the Route module. In September, daytime highs in Hanko are 18°C, while nighttime lows are 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can travel to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 27th (Fri): take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Church of the Holy Cross, thenstop by Ruokapuoti Lumo, thenget to know the fascinating history of Old Rauma, and finally kick back and relax at Yyteri Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 28th (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Central Pori Church (Keski-Porin kirkko), buy something for everyone on your list at Kauppakeskus Puuvilla, thenkick back and relax at Herrainpaivat Beach, and finally stop by Patakirppis.

To find photos, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Pori itinerary planning site.

Drive from Hanko to Pori in 3.5 hours. In September, daily temperatures in Pori can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Kuhmo.

Kuhmo is a town and a municipality in Finland and is located at the south-eastern corner of the Kainuu region. Start off your visit on the 29th (Sun): look for all kinds of wild species at Wild Taiga and then look for all kinds of wild species at Boreal Wildlife Centre.

For photos, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Kuhmo trip itinerary planning site.

Getting from Pori to Kuhmo by car takes about 8 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and car. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to travel to Savonlinna.

The picturesque town of Savonlinna sits on two islands surrounded by shimmering lakes and lush greenery.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Mon): explore the historical opulence of Savonlinna Cathedral, look for gifts at Taito Shop Savonlinna, browse the fresh offerings at Savonlinna Market Square, thenmake a trip to Pikkukirkko, thenexamine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum, and finally step into the grandiose world of Olavinlinna Castle.

To find more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Savonlinna trip planner.

You can drive from Kuhmo to Savonlinna in 5 hours. In September, daytime highs in Savonlinna are 16°C, while nighttime lows are 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can drive to Kotka.

Kotka is a city and municipality of Finland.Kotka is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland at the mouth of Kymi River and it is part of the Kymenlaakso region in southern Finland. Kick off your visit on the 1st (Tue): identify plant and animal life at Arboretum Mustila and then steep yourself in history at Stromforsin Ruukki. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll around Riverside Park, thentour the pleasant surroundings at Santalahti Nature Trail, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Lehman.

To find traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Kotka road trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Savonlinna to Kotka takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In September in Kotka, expect temperatures between 17°C during the day and 9°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) early enough to travel back home.