16 days in Lakeland, Turku & Helsinki Itinerary

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Get a sense of the local culture at Maritime Centre Vellamo and Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Sandcastle Lappeenranta and Church of Ruotsinpyhtaa. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kouvola: Kotka (Sapokka Water Garden & St. Nicholas Orthodox Church) and Lappeenranta Fortress (in Lappeenranta). On the 12th (Mon), spend an exhilarating day on the slopes at Mielakka Ski Center.

To see where to stay, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, read Kouvola trip itinerary website .

Adelaide, Australia to Kouvola is an approximately 29-hour flight. You'll gain 7 hours traveling from Adelaide to Kouvola due to the time zone difference. In August, Kouvola is somewhat warmer than Adelaide - with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Tue) to allow enough time to take a train to Tampere.

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

Get outdoors at Hatanpaa Arboretum and Laurinmaki nature and culture area, Crofter's Museum. Vapriikin Museokeskus and Galleria Ronga are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Go for a jaunt from Tampere to Parola to see Parola Tank Museum about 1h 10 min away. Spend the 16th (Fri) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Sarkanniemi Theme Park. And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pyhan Birgitan kirkko, and take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

For ratings, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read Tampere trip planner .

You can take a train from Kouvola to Tampere in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in August, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) to allow enough time to take a train to Turku.

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

Your inner history buff will appreciate Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova and Turku Cathedral. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Forum Marinum Maritime Centre and Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Turku: Rauma (Burial Site of Sammallahdenmaki & Old Rauma) and Kurjenrahka National Park (in Poytya). There's still lots to do: explore the galleries of Turku Castle, don't miss a visit to Naantali Old Town, and get lost in a book at Turku City Library.

To find maps, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Turku road trip planner.

Getting from Tampere to Turku by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and flight. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in August, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) to allow time to drive 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Temppeliaukion Church. Get some cultural insight at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Kansallisgalleria. Explore Helsinki's surroundings by going to Heureka (in Vantaa) and Cathedral of Porvoo (in Porvoo). Spend the 21st (Wed) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Mannerheim Museum, admire the masterpieces at Sinebrychoff Art Museum, take a stroll through Katajanokka, and take an in-depth tour of Finnish Aviation Museum.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Helsinki tour itinerary builder app .

Traveling by car from Turku to Helsinki takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in August, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can travel back home.