17 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.

Take a break from Helsinki with a short trip to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, about 48 minutes away. There's still lots to do: learn about all things military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, explore the galleries of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, and admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukion Church.

To see reviews, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read our Helsinki tour itinerary maker .

Tel Aviv, Israel to Helsinki is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry. Prepare for much colder weather when traveling from Tel Aviv in October: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 10°C and lows are around 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Wed) so you can go by car to Turku.

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

On the 10th (Thu), trek along The Archipelago Trail, explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle, and then steep yourself in history at Turku Cathedral. On your second day here, tour the pleasant surroundings at Uto, then get engrossed in the history at Ett Hem Museum, and then grab your bike and head to Bike Rental - by Carfield.

To find reviews, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Turku day trip planning website .

Getting from Helsinki to Turku by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or fly. In October, plan for daily highs up to 10°C, and evening lows to 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 12th (Sat): see the interesting displays at Terranova and then step off the mainland to explore Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

For maps, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Vaasa driving holiday planner.

Drive from Turku to Vaasa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. In October, plan for daily highs up to 9°C, and evening lows to 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Rovaniemi.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Start off your visit on the 13th (Sun): head outdoors with Lake Inari, pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, and then get a taste of life in the country at Angeli Reindeer Farm. Here are some ideas for day two: examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, then stroll through Juutua Nature Trail, and then get a taste of life in the country at Reindeer Farm Petri Mattus.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Inari trip itinerary app .

You can fly from Vaasa to Inari in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In October, Inari is little chillier than Vaasa - with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) so you can drive to Rovaniemi.

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

On the 15th (Tue), make a trip to Santa Claus Village, then don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Office, then take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, and finally experience rural life at Poro Farmi. Keep things going the next day: identify plant and animal life at Arctic Emotions Oy and then stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier.

To find maps, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi journey builder .

Drive from Inari to Rovaniemi in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. October in Rovaniemi sees daily highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Wed) so you can travel to Joensuu.

Joensuu is a city and municipality in North Karelia in the province of Eastern Finland. Get out of town with these interesting Joensuu side-trips: Kerimaki Church (in Kerimaki) and Riihisaari (in Savonlinna). The adventure continues: explore the activities along Pielinen, take in nature's colorful creations at Botania - Botanical Garden and Tropical Butterfly Garden, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Joensuu Church, and look for gifts at Taitokortteli.

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Joensuu travel planning tool .

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Rovaniemi to Joensuu. In October, daytime highs in Joensuu are 6°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) so you can travel 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 20th (Sun): take in nature's colorful creations at Fuksinpuisto Park and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Repovesi National Park. On your second day here, stroll around Riverside Park, take an in-depth tour of Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum, have fun at Katariina Seaside Park, then admire the natural beauty at Sapokka Water Garden, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Palotorninvuori Park.

To see photos, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Kotka vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Joensuu to Kotka takes 4.5 hours. In October, plan for daily highs up to 8°C, and evening lows to 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.