18 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.

Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Aurinkolahti Beach and Hietaranta Beach. Get some cultural insight at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali). Go for a jaunt from Helsinki to Espoo to see Nuuksio National Park about 48 minutes away. Pack the 4th (Sat) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's lots more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, buy something for everyone on your list at Flamingo Entertainment Center, don't miss a visit to Senate Square, and pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral.

For where to stay, maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki driving holiday planner.

Geneva, Switzerland to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is 1 hour. While traveling from Geneva, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Helsinki, ranging from highs of 24°C to lows of 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) early enough to catch the train to Lahti.

Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. On the 9th (Thu), fly down the slopes at Messila Maailma Oy Ski Center, thenponder the design of Musical Fountain, and then get into the urban bustle at Sibelius Hall.

To find traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Lahti attractions planner.

Take a train from Helsinki to Lahti in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Thu) so you can travel to Rantasalmi.

Rantasalmi is a municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Eastern Finland and is part of the Southern Savonia region. On the 10th (Fri), explore the striking landscape of Linnansaari National Park. Keep things going the next day: explore the historical opulence of Savonlinna Cathedral, pause for some photo ops at The Spirit of the fortress, appreciate the history behind Olavinlinnan Musta Passi, thenstep into the grandiose world of Olavinlinna Castle, and finally examine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum.

To find maps, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Rantasalmi trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Lahti to Rantasalmi takes 3 hours. In August, daily temperatures in Rantasalmi can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Mustasaari.

Korsholm is a municipality of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sun): take in the dramatic natural features at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read our Mustasaari sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Rantasalmi to Mustasaari in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight. In August, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 13th (Mon): buy something for everyone on your list at Kauppakeskus Puuvilla, thentake in the exciting artwork at Pori Art Museum, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Yyteri Beach.

To find maps, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Pori road trip planning site.

You can drive from Mustasaari to Pori in 3 hours. In August, daily temperatures in Pori can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) so you can drive to Turku.

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

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral. Visiting Kurjenrahka National Park and Ispoinen Beach and Sauna will get you outdoors. And it doesn't end there: browse the different shops at Kauppakeskus Mylly, get your game on at Moomin World, pause for some serene contemplation at Naantali Church, and hike along The Archipelago Trail.

To see where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, use the Turku journey maker site.

Getting from Pori to Turku by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. August in Turku sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Tampere.

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

On the 17th (Fri), take in the spiritual surroundings of Vanha Kirkko, thenenjoy the sand and surf at Rauhaniemi Beach, and then kick back and relax at Suolijarvi Beach. On the next day, find something for the whole family at Sarkanniemi Theme Park.

To find traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Tampere trip site.

You can drive from Turku to Tampere in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In August, daytime highs in Tampere are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can travel back home.