21 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.

Popular historic sites such as Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Helsinki Cathedral are in your itinerary. Get a sense of the local culture at Temppeliaukio Church and The Esplanadi Park. Step out of Helsinki to go to Espoo and see Nuuksio National Park, which is approximately 48 minutes away. Pack the 27th (Sat) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), visit Ullanlinna, meet the residents at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha, and wander the streets of Katajanokka.

For ratings, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip itinerary website.

San Diego, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a 10 hour difference. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from San Diego in July; daily highs in Helsinki reach 71°F and lows reach 55°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Start off your visit on the 30th (Tue): see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, then see Santa Claus Office, and finally don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village. On your second day here, pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church, get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, and then stroll the grounds of German Soldier s Cemetery.

For reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip site.

Getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 67°F in July, and nighttime lows around 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Inari.

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 1st (Thu): pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and then get interesting insight from Tours.

To see ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Inari road trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Rovaniemi to Inari takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and flight. In July in Inari, expect temperatures between 64°F during the day and 49°F at night. On the 3rd (Sat), you'll travel to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. On the 4th (Sun), identify plant and animal life at Arboretum Mustila, then get engrossed in the history at World Heritage Site - Verla Groundwood and Board Mill, and then take a peaceful walk through Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 5th (Mon): pause for some serene contemplation at Pyhan Ristin kirkko and then find something for the whole family at Tykkimaki Amusement Park.

To find reviews, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Kouvola online trip builder.

Traveling by flight from Inari to Kouvola takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Inari in August; daily highs in Kouvola reach 69°F and lows reach 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to drive to Tampere.

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

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Tue): get in on the family fun at Sarkanniemi Theme Park. Here are some ideas for day two: look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, and then kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach.

To see reviews, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Tampere itinerary site.

Drive from Kouvola to Tampere in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Tampere can reach 68°F, while at night they dip to 50°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 8th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Turku.

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

On the 8th (Thu), get engrossed in the history at Turku Castle. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: browse the collection at Turku City Library, see the interesting displays at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, then take an in-depth tour of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, and finally gain insight at Turku Cathedral.

To see other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Turku route maker.

Getting from Tampere to Turku by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 68°F in August, and nighttime lows around 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) so you can drive to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 11th (Sun): steep yourself in history at Stromso and then find something for the whole family at Powerpark. On the 12th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: pause for some serene contemplation at Mustasaaren kirkko, sample the tasty concoctions at Bock’s Corner Brewery, and then cool off at Tropiclandia.

For traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Vaasa trip planner.

Getting from Turku to Vaasa by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: fly; or take a train. In August in Vaasa, expect temperatures between 67°F during the day and 51°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.