23 days in Lakeland, Lapland & Helsinki Region Itinerary

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

Let the collections at Vapriikin Museokeskus and Visavuori capture your imagination. Get some historical perspective at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko and Finlayson Church. Take a break from Tampere with a short trip to St Olaf's Church in Tyrvaa in Sastamala, about 52 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: tour the pleasant surroundings at Hatanpaa Arboretum, don't miss a visit to Nasinneula Tower, examine the collection at Moomin Museum, and get in on the family fun at Sarkanniemi Theme Park.

For reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Tampere day trip planner.

Paris, France to Tampere is an approximately 8.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also drive; or do a combination of car, train, and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Paris to Tampere. In August, Tampere is a bit cooler than Paris - with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) so you can travel 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 25th (Wed): examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Juutua Nature Trail, and then experience rural life at Tuula's Reindeer. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take an exotic tour of Visit Inari Safaris & Accommodation, then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, and then get outside with Lake Inari.

To find traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Inari route planner.

Do a combination of train and flight from Tampere to Inari in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. When traveling from Tampere in August, plan for slightly colder days in Inari, with highs around 19°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 9°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Ranua.

Ranua is a municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Lapland. Kick off your visit on the 27th (Fri): learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Ranua Zoo.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Ranua travel planning website.

You can drive from Inari to Ranua in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 27th (Fri) to allow time for travel to Koli National Park.

Although many Koli National Park tours revolve around the majestic natural landscape, there are still plenty of things to see and do for those pursuing culture and heritage.

Visiting Ukko-Koli Hill and Paha-Koli Hill will get you outdoors. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Kasken Kierros Nature Trail and Makravaara Hill. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Koli National Park: Kuopio (Kuopio Market City Hall & Puijo Tower). The adventure continues: tour the pleasant surroundings at Akka-Koli Hill, make a trip to Paateri, explore the activities along Pielinen, and enjoy breathtaking views from Rasavaara Observation tower.

For ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Koli National Park day trip tool.

Getting from Ranua to Koli National Park by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and flight. In August in Koli National Park, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Tue) so you can travel to Savonlinna.

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

On the 1st (Wed), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pikkukirkko, explore the historical opulence of Olavinlinna Castle, then examine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum, and finally explore the historical opulence of Savonlinna Cathedral.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Savonlinna itinerary planning app.

Getting from Koli National Park to Savonlinna by car takes about 3 hours. August in Savonlinna sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Wed) to allow time to drive to Lappeenranta.

On the shores of the country's largest lake system, Lappeenrata serves as the economic and cultural center of southeast Finland.

Museum-lovers will appreciate Lappeenranta Fortress and Lappeenrannan taidemuseo. Step out of the city life by going to Repovesi National Park and Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lappeenranta: Kouvola (Model Railroad Museum Kouvola & World Heritage Site - Verla Groundwood and Board Mill). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Saimaa Canal and make a trip to Sandcastle Lappeenranta.

To find where to stay, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Lappeenranta trip planner.

Traveling by car from Savonlinna to Lappeenranta takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Lappeenranta are 17°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) so you can 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.

Visit Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum for their historical value. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Temppeliaukio Church and Helsinki Cathedral. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Tuusula Church (in Tuusula), Porvoo (Cathedral of Porvoo & Porvoo Old Town) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). There's much more to do: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, and get to know the fascinating history of The Esplanadi Park.

For ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Helsinki trip planner.

Getting from Lappeenranta to Helsinki by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In September in Helsinki, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 8°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) so you can fly back home.