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 Sarkanniemi Theme Park capture your imagination. Get some historical perspective at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko and Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Tampere: St Olaf's Church in Tyrvaa (in Sastamala) and Visavuori (in Valkeakoski). There's still lots to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, stroll around Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, pause for some serene contemplation at Finlayson Church, and examine the collection at Moomin Museum.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Tampere road trip tool.

Paris, France to Tampere is an approximately 8-hour combination of flight and train. You can also drive; or do a combination of car, train, and ferry. Traveling from Paris to Tampere, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Prepare for a bit cooler weather when traveling from Paris in August: high temperatures in Tampere hover around 23°C and lows are around 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) to allow time to 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 6 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 take a bus; or fly. 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 Makravaara Hill and Kasken Kierros Nature Trail will get you outdoors. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Ukko-Koli Hill and Paha-Koli 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 pause for some serene contemplation at 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 Model Railroad Museum Kouvola. Step out of the city life by going to Repovesi National Park and Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area. Take a break from Lappeenranta with a short trip to World Heritage Site - Verla Groundwood and Board Mill in Kouvola, about 1h 30 min away. There's lots more to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Saimaa Canal, make a trip to Sandcastle Lappeenranta, and admire the masterpieces at Lappeenrannan taidemuseo.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, read Lappeenranta road trip tool.

Getting from Savonlinna to Lappeenranta by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In September in Lappeenranta, expect temperatures between 17°C during the day and 9°C at night. 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 Mannerheim Museum for their historical value. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Temppeliaukio Church and Cathedral of Porvoo. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Tuusula Church (in Tuusula), Porvoo Old Town (in Porvoo) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, and stop by Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa).

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 travel back home.