25 days in Helsinki, Turku & Central 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 cultural itinerary includes sights like Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and The National Museum of Finland. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Cathedral of Porvoo and Holy Cross Church. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Helsinki: Kotka (Sapokka Water Garden & Maritime Centre Vellamo), Porvoo (Runeberg Park & Porvoo Old Town) and Laurinmaki Crofter's Museum (in Janakkala). Next up on the itinerary: admire the landmark architecture of Johannes Church, take a stroll through Katajanokka, step into the grandiose world of Hame Castle, and hunt for treasures at Hakaniemi Market.

For ratings, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki day trip planning site.

St. Petersburg, Russia to Helsinki is an approximately 4.5-hour train ride. You can also drive; or fly. The time zone difference moving from Moscow Standard Time (MSK) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is minus 1 hour. July in Helsinki sees daily highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Tue) early enough to drive to Turku.

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

Take a break from the city and head to Uto and Kurjenrahka National Park. Your inner history buff will appreciate Turku Castle and Old Rauma. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Turku: Teijo National Park (in Pernio), Nagu (Nagu Church & Maritime Exhibition Sjofartshuset) and Rauma (The Church of the Holy Cross, Kylmapihlaja Lighthouse Island, &more). The adventure continues: learn about all things military at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, browse the different shops at Turun Kauppahalli, explore the different monuments and memorials at Koylio Church, and examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo.

For where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Turku trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Helsinki to Turku by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or fly. In July, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) so you can go by car to Jyvaskyla.

Jyväskylä is a city and municipality in Finland and in the western part of the Finnish Lakeland. Kick off your visit on the 27th (Sat): stop by Viherlandia, pause for some serene contemplation at Muurame Church (Muuramen kirkko), take in the views from Kuokkalan silta, then take an in-depth tour of Keski-Suomen museo (Museum of Central Finland), and finally admire the masterpieces at Jyvaskyla Art Museum.

For more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Jyvaskyla trip planner.

Traveling by car from Turku to Jyvaskyla takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Jyvaskyla can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sat) so you can travel to Viitasaari.

Viitasaari is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the Central Finland region. Discover out-of-the-way places like Car Museum Wanhat Wehkeet and Julmat Lammit. Get in touch with nature at Pyha-Hakki National Park and Sahis Aki resort. Step out of Viitasaari to go to Saarijarvi and see Liikelataamo, which is approximately 54 minutes away. There's still lots to do: look for gifts at Nestori.

For photos, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Viitasaari trip planner.

Drive from Jyvaskyla to Viitasaari in 1.5 hours. In July in Viitasaari, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 15°C at night. You'll set off for home on the 31st (Wed).