26 days in Finland Itinerary

Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. On the 1st (Mon), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of Hollola, then see the interesting displays at Lahti Ski Museum, then pause for some serene contemplation at Ristinkirkko, and finally take a stroll around Sibelius Hall.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Lahti trip itinerary maker tool.

St. Petersburg, Russia to Lahti is an approximately 4.5-hour car ride. Traveling from St. Petersburg to Lahti, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In October in Lahti, expect temperatures between 8°C during the day and 1°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) 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.

Popular historic sites such as Tampereen Tuomiokirkko and Church of Keuruu are in your itinerary. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing and Sarkanniemi Theme Park. Take a break from Tampere with a short trip to Ahtari Zoo in Ahtari, about 2 hours away. And it doesn't end there: enjoy the sand and surf at Rauhaniemi Beach, examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum, and stroll through Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

To see where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Tampere trip planner.

You can drive from Lahti to Tampere in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. October in Tampere sees daily highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) 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.

Get some cultural insight at Naantali Old Town and Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo. Visit Ispoinen Beach and Sauna and Vepsa Island for some beach relaxation. When in Turku, make a side trip to see Kurjenrahka National Park in Poytya, approximately Poytya away. There's much more to do: browse the different shops at Turun Kauppahalli, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral, get lost in a book at Turku City Library, and step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle.

To see photos, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Turku vacation planning site.

Traveling by car from Tampere to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October in Turku, expect temperatures between 10°C during the day and 1°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Tue) so you can go by car to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 10th (Wed): look for gifts at Porin Kauppahalli, take an in-depth tour of Rosenlew Museum, then browse the different shops at Kauppakeskus Puuvilla, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Central Pori Church (Keski-Porin kirkko).

To find ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read Pori online holiday planner.

You can drive from Turku to Pori in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 9°C in October, and nighttime lows around 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can travel to Mustasaari.

Korsholm is a municipality of Finland. Start off your visit on the 11th (Thu): take in the dramatic natural features at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

To find maps, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Mustasaari trip itinerary maker website.

Getting from Pori to Mustasaari by car takes about 3 hours. In October, daytime highs in Mustasaari are 8°C, while nighttime lows are 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Thu) so you can travel to Sotkamo.

Sotkamo is a municipality of Finland, located in the Kainuu region. Get outdoors at Hiukka and Venajanhiekka. Venture out of the city with trips to Kajaani Castle ruins (in Kajaani) and Resort Ukkohalla (in Hyrynsalmi). The adventure continues: get great views at Vuokatinvaara and enjoy some friendly competition at Vuokatti Bowling.

For maps, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Sotkamo travel planner.

Getting from Mustasaari to Sotkamo by car takes about 6 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and flight. October in Sotkamo sees daily highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) to allow time to 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Patvinsuon Kansallispuisto and Pielinen. Step out of Koli National Park to go to Heinavesi and see New Valamo Monastery, which is approximately 1h 25 min away. There's still lots to do: hike along Ukko-Koli Hill and look for gifts at Koli Shop Retkitupa.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Koli National Park road trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Sotkamo to Koli National Park takes 2.5 hours. In October, daily temperatures in Koli National Park can reach 6°C, while at night they dip to 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Wed) early enough to travel 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.

You'll explore and learn at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Get a sense of the local culture at Temppeliaukio Church and Ullanlinna. Venture out of the city with trips to Aurlahti Beach (in Lohja) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). There's still lots to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, browse the eclectic array of goods at Old Market Hall, tour the pleasant surroundings at Hietaranta Beach, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali).

For ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Helsinki online tour planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Koli National Park to Helsinki. Traveling from Koli National Park in October, expect nights in Helsinki to be about the same, around 1°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.