27 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Get outdoors at Nuuksio National Park and Tulliniemi Nature Path. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Porvoo (Cathedral of Porvoo & The Devil's Stairs), Kirkkonummen kirkko (in Kirkkonummi) and Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki). And it doesn't end there: browse the exhibits of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), identify plant and animal life at Paavolan Tammi, and explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria.

For more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip maker site.

Portland, 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. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Portland in May, with highs in Helsinki at °F and lows at °F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) 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.

Get some historical perspective at Turku Castle and Nagu Church. Discover out-of-the-way places like Turku Cathedral and Teijo National Park. And it doesn't end there: take an in-depth tour of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, learn more about the world around you at Turku Biological Museum, take a memorable tour with Bike Rental - by Carfield, and take in the spiritual surroundings of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel.

To see ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Turku trip itinerary website.

Getting from Helsinki to Turku by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or fly. In May, daily temperatures in Turku can reach °F, while at night they dip to °F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Tampere.

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

Get some historical perspective at Serlachius Museum Gustaf and Birthplace of Jean Sibelius. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at St Olaf's Church in Tyrvaa and The Parola Armour Museum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Tampere: Visavuori (in Valkeakoski) and Gösta Serlachius Museum, Museum of Art (in Mantta-Vilppula). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Vanha Kirkko, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, admire the landmark architecture of Aleksanterin Kirkko, and examine the collection at National Police Museum.

To find photos, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Tampere online holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Turku to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around °F in May, and nighttime lows around °F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Savonlinna.

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

Olavinlinna Castle and Salpa Line will appeal to history buffs. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Tohmajarven kirkko and Savonlinna Cathedral. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Savonlinna: Orinoro Gorge (in Leppavirta) and St. George Church (in Joroinen). There's lots more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Kirkkoniemen Kellotapuli, don't miss a visit to Pikkukirkko, pause for some photo ops at Olavinlinnan Musta Passi, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kerimaki Church.

To see more things to do, ratings, photos, and tourist information, use the Savonlinna journey maker.

Traveling by car from Tampere to Savonlinna takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of train and bus. In May, plan for daily highs up to °F, and evening lows to °F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Thu) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Do some cultural sightseeing at Joutsijarven Bunkkerit and Santa's House of Snowmobiles. Step out of the city life by going to Nature & Wildlife Tours and Kopara Reindeer Park. Explore Rovaniemi's surroundings by going to Pyha-Luosto National Park (in Pyhatunturi) and Korouoma Canyon (in Posio). The adventure continues: stroll the grounds of German Soldier s Cemetery, get some fabulous bargains at Marttiini Store Old Factory, don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square, and see Santa Claus Office.

To find traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by flight from Savonlinna to Rovaniemi takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from Savonlinna in May, plan for little chillier days in Rovaniemi, with highs around °F, while nights are about the same with lows around °F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.