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

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 60°F and lows at 43°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 Abo Akademi. Discover out-of-the-way places like Turku Cathedral and Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. Get out of town with these interesting Turku side-trips: Nagu Church (in Nagu) and Teijo National Park (in Pernio). There's still lots to do: trek along The Archipelago Trail, see the interesting displays at Kylamaki Village of Living History, get a new perspective on nature at Turku Biological Museum, and take an in-depth tour of Ett Hem Museum.

For photos, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Turku driving holiday website.

Traveling by train from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or fly. May in Turku sees daily highs of 59°F and lows of 40°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Wed) so you can 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 St Olaf's Church in Tyrvaa. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Birthplace of Jean Sibelius 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 59°F in May, and nighttime lows around 39°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 Kirkkoniemen Kellotapuli 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: St. George Church (in Joroinen), Salpa Line (in Kerimaki) and Orinoro Gorge (in Leppavirta). There's still lots to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Pikkukirkko, pause for some photo ops at Olavinlinnan Musta Passi, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kerimaki Church, and see the interesting displays at Savonlinna Provincial Museum.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, read Savonlinna trip tool.

Traveling by combination of train and bus from Tampere to Savonlinna takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 59°F in May, and nighttime lows around 39°F. Cap off 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 Korouoma Canyon. Explore Rovaniemi's surroundings by going to Pyha-Luosto National Park (in Pyhatunturi) and Kopara Reindeer Park (in Luosto). 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 51°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 37°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.