31 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.

Step out of Helsinki with an excursion to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo--about 48 minutes away. There's lots more to do: step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, admire the landmark architecture of Helsinki Central Railway Station, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, and don't miss a visit to Senate Square.

To see photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary builder website.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to Helsinki is an approximately 18-hour flight. The time zone changes from East Africa Time (EAT) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Prepare for much colder weather when traveling from Dar es Salaam in October: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around °C and lows are around °C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) so you can go by car to Turku.

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

Change things up with a short trip to Teijo National Park in Pernio (about 1h 20 min away). There's lots more to do: explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle, let the kids burn off some steam at Adventure Park, contemplate the long history of Turku Cathedral, and get in on the family fun at Vaski Adventure Island.

For maps, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, read Turku trip builder tool.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In October, plan for daily highs up to °C, and evening lows to °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Tampere: Visavuori (in Valkeakoski) and Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto (in Ylojarvi). There's still lots to do: enjoy breathtaking views from Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, and have fun at Pyynikki's Swim Hall.

To find where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Tampere trip tool.

Getting from Turku to Tampere by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Tampere can reach °C, while at night they dip to °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to catch the train to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sun): examine the collection at Pohjanmaan Museo - Osterbottens Museum, thenlook for all kinds of wild species at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site, and then take in panoramic vistas at Saltkaret. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Isonkyron Vanha Kirkko, examine the collection at Terranova, thentake in the architecture and atmosphere at Mustasaaren kirkko, and finally examine the collection at Vaasa Car & Motor Museum.

To find other places to visit, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, read Vaasa trip planner.

Traveling by train from Tampere to Vaasa takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to °C, and evening lows to °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Rovaniemi is known for wildlife, museums, and fun & games. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, get some fabulous bargains at Marttiini Store Old Factory, and see Santa Claus Office.

For more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip builder app.

You can fly from Vaasa to Rovaniemi in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Vaasa in October, expect nights in Rovaniemi to be about the same, around °C, while days are slightly colder, around °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can travel to Lieksa.

Lieksa is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Eastern Finland and is part of the North Karelia region. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lieksa: Koli National Park (Akka-Koli Hill, Rasavaara Observation tower, &more). There's lots more to do: don't miss a visit to Paateri, get outside with Neitikoski Rapids, see the interesting displays at Pielisen Museum, and explore the striking landscape of Patvinsuon Kansallispuisto.

For ratings, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Lieksa online trip builder.

Traveling by car from Rovaniemi to Lieksa takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car. In October, daily temperatures in Lieksa can reach °C, while at night they dip to °C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sun) so you can travel to Joensuu.

Joensuu is a city and municipality in North Karelia in the province of Eastern Finland. Get out of town with these interesting Joensuu side-trips: Koli National Park (Paha-Koli Hill, Pielinen, &more), Koli (Koli Shop Retkitupa & Koli Nature Centre Ukko) and Siikalahti Wetland (in Parikkala). There's lots more to do: step into the grandiose world of Olavinlinna Castle, don't miss a visit to Pikkukirkko, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kerimaki Church, and pause for some serene contemplation at Joensuu Church.

To find where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Joensuu online trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Lieksa to Joensuu takes 2 hours. In October, daily temperatures in Joensuu can reach °C, while at night they dip to °C. On the 24th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Kuopio.

Kuopio is a city and a municipality located in the region of Northern Savonia, Finland. Explore Kuopio's surroundings by going to Southern Konnevesi National park (in Rautalampi) and Riuttala Farmhouse Museum (in Karttula). The adventure continues: get a sense of history and politics at Kuopio Market City Hall, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, make a trip to Kuopio Harbor, and enjoy breathtaking views from Puijo Tower.

To see traveler tips, maps, photos, and tourist information, go to the Kuopio trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Joensuu to Kuopio takes 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around °C in October, and nighttime lows around °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Sun) early enough to drive to Kotka.

Kotka is a city and municipality of Finland.Kotka is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland at the mouth of Kymi River and it is part of the Kymenlaakso region in southern Finland. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kotka: Kouvola (Repovesi National Park & Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area) and Salpa Line Museum (in Miehikkala). Next up on the itinerary: trek along Santalahti Nature Trail, walk around Riverside Park, head off the coast to Varissaari - Fort Elisabeth, and take in nature's colorful creations at Palotorninvuori Park.

Plan a trip to Kotka easily and quickly by telling Inspirock to suggest an itinerary.

Traveling by car from Kuopio to Kotka takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In October, plan for daily highs up to °C, and evening lows to °C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Thu) so you can travel back home.