31 days in Finland Itinerary

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

Explore Turku's surroundings by going to Teijo National Park (in Pernio) and VMB Fishing (in Salo). Next up on the itinerary: step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle, find something for the whole family at Vaski Adventure Island, examine the collection at Kylamaki Village of Living History, and let the kids burn off some steam at Adventure Park.

To find reviews, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read our Turku online sightseeing planner.

Sydney, Australia to Turku is an approximately 26-hour flight. You'll gain 8 hours traveling from Sydney to Turku due to the time zone difference. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Sydney in September; daily highs in Turku reach 18°C and lows reach 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sat) 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.

Explore Tampere's surroundings by going to Visavuori (in Valkeakoski), Ahvenisto (in Hameenlinna) and Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto (in Ylojarvi). There's lots more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, enjoy the sand and surf at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, and test the waters at Tullin Sauna.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Tampere trip maker site.

You can drive from Turku to Tampere in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In October in Tampere, expect temperatures between 8°C during the day and 0°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) early enough to take a train to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. On the 8th (Thu), take in the dramatic natural features at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: enjoy breathtaking views from Saltkaret, pause for some serene contemplation at Mustasaaren kirkko, then see the interesting displays at Pohjanmaan Museo - Osterbottens Museum, and finally kick your exploration up a notch at Zip Adventure Park.

To see maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read Vaasa sightseeing planner.

Getting from Tampere to Vaasa by train takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Vaasa are 9°C, while nighttime lows are 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Start off your visit on the 10th (Sat): take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, Head underground at Syvasenvaara Fell, then see Santa Claus Office, and finally make a trip to Santa Claus Village. On the next day, let little ones run wild at Angry Birds Park, then admire the masterpieces at Korundi House of Culture, then take an exotic tour of a safari tour, and finally make a trip to Lordi's Square.

To find more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Rovaniemi travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Vaasa to Rovaniemi takes 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 -1°C, while days are slightly colder, around 3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sun) so you can go by car to Kuusamo.

Kuusamo is a town and municipality in Finland. Kick off your visit on the 12th (Mon): explore the world behind art at Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre, then get outside with Karhunkierros, and then trek along Pieni Karhunkierros Trail. On the next day, contemplate the waterfront views at Kiutakongas Rapids, then indulge in some personalized pampering at Rukaland, then get a taste of life in the country at Kujala Reindeer Farm, and finally relax in the rural setting at Palosaari Reindeer and Fishing Farm.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Kuusamo online trip builder.

Drive from Rovaniemi to Kuusamo in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in October, and nighttime lows around -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Tue) to allow enough 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Joensuu (Joensuu Church & Arctic Trainers SUP-center). Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Paateri, see the interesting displays at Pielisen Museum, contemplate the waterfront views at Pielinen, and delve into the lush surroundings at Patvinsuon Kansallispuisto.

To find photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Koli National Park trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by car from Kuusamo to Koli National Park takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car. In October in Koli National Park, expect temperatures between 6°C during the day and 0°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to travel to Jyvaskyla.

Jyväskylä is a city and municipality in Finland and in the western part of the Finnish Lakeland. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Jyvaskyla: Vitikkala Manor (in Jamsa), Southern Konnevesi National park (in Rautalampi) and Old Church of Keuruu (in Keuruu). Next up on the itinerary: paddle through the water with Tavinsulka Canoe Day Tours, make a trip to Hoyry Galleria, walk around Maki-Matin perhepuisto, and go for a walk through Tourujoen Luontopolku.

For ratings, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read Jyvaskyla journey planner.

Getting from Koli National Park to Jyvaskyla by car takes about 4.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 7°C in October, and nighttime lows around 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Tue) so you can drive to Lahti.

Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. Kick off your visit on the 21st (Wed): see the interesting displays at Directions Lahden historiallinen Museo, then head off-road at Jump Up, and then take in the dramatic natural features at Hiidenkirnut. Here are some ideas for day two: look for all kinds of wild species at Evo Hiking Area, then enjoy breathtaking views from Padasjoen Tuomastornit, then trek along Pulkkilanharju Nature Trail, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Vaaksy Canal.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Lahti attractions website.

Traveling by car from Jyvaskyla to Lahti takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In October in Lahti, expect temperatures between 8°C during the day and 1°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) to allow time to take a train 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. Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Fri): hike along Santalahti Nature Trail, let little ones run wild at Katariina Seaside Park, then take in nature's colorful creations at Sapokka Water Garden, and finally wander the streets of Linden Esplanade. On the 24th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see the interesting displays at Salpa Line Museum, admire the landmark architecture of Hamina Town Hall, then identify plant and animal life at Riverside Park, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

To find photos, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Kotka trip planning app.

Traveling by train from Lahti to Kotka takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Kotka are 8°C, while nighttime lows are 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) early enough to drive 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.

Go for a jaunt from Helsinki to Espoo to see Nuuksio National Park about 48 minutes away. The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, browse the exhibits of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral.

For reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki online trip maker.

Traveling by car from Kotka to Helsinki takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 10°C in October, and nighttime lows around 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.