38 days in Helsinki, Imatra & Savonlinna 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.

Get outdoors at Teijo national park and Ekenas Archipelago National Park. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Bellevue Beach and Room Escape Games. Explore Helsinki's surroundings by going to Pyhan Katarinan kirkko (in Karjaa), Tulliniemi Nature Path (in Hanko) and Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki). Spend the 31st (Thu) exploring nature at Valkmusa National Park. Spend the 6th (Wed) exploring nature at Nuuksio National Park. And it doesn't end there: brush up on your military savvy at Fortress of Suomenlinna, cruise along King's Road, tour the pleasant surroundings at Korkeasaari Zoo, and explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria.

To find maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Helsinki route builder site .

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You can also fly; or do a combination of train and flight. You'll lose 10 hours traveling from Los Angeles to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Prepare for cooler weather when traveling from Los Angeles in January: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 26°F and lows are around 17°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) to allow enough time to take a train to Imatra.

Although predominately an industrial town, Imatra boasts a long and impressive history of tourism, largely owing to its fierce rapids, considered to have been Finland's first ever tourist attraction.

Visiting Imatra Waterfall and Mielakka Ski Center will get you outdoors. Step off the beaten path and head to Puumalan Lake and Lempukka Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Imatra: Lappeenranta (Saimaa Canal, Nuijamaa Church, & more), Kouvola (Repovesi National Park, Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area, & more) and Puumala (Viewing Platform in Puumala & Lietvesi Scenic Road). There's lots more to do: step off the mainland to explore Malonsaari, see the interesting displays at Salpa Line Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Church of St. Nicholas, and learn about all things military at Bunker Museum.

To see other places to visit, ratings, maps, and tourist information, use the Imatra trip itinerary maker app .

Traveling by train from Helsinki to Imatra takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. In February, daily temperatures in Imatra can reach 30°F, while at night they dip to 22°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Thu) early enough to drive to Savonlinna.

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

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Linnansaari National Park and Olavinlinna Castle. Step out of the city life by going to Siikalahti Wetland and Honkaniemi Beach. Venture out of the city with trips to The Parikkala Sculpture Park (in Parikkala), Heinaveden kirkko (in Heinavesi) and Joensuu (Kauppakeskus Iso Myy, Treetop Adventure Park, & more). There's still lots to do: explore the stunning scenery at Orinoro Gorge, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Kitee Zoo, take in the dramatic natural features at Punkaharju Ridge, and see the interesting displays at Lusto - The Finnish Forest Museum.

To find ratings, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Savonlinna travel itinerary planner .

You can drive from Imatra to Savonlinna in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. February in Savonlinna sees daily highs of 27°F and lows of 18°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.