5 days in Lakeland & Lapland Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 12th (Mon): step off the mainland to explore Viikinsaari Island, then examine the collection at Tampere City Library, Metso, then kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. On the next day, see the interesting displays at Moomin Museum, pause for some serene contemplation at Finlayson Church, see the interesting displays at Sara Hilden Art Museum, then go for a walk through Finlayson Area, and finally see the interesting displays at The Finnish Labour Museum Werstas.

To see photos, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Tampere online sightseeing planner.

Helsinki to Tampere is an approximately 2-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Tampere are 8°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) early enough to drive to Lahti.

Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. On the 14th (Wed), get into the urban bustle at Sibelius Hall, then do some rugged touring at Jump Up, then glide through natural beauty at Messila Ski Centre, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Hollola.

For maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Lahti travel itinerary planner.

Drive from Tampere to Lahti in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Lahti are 8°C, while nighttime lows are 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Start off your visit on the 15th (Thu): head outdoors with Lake Inari, then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, then get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, and finally relax in the rural setting at Inari Reindeer Farm.

To find maps, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Inari trip planner.

You can fly from Lahti to Inari in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Lahti in October, expect Inari to be slightly colder, temps between 3°C and -2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Pyhatunturi.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Fri): explore the striking landscape of Pyha-Luosto National Park.

To see maps, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Pyhatunturi route site.

Drive from Inari to Pyhatunturi in 3.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in October, and nighttime lows around -2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.