6 days in Helsinki, Rauma & Tampere 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.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Wed): make a trip to Senate Square, pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, then explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali). Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence, admire the landmark architecture of Helsinki Central Railway Station, browse the exhibits of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Temppeliaukio Church, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of The Esplanadi Park.

To see maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Helsinki tour itinerary tool .

Rome, Italy to Helsinki is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or drive. The time zone changes from Central European Time (CET) to Eastern European Time (EET), which is usually a 1 hour difference. When traveling from Rome in December, plan for much colder days in Helsinki, with highs around 3°C, while nights are little chillier with lows around -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough to drive to Rauma.

Rauma is a town and municipality of ca. Kick off your visit on the 13th (Fri): stop by Ruokapuoti Lumo, take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Church of the Holy Cross, see the interesting displays at Kirsti - Sailor's Home Museum, then examine the collection at Marela Museum House, and finally enjoy the sea views from Kylmapihlaja Lighthouse Island.

To see where to stay, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Rauma trip itinerary planning tool .

Getting from Helsinki to Rauma by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of flight and bus. December in Rauma sees daily highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Tampere.

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

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Sat): tour or see a game at Irti Maasta Tampere, kick back and relax at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, then take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, and finally get your game on at PortaaliVR. Keep things going the next day: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, then examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, and then enjoy some diversion at Pyynikki's Swim Hall.

To find where to stay, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Tampere itinerary builder .

You can drive from Rauma to Tampere in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. December in Tampere sees daily highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) so you can travel back home.