7 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Porvoo Old Town. Step out of Helsinki with an excursion to Castle Hill in Porvoo--about 50 minutes away. The adventure continues: learn about all things military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali).

To find more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip maker .

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of bus and flight. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Eastern European Time (EET), which is usually a 10 hour difference. Traveling from Los Angeles in May, things will get slightly colder in Helsinki: highs are around 60°F and lows about 43°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) early enough to take a train to Tampere.

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

Start off your visit on the 15th (Wed): pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, take in the spiritual surroundings of Tampere Cathedral, then examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, and finally stroll through Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

For maps, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read our Tampere vacation planning app .

Getting from Helsinki to Tampere by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or fly. In May, daily temperatures in Tampere can reach 59°F, while at night they dip to 39°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) early enough to take a train to Turku.

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

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Thu): take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, take an in-depth tour of Ett Hem Museum, see the interesting displays at Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum, then step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle, and finally get lost in a book at Turku City Library.

To see where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Turku holiday maker .

You can take a train from Tampere to Turku in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and flight. Expect a daytime high around 59°F in May, and nighttime lows around 40°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can go by car 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. Start off your visit on the 17th (Fri): head off the coast to Varissaari - Fort Elisabeth, then admire the natural beauty at Sapokka Water Garden, and then hike along Santalahti Nature Trail.

For more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Kotka day trip tool .

Getting from Turku to Kotka by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. In May in Kotka, expect temperatures between 60°F during the day and 42°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.