8 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.

Here are some ideas for day two: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church, get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedral of Porvoo, and finally make a trip to Porvoo Old Town.

For other places to visit, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki driving holiday planner.

Madrid, Spain to Helsinki is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Madrid in July, you will find days in Helsinki are colder (25°C), and nights are slightly colder (15°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can drive to Turku.

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

Start off your visit on the 11th (Thu): stop by Naantali Old Town, walk around Kultaranta Garden, then browse the different shops at Turun Kauppahalli, and finally examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo. On the next day, get lost in a book at Turku City Library, then take an in-depth tour of Turku Castle, then get engrossed in the history at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral.

To see photos, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Turku trip planner.

You can drive from Helsinki to Turku in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or fly. In July in Turku, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Fri) early enough to drive to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. On the 13th (Sat), take in the dramatic natural features at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

For where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Vaasa trip itinerary builder tool.

You can drive from Turku to Vaasa in 4 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a train. In July, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) to allow enough time 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 14th (Sun): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus, then test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum. On the 15th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, then contemplate the long history of Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing, and then don't miss a visit to Nasinneula Tower.

To see reviews, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Tampere attractions planner.

Getting from Vaasa to Tampere by train takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In July in Tampere, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.