8 days in Helsinki & Lakeland 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.

Kick off your visit on the 9th (Fri): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence. On the next day, admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, expand your understanding of the military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), then visit Katajanokka, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral.

For where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Helsinki travel route planner.

Rome, Italy to Helsinki is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. The time zone difference when traveling from Rome to Helsinki is 1 hour. When traveling from Rome in August, plan for colder days and a bit cooler nights in Helsinki: temperatures range from 24°C by day to 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. On the 12th (Mon), take a peaceful walk through Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area, then identify plant and animal life at Arboretum Mustila, and then get engrossed in the history at World Heritage Site - Verla Groundwood and Board Mill.

To find maps, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Kouvola travel itinerary planner.

Drive from Helsinki to Kouvola in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in August, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to travel to Lieksa.

Lieksa is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Eastern Finland and is part of the North Karelia region. Start off your visit on the 13th (Tue): delve into the lush surroundings at Patvinsuon Kansallispuisto. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: hike along Kasken Kierros Nature Trail, explore the striking landscape of Kolinuuron kierros Nature Trail, and then hike along Akka-Koli Hill.

To find reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Lieksa visit planning app.

Getting from Kouvola to Lieksa by car takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and flight. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in August, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) early enough to travel 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 (Thu): see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus, then stroll through Riihiniemen Uimaranta, and then identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum. Keep things going the next day: kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To see other places to visit, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Tampere driving holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Lieksa to Tampere takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight. In August, daytime highs in Tampere are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.