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.

On the 9th (Fri), take in the spiritual surroundings of Kamppi Chapel of Silence. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the spiritual surroundings of Temppeliaukion Church, learn about all things military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), then take a stroll through Katajanokka, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral.

To find ratings, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read our Helsinki route planning tool .

Rome, Italy to Helsinki is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. Traveling from Rome to Helsinki, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Rome in August, you will find days in Helsinki are much colder (24°C), and nights are a bit cooler (13°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to take a train to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Kick off your visit on the 12th (Mon): take a peaceful walk through Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area, then identify plant and animal life at Arboretum Mustila, and then take an in-depth tour of World Heritage Site - Verla Groundwood and Board Mill.

For where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read Kouvola day trip planning website .

Getting from Helsinki to Kouvola by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In August in Kouvola, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) so you can 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. On the next day, tour the pleasant surroundings at Kasken Kierros Nature Trail, then stroll through Kolinuuron kierros Nature Trail, and then stroll through Akka-Koli Hill.

To find more things to do, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read our Lieksa online trip itinerary planner .

You can drive from Kouvola to Lieksa in 5.5 hours. Another option is to fly. 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.

On the 15th (Thu), see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus, kick back and relax at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, and then identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum. Here are some ideas for day two: kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Tampere tour itinerary planning tool .

Traveling by car from Lieksa to Tampere takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. In August, daytime highs in Tampere are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.