8 days in Lakeland Itinerary

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Start off your visit on the 25th (Sat): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Repovesi National Park. Keep things going the next day: identify plant and animal life at Arboretum Mustila, then wander the streets of Linden Esplanade, and then examine the collection at Maritime Centre Vellamo.

To find traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Kouvola trip maker.

Helsinki to Kouvola is an approximately 1.5- hour train ride. You can also drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 18°C in May, and nighttime lows around 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) to allow time to take a train to Lappeenranta.

On the shores of the country's largest lake system, Lappeenrata serves as the economic and cultural center of southeast Finland.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Mon): admire the sheer force of Imatra Waterfall, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Nuijamaa Church, then contemplate the waterfront views at Saimaa Canal, and finally see the interesting displays at Lappeenranta Fortress.

To find more things to do, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Lappeenranta trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by train from Kouvola to Lappeenranta takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 18°C in May, and nighttime lows around 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) early enough to drive to Savonlinna.

The picturesque town of Savonlinna sits on two islands surrounded by shimmering lakes and lush greenery.

On the 28th (Tue), see the interesting displays at Lusto - The Finnish Forest Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kerimaki Church, explore the historical opulence of Olavinlinna Castle, examine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum, then appreciate the history behind Savonlinna Herostatue - The Hero's Grave, and finally step into the grandiose world of Savonlinna Cathedral.

Before you visit Savonlinna, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

You can drive from Lappeenranta to Savonlinna in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Savonlinna can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) so you can drive to Joensuu.

Joensuu is a city and municipality in North Karelia in the province of Eastern Finland. Start off your visit on the 29th (Wed): see the interesting displays at Pohjois-Karjalan museo Hilma, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Utra Beach, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Honkaniemi Beach, and finally hunt for treasures at Joensuun Tori (Joensuu Market).

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, use the Joensuu trip itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by car from Savonlinna to Joensuu takes 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 16°C in May, and nighttime lows around 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) so you can travel to Tampere.

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

Get some cultural insight at Sarkanniemi Theme Park and Tampereen Tuomiokirkko. Escape the urban bustle at Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto and Hatanpaa Arboretum. There's more to do: examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus and enjoy breathtaking views from Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

To find photos, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Tampere travel route planner.

You can drive from Joensuu to Tampere in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. In May, daytime highs in Tampere are 17°C, while nighttime lows are 4°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to go by car back home.