8 days in Lakeland Itinerary

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

Bring the kids along to Sarkanniemi Theme Park and Tampereen Tuomiokirkko. There's lots more to do: see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus, take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and look for gifts at Tea Shop Veistrom.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, use the Tampere trip itinerary site.

London, UK to Tampere is an approximately 8-hour combination of flight and train. You can also do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. Traveling from London to Tampere, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from London in December: high temperatures in Tampere hover around 0°C and lows are around -6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Lahti.

Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. Start off your visit on the 27th (Mon): ski along the peaceful trails at Messila Ski Centre, see the interesting displays at Directions Lahden historiallinen Museo, then take a stroll around Sibelius Hall, and finally examine the collection at Motorcycle Museum of Finland.

To see ratings, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read our Lahti trip planner.

You can drive from Tampere to Lahti in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. December in Lahti sees daily highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Savonlinna.

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

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Tue): look for gifts at Taito Shop Savonlinna, then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then explore the historical opulence of Olavinlinna Castle, and finally examine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum.

To find where to stay, maps, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Savonlinna day trip planning site.

You can drive from Lahti to Savonlinna in 3 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or fly. In December, daytime highs in Savonlinna are -1°C, while nighttime lows are -7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) so you can drive to Kuopio.

Kuopio is a city and a municipality located in the region of Northern Savonia, Finland. On the 29th (Wed), take in panoramic vistas at Puijo Tower, then see the interesting displays at RIISA - Orthodox Church Museum of Finland, and then get a sense of history and politics at Kuopio Market City Hall.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read our Kuopio trip itinerary website.

Traveling by car from Savonlinna to Kuopio takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In December, daily temperatures in Kuopio can reach -3°C, while at night they dip to -8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.