9 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.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Wed): pause for some serene contemplation at Temppeliaukio Church, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, make a trip to Senate Square, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), and finally explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary planning tool.

Athens, Greece to Helsinki is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Athens in August, with highs in Helsinki at 24°C and lows at 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (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.

On the 22nd (Thu), get your game on at Moomin World, explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle, then examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral. Keep things going the next day: visit Naantali Old Town, then grab your bike and head to Bike Rental - by Carfield, then take an in-depth tour of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, and finally browse the collection at Turku City Library.

For reviews, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Turku itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. August in Turku sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Fri) early enough to drive 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 24th (Sat): take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, then get in on the family fun at Sarkanniemi Theme Park, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Pyhan Birgitan kirkko. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 25th (Sun): test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, then examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, and finally identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum.

To find where to stay, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the Tampere tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Turku to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

An urban center set amongst the great Arctic wilderness, Rovaniemi serves as the capital of Lapland province.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Mon): identify plant and animal life at Napapiirin Porofarmi, then Head underground at Syvasenvaara Fell, then see Santa Claus Office, and finally don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village. On your second day here, get some fabulous bargains at Marttiini Store Old Factory, then look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, then get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, and finally take an exotic tour of a safari tour.

To see ratings, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi online trip planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Tampere to Rovaniemi in 5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. While traveling from Tampere, expect slightly colder days and about the same nights in Rovaniemi, ranging from highs of 20°C to lows of 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.