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.

Step out of Helsinki with an excursion to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo--about 48 minutes away. There's lots more to do: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, expand your understanding of the military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, and don't miss a visit to Senate Square.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki trip planner.

London, UK to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone difference when traveling from London to Helsinki is 2 hours. In August, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) to allow enough time to 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 2nd (Mon), grab your bike and head to Bike Rental - by Carfield, then take a stroll through Naantali Old Town, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at The Archipelago Trail. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral, then examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, then explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle, and finally have some family-friendly fun at Moomin World.

To see where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Turku online trip builder.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In September in Turku, expect temperatures between 18°C during the day and 7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can drive to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. On the 4th (Wed), head off the coast to Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

For ratings, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Vaasa trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Turku to Vaasa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. September in Vaasa sees daily highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Wed) 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 5th (Thu): identify plant and animal life at Napapiirin Porofarmi, then get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, then see Santa Claus Office, and finally make a trip to Santa Claus Village. Here are some ideas for day two: look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, revel in the low prices at Marttiini Store Old Factory, and then identify plant and animal life at Arctic Emotions Oy.

To see ratings, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Rovaniemi online travel route planner.

You can fly from Vaasa to Rovaniemi in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. When traveling from Vaasa in September, plan for little chillier days in Rovaniemi, with highs around 13°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 6°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.