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.

Get some cultural insight at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Hakaniemi Market and Brunberg Candy Factory Shop. Step out of Helsinki to go to Porvoo and see Cathedral of Porvoo, which is approximately 48 minutes away. The adventure continues: explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), wander the streets of Katajanokka, and admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read Helsinki online trip builder.

Ottawa, Canada to Helsinki is an approximately 15.5-hour combination of train, bus, and flight. You can also fly. The time zone difference when traveling from Ottawa to Helsinki is 7 hours. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Ottawa in June: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 21°C and lows are around 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Tampere.

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

On the 26th (Fri), look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, then examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

To see more things to do, ratings, maps, and tourist information, go to the Tampere trip builder site.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In June, daytime highs in Tampere are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Sat): examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, then steep yourself in history at Turku Cathedral, then get engrossed in the history at Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, and finally browse the different shops at Turun Kauppahalli. On the next day, take a stroll through Naantali Old Town, learn about all things military at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, and then get engrossed in the history at Turku Castle.

To find ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Turku day trip planning site.

You can drive from Tampere to Turku in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 20°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) so you can travel to Mariehamn.

Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. On the 29th (Mon), examine the collection at Museumship Pommern, then brush up on your military savvy at Aland Maritime Museum, and then step off the mainland to explore Kobba Klintar.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Mariehamn using our trip planner.

Fly from Turku to Mariehamn in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. In June, plan for daily highs up to 19°C, and evening lows to 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.