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 Brunberg Candy Factory Shop and Hakaniemi Market. 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, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, and get engrossed in the history at The National Museum of Finland.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Helsinki route planner.

Ottawa, Canada to Helsinki is an approximately 15.5- hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of flight and ferry. You'll lose 7 hours traveling from Ottawa to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. In June, Helsinki is a bit cooler than Ottawa - with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Thu) early enough 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.

For other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, 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 take a train 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 where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Turku day trip planning site.

You can take a train from Tampere to Turku in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; 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), see the interesting displays at Museumship Pommern, brush up on your military savvy at Aland Maritime Museum, then head off the coast to Kobba Klintar, and finally explore the historical opulence of Jan Karlsgården Outdoor museum Jan Karlsgården.

For ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Mariehamn journey planner.

Traveling by flight from Turku to Mariehamn takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. In June, daytime highs in Mariehamn are 19°C, while nighttime lows are 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.