9 days in Finnish Archipelago Itinerary

Kotka is a city and municipality of Finland.Kotka is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland at the mouth of Kymi River and it is part of the Kymenlaakso region in southern Finland. Your inner history buff will appreciate St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and Marian Kirkko. Museum of Aviation and Main Building of Military School are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Next up on the itinerary: walk around Riverside Park, admire the natural beauty at Fuksinpuisto Park, enjoy some diversion at Katariina Seaside Park, and admire the landmark architecture of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral.

For more things to do, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Kotka trip itinerary maker tool.

Helsinki to Kotka is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or take a train. In July, daytime highs in Kotka are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Fri) early enough to travel to Hanko.

Hanko is a bilingual port town and municipality on the south coast of Finland, 130km west of Helsinki. Start off your visit on the 11th (Sat): steep yourself in history at Pike's Gut, take an in-depth tour of Hanko Museum, then don't miss a visit to Gunnarstrand, then hike along Tulliniemi Nature Path, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Bellevue Beach.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, read Hanko journey planner.

You can drive from Kotka to Hanko in 3.5 hours. In July, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) 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.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Sun): explore the striking landscape of Kurjenrahka National Park, take in nature's colorful creations at Kultaranta Garden, then hike along The Archipelago Trail, and finally let the kids burn off some steam at Adventure Park. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the landscape on two wheels at Bike Rental - by Carfield, walk around Kupittaa Park, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel, then soothe aching muscles at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, and finally examine the collection at Kylamaki Village of Living History.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Turku trip itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Hanko to Turku takes 2 hours. In July, daytime highs in Turku are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 14th (Tue): see the interesting displays at Vaasa Car & Motor Museum, pause for some serene contemplation at Mustasaaren kirkko, and then explore the striking landscape at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site. Keep things going the next day: get great views at Saltkaret, take in the views from Raippaluodon Silta, don't miss a visit to Kaupungintalo - City Hall, then see the interesting displays at Pohjanmaan Museo - Osterbottens Museum, and finally see the interesting displays at Terranova.

To see photos, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Vaasa trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Turku to Vaasa in 4 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in July, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Oulu.

Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. Start off your visit on the 16th (Thu): see the interesting displays at Pohjois-Pohjanmaan museo, walk around Hupisaaret Park, then explore the landscape on two wheels at Outdoors Oulu Oy, and finally see the interesting displays at Turkansaaren Ulkomuseo.

For maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Oulu road trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Vaasa to Oulu takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. July in Oulu sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.