9 days in Helsinki & Hanko 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.

Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Helsinki Cathedral will appeal to history buffs. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Cathedral of Porvoo. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Porvoo (Runeberg Park & Porvoo Old Town), Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo) and Kotka (Maritime Centre Vellamo & Sapokka Water Garden). And it doesn't end there: admire the striking features of Johannes Church, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, take in the spiritual surroundings of Temppeliaukio Church, and get engrossed in the history at The National Museum of Finland.

To see other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki online itinerary builder.

Use the Route module to see travel options from your home to Helsinki. In July, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can 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 (Thu): walk around Hagen - Ramsholmen - Hogholmen, take in panoramic vistas at Hanko Water Tower, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Bellevue Beach.

For other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Hanko road trip tool.

Getting from Helsinki to Hanko by car takes about 2 hours. In July, daytime highs in Hanko are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 12th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.