9 days in Helsinki Region 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.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Mannerheim Museum and Sea Fortress Suomenlinna. Get a sense of the local culture at Maritime Centre Vellamo and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Get out of town with these interesting Helsinki side-trips: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (in Kotka), Hvittrask (in Kirkkonummi) and Porvoo (Cathedral of Porvoo & Porvoo Old Town). Spend the 19th (Mon) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Temppeliaukion Church, get engrossed in the history at The National Museum of Finland, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, and admire the striking features of Johannes Church.

For photos, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki route planning site .

Malaga, Spain to Helsinki is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone changes from Central European Time (CET) to Eastern European Time (EET), which is usually a 1 hour difference. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Malaga in August; daily highs in Helsinki reach 24°C and lows reach 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.