9 days in Helsinki, Turku & Inari 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Nuuksio National Park. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Katajanokka and Kansallisgalleria. Go for a jaunt from Helsinki to Hanko to see Bellevue Beach about 1h 45 min away. There's more to do: shop like a local with Hakaniemi Market and take a stroll through Ullanlinna.

For reviews, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, read Helsinki trip planner.

If you are flying in from Spain, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. In August, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Thu) early enough 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 16th (Fri): sample the tasty concoctions at Mathildedalin Kylapanimo and then trek along Tulliniemi Nature Path. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Sat): see the interesting displays at Kylamaki Village of Living History, then kick back and relax at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, and then hike along The Archipelago Trail.

For reviews, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Turku driving holiday planner.

Getting from Helsinki to Turku by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or fly. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in August, and nighttime lows around 12°C. On the 18th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. On the 19th (Mon), pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, then trek along Juutua Nature Trail, then experience rural life at Inari Reindeer Farm, and finally get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Lemmenjoki National Park.

For more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Inari trip planning app.

Traveling by flight from Turku to Inari takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Turku in August; daily highs in Inari reach 19°C and lows reach 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 21st (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.