19 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Nuuksio National Park and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Kansallisgalleria and The National Library of Finland. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Helsinki: Porvoo (Brunberg Candy Factory Shop, Cathedral of Porvoo, &more). The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, browse the eclectic array of goods at Hakaniemi Market, stop by OMA Puoti, and learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo).

To see where to stay, maps, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip planner.

Portland, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a 10 hour difference. In September, Helsinki is little chillier than Portland - with highs of 61°F and lows of 45°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sat) 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova and Naantali Old Town. Explore Turku's surroundings by going to Rauma (Old Rauma & Rauma Water Tower). And it doesn't end there: learn about all things military at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, browse the exhibits of Turku Castle, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral, and browse the different shops at Turun Kauppahalli.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Turku trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In September, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 60°F, while at night they dip to 44°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) so you can drive to Tampere.

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

Visiting Hatanpaa Arboretum and Suolijarvi Beach will get you outdoors. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Yyteri Beach and Riihiniemen Uimaranta. Get out of town with these interesting Tampere side-trips: Pori (Pori Art Museum & Yyterin Nakotorni) and Padasjoki (Kelvenne Trail & Paijanne-Ilves Trail). There's much more to do: stroll through Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, make a trip to Nasinneula Tower, take in the spiritual surroundings of Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, and look for gifts at Hameenkatu.

Find out how to plan Tampere trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Drive from Turku to Tampere in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September in Tampere, expect temperatures between 58°F during the day and 43°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Sun): grab your bike and head to Levi Ski Resort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 20th (Mon): get in on the family fun at Levi Huskypark, then get interesting insight from Tours, then see exotic creatures in open habitats at Wingrens Dogsafaris, and finally make a trip to Lapland Hotels SnowVillage.

For photos, maps, ratings, and tourist information, use the Levi route planner.

You can fly from Tampere to Levi in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and bus; or drive. When traveling from Tampere in September, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Levi: temperatures range from 53°F by day to 40°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

On the 21st (Tue), hike along Urho Kekkonen National Park and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel. Keep things going the next day: examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, look for gifts at Hippupuoti Gift Shop, and then see exotic creatures in open habitats at Lapland Safaris Saariselka.

To see ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read Saariselka trip planner.

Getting from Levi to Saariselka by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 52°F in September, and nighttime lows around 39°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) early enough to go by car to Ranua.

Ranua is a municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Lapland. Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Thu): get to know the resident critters at Ranua Zoo.

To see more things to do, maps, and tourist information, go to the Ranua online day trip planner.

You can drive from Saariselka to Ranua in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 23rd (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Oulu.

Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. Start off your visit on the 24th (Fri): hunt for treasures at Kauppahalli, enjoy the sand and surf at Nallikari Beach, and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To find ratings, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Oulu road trip planning website.

You can drive from Ranua to Oulu in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In September in Oulu, expect temperatures between 56°F during the day and 44°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.