27 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Get outdoors at Nuuksio National Park and Arboretum Mustila. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Kirkkonummen kirkko (in Kirkkonummi), Tulliniemi Nature Path (in Hanko) and Porvoo (Cathedral of Porvoo & The Devil's Stairs). There's still lots to do: browse the exhibits of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, look for all kinds of wild species at Paavolan Tammi, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Johannes Church.

To see ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Helsinki trip planner.

Portland, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 16-hour flight. You'll lose 10 hours traveling from Portland to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Portland in May: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 60°F and lows are around 43°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) so you can go by car to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

Get some historical perspective at Turku Castle and Nagu Church. Discover out-of-the-way places like Turku Cathedral and Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. When in Turku, make a side trip to see Teijo National Park in Pernio, approximately Pernio away. And it doesn't end there: trek along The Archipelago Trail, get engrossed in the history at Ett Hem Museum, examine the collection at Turku Biological Museum, and get all the equipment you need at Bike Rental - by Carfield.

To see ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Turku trip itinerary website.

Getting from Helsinki to Turku by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train; or fly. In May, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 59°F, while at night they dip to 40°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Tampere.

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

Get some historical perspective at Serlachius Museum Gustaf and St Olaf's Church in Tyrvaa. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Birthplace of Jean Sibelius and The Parola Armour Museum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Tampere: Gösta Serlachius Museum, Museum of Art (in Mantta-Vilppula) and Visavuori (in Valkeakoski). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Vanha Kirkko, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, admire the landmark architecture of Aleksanterin Kirkko, and examine the collection at National Police Museum.

To find photos, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Tampere online holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Turku to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 59°F in May, and nighttime lows around 39°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Savonlinna.

The picturesque town of Savonlinna sits on two islands surrounded by shimmering lakes and lush greenery.

Olavinlinna Castle and Savonlinna Cathedral will appeal to history buffs. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Tohmajarven kirkko and Pikkukirkko. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Savonlinna: Orinoro Gorge (in Leppavirta), Salpa Line (in Kerimaki) and St. George Church (in Joroinen). There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Kirkkoniemen Kellotapuli, examine the collection at S/S Salama, pause for some photo ops at Olavinlinnan Musta Passi, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kerimaki Church.

For traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Savonlinna online tour itinerary builder.

You can do a combination of train and bus from Tampere to Savonlinna in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of train and bus. In May, daily temperatures in Savonlinna can reach 59°F, while at night they dip to 39°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Rovaniemi.

An urban center set amongst the great Arctic wilderness, Rovaniemi serves as the capital of Lapland province.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Joutsijarven Bunkkerit and Santa's House of Snowmobiles. Step out of the city life by going to Nature & Wildlife Tours and Safaris. Explore Rovaniemi's surroundings by going to Pyha-Luosto National Park (in Pyhatunturi), Kopara Reindeer Park (in Luosto) and Korouoma Canyon (in Posio). The adventure continues: stroll the grounds of German Soldier s Cemetery, make a trip to Lordi's Square, see Santa Claus Office, and revel in the low prices at Marttiini Store Old Factory.

To find traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by flight from Savonlinna to Rovaniemi takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from Savonlinna in May, plan for little chillier days in Rovaniemi, with highs around 51°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 37°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.