A 17-day trip to Finland allows you to explore its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique culture. Here is a comprehensive itinerary covering major highlights, activities, and travel tips for an unforgettable Finnish adventure.
Day 1-3: Helsinki
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration
- Morning: Arrive in Helsinki and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and Market Square.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and stroll along the Esplanadi Park.
Day 2: City Highlights
- Morning: Explore the Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Visit the Design District and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Evening: Dinner in the Kallio district, known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine.
Day 3: Nature and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum to learn about Finnish rural life.
- Afternoon: Walk around Töölönlahti Bay and visit the Sibelius Monument.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna experience.
Day 4-6: Porvoo and Tampere
Day 4: Day Trip to Porvoo
- Morning: Take a bus or drive to Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest towns.
- Afternoon: Explore the old town, Porvoo Cathedral, and the riverfront.
- Evening: Return to Helsinki for dinner.
Day 5: Travel to Tampere
- Morning: Take a train to Tampere (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the Vapriikki Museum Centre and Pyynikki Observation Tower.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Tampere’s many lakeside restaurants.
Day 6: Tampere Highlights
- Morning: Explore the Moomin Museum and Särkänniemi Adventure Park.
- Afternoon: Visit the Amuri Museum of Workers’ Housing.
- Evening: Relax in a traditional sauna by the lake.
Day 7-10: Jyväskylä and Lakeland
Day 7: Travel to Jyväskylä
- Morning: Take a train or drive to Jyväskylä.
- Afternoon: Visit the Alvar Aalto Museum and the University of Jyväskylä campus.
- Evening: Stroll through the harbor area and enjoy dinner by Lake Jyväsjärvi.
Day 8: Explore Jyväskylä
- Morning: Visit the Natural History Museum of Central Finland.
- Afternoon: Hike up Laajavuori Hill for panoramic views.
- Evening: Enjoy local cuisine in one of the city’s many restaurants.
Day 9: Finnish Lakeland
- Morning: Drive or take a bus to the Finnish Lakeland region.
- Afternoon: Visit Päijänne National Park and take a boat tour.
- Evening: Stay in a lakeside cabin and enjoy a sauna.
Day 10: Lakeland Activities
- Morning: Canoeing or kayaking on one of the many lakes.
- Afternoon: Visit the town of Savonlinna and Olavinlinna Castle.
- Evening: Return to your cabin for a peaceful evening by the lake.
Day 11-13: Kuopio and Koli National Park
Day 11: Travel to Kuopio
- Morning: Drive or take a train to Kuopio.
- Afternoon: Visit the Puijo Tower for views of the surrounding lakes.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in fish dishes.
Day 12: Kuopio Highlights
- Morning: Explore the Kuopio Market Hall and Orthodox Church Museum.
- Afternoon: Relax at Rauhalahti Spa or visit the VB Photographic Centre.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Finnish dinner.
Day 13: Koli National Park
- Morning: Drive to Koli National Park.
- Afternoon: Hike to Ukko-Koli, the highest summit, for stunning views.
- Evening: Stay in a nearby hotel or cabin.
Day 14-17: Rovaniemi and Lapland
Day 14: Travel to Rovaniemi
- Morning: Fly or take a train to Rovaniemi, the gateway to Lapland.
- Afternoon: Visit the Arktikum Science Museum.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant serving Lappish cuisine.
Day 15: Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village
- Morning: Cross the Arctic Circle and visit Santa Claus Village.
- Afternoon: Go on a reindeer or husky sledding tour.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Lappish meal and watch for the Northern Lights.
Day 16: Lapland Adventures
- Morning: Snowshoeing or snowmobiling in the surrounding wilderness.
- Afternoon: Visit the Ranua Wildlife Park to see Arctic animals.
- Evening: Relax in a glass igloo or Arctic treehouse, ideal for Northern Lights viewing.
Day 17: Departure
- Morning: Final shopping for souvenirs in Rovaniemi.
- Afternoon: Fly back home from Rovaniemi.
Travel Tips
- Weather: Pack accordingly for the season. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are mild with long daylight hours.
- Transport: Utilize Finland’s efficient public transport system, including trains and buses. Renting a car is recommended for exploring remote areas.
- Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular destinations and during peak travel seasons.
- Activities: Reserve guided tours and activities, such as Northern Lights excursions and sauna experiences, ahead of time.
- Cuisine: Try local specialties like reindeer meat, salmon, rye bread, and Finnish pastries such as korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls).
This 17-day itinerary covers the best of Finland’s urban, cultural, and natural attractions, providing a well-rounded experience of this beautiful Nordic country.