How to spend 10 days In Finland - 5 itineraries

updated 08.08.2024

Discover Finland, a land where rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together for an unforgettable adventure. Ready to make the most of your visit? Dive into our 10-day Finland itineraries, designed by our Finland travel experts to ensure you experience the very best this beautiful country has to offer.

Itinerary #1: Helsinki and Beyond

Start an exciting trip that mixes the lively city vibe of Helsinki with the calm beauty of nearby places. See important cultural sites, try local food, and go on pretty walks. This plan gives you a great mix of city exploring and nature experiences, letting you see Finland's different landscapes and rich history.

If you're not sure about 10 days, browse all our Finland itineraries.

Itinerary overview

This 10-day itinerary begins in Helsinki, exploring its iconic sites like the Cathedral and Suomenlinna Fortress, and extends to natural attractions and charming towns. Start with Helsinki’s highlights, including the Design District and Finnish cuisine. On day two, visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Helsinki City Museum. Day three focuses on art at the Ateneum and Kiasma museums.

On day four, drive to Nuuksio National Park for hiking and the Haltia Nature Centre, then return to Helsinki. Day six takes you to Porvoo to explore the Old Town and Cathedral.

Drive to Tampere on day seven, visiting the Cathedral and Vapriikki Museum. Day eight includes the Moomin Museum and Särkänniemi Adventure Park. Return to Helsinki on day nine for Uspenski Cathedral and a farewell dinner. Conclude on day ten with a leisurely morning and some souvenir shopping before heading to the airport.

Want to add the best activities to your trip? Make sure to read all about the best things to do in Finland.

Presidential Palace and Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki © Shutterstock

The Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki © Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki

  • Visit Helsinki Cathedral
  • Stroll through Esplanadi Park
  • Shop in the Design District
  • Enjoy Finnish cuisine at a local pub

Day 2: Explore Helsinki

  • Explore Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
  • Tour Helsinki City Museum
  • Dine in the Kamppi area

Day 3: Helsinki’s Art and Culture

  • Visit Ateneum Art Museum
  • Explore Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Dinner in a traditional Finnish restaurant

Day 4: Discover Nuuksio

  • Drive to Nuuksio National Park
  • Enjoy a day of hiking
  • Visit Haltia Nature Centre

Day 5: Nuuksio Wonders

  • Walk around Nuuksio’s lakes
  • Picnic in the park
  • Return to Helsinki

Day 6: Historic Porvoo

  • Drive to Porvoo
  • Explore Porvoo Old Town
  • Visit Porvoo Cathedral

Day 7: Porvoo to Tampere

  • Scenic drive to Tampere
  • Visit Tampere Cathedral
  • Explore the Vapriikki Museum Centre

Day 8: Tampere Highlights

  • Visit Moomin Museum
  • Stroll through Särkänniemi Adventure Park
  • Dinner by Lake Näsijärvi

Day 9: Return to Helsinki

  • Drive back to Helsinki
  • Visit Uspenski Cathedral
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner

Day 10: Departure

  • Morning at leisure in Helsinki
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport
View of The Pyha-Luosto National Park © Shutterstock

Finland's landscape is amazing! © Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Turku and the Archipelago

Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty with a trip to  Turku and its stunning archipelago. Begin with Turku’s rich heritage, explore charming Naantali, and immerse yourself in the captivating islands of the Turku Archipelago. This itinerary offers a harmonious mix of cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes, and delightful local experiences, ensuring a memorable Finnish adventure.

Itinerary overview

This 10-day trip mixes Turku's past with the beauty of its islands. Start by checking out Turku Castle walking by the Aura River, and listening to local tunes. The next day, drive to Naantali to see Moomin World and sleep there.

Day three takes you to the pretty Turku islands where you'll stay the night. On day four, head to Seili Island to learn about its past and nature before going back to Turku. Use day five to visit the Turku Market Hall and Art Museum then have dinner in town.

Visit the Sibelius Museum on day six, then spend the day relaxing by the river and discovering local cafes. Visit Rauma, a historic wooden village and home to a maritime museum, on day seven of your journey. You head back to Turku on day eight to see the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum and go on a riverboat tour.

Day nine brings a walk through Kupittaa Park and a visit to the Botanical Garden leaving the evening open. You wrap up on day ten with a morning walk, some souvenir hunting, and then make your way to the airport.

Not sure when to go? Read all about the best time to visit Finland.

Lake cabin in Ruissalo, Turku, Finland © Igor Grochev/Shutterstock

Lake cabin in Ruissalo, Turku, Finland © Igor Grochev/Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Turku

  • Explore Turku Castle
  • Walk along the Aura River
  • Enjoy music in a local pub

Day 2: Naantali Adventure

  • Drive to Naantali
  • Visit Moomin World
  • Stay overnight in Naantali

Day 3: Archipelago Discovery

  • Explore Turku Archipelago
  • Visit idyllic islands
  • Overnight on an island

Day 4: Seili Island Excursion

  • Ferry to Seili
  • Explore Seili’s history and beauty
  • Return to Turku

Day 5: Turku Cultural Day

  • Visit Turku Market Hall
  • Explore Turku Art Museum
  • Dine in the city

Day 6: More of Turku

  • Visit the Sibelius Museum
  • Relax by the river
  • Discover local cafes

Day 7: Day Trip to Rauma

  • Drive to Rauma
  • Explore the old wooden town
  • Visit the Rauma Maritime Museum

Day 8: Return to Turku

  • Visit Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum
  • Enjoy a boat tour on the river

Day 9: Turku Highlights

  • Walk in Kupittaa Park
  • Visit the Botanical Garden
  • Evening at leisure

Day 10: Departure

  • Morning stroll through Turku
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport
Boathouse Korppoo Island Turku archipelago Finland

Boathouse Korppoo Island Turku archipelago Finland

Itinerary #3: Northern Finland Highlights

This 10-day trip through Northern Finland gives you a mix of adventure and culture. This plan is great for anyone looking for a special vacation. It combines cultural experiences in Rovaniemi and Inari with the thrill of Levi Ski Resort. You'll also explore the beautiful wilderness of Ivalo and visit the charming Santa Claus Village. Your journey ends with the peaceful beauty of the Arctic Circle Hiking Area giving you a Finnish experience you'll never forget.

Itinerary overview

Start by exploring Rovaniemi's Arktikum, city center, and local dining. On day two, head to Levi for skiing or snowboarding. Day three involves touring Inari and visiting the Sámi Museum, with a return to Rovaniemi in the evening.

Day four features the Siida Museum and Inari Lake. On day five, enjoy Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle Hiking Area. Take a day trip to Kemi for an icebreaker cruise on day six before returning to Rovaniemi.

Day seven is dedicated to Rovaniemi’s culture with visits to the Pilke Science Centre and Art Museum. Explore Ranua Wildlife Park on day eight, then hike and picnic in Pyhä-Luosto National Park on day nineConclude with a leisurely morning in Rovaniemi, some souvenir shopping, and head to the airport on day ten.

Only have a short time? Make the most of 5 days with a packed itinerary covering Helsinki’s highlights, a taste of Lapland, and a night in an Arctic igloo.

Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village © Shutterstock

Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village © Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Rovaniemi

  • Visit Arktikum
  • Stroll through the city center
  • Dine at a local restaurant

Day 2: Levi Adventure

  • Drive to Levi
  • Visit Levi Ski Resort
  • Enjoy skiing or snowboarding

Day 3: Historic Inari and Ivalo

  • Tour Inari
  • Visit the Sámi Museum
  • Drive to Ivalo

Day 4: Inari Discoveries

  • Visit Siida Museum
  • Enjoy Inari Lake
  • Return to Rovaniemi

Day 5: Rovaniemi Wonders

  • Visit Santa Claus Village
  • Explore the Arctic Circle Hiking Area

Day 6: Kemi Icebreaker Adventure

  • Day trip to Kemi
  • Icebreaker cruise
  • Return to Rovaniemi

Day 7: Rovaniemi Culture

  • Visit Pilke Science Centre
  • Tour Rovaniemi Art Museum
  • Dinner in the city

Day 8: Ranua Wildlife Park

  • Day trip to Ranua
  • Visit the wildlife park
  • Return to Rovaniemi

Day 9: Arctic Nature

  • Hike in Pyhä-Luosto National Park
  • Enjoy a picnic in nature

Day 10: Departure

  • Morning at leisure in Rovaniemi
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport
Ship among ice, Finland

Ice breakers  © Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: Southern Finland Adventure

Spend ten days exploring Southern Finland, combining urban life with breathtaking landscapes. If you are keen to explore both nature and history at the same time, this trip is fantastic. Beginning in Tampere, you may explore the city's historic cathedral and entertaining Moomin Museum. Next, you will see the charming ancient town of Porvoo and pass through some lovely villages on route to Hämeenlinna. You will also visit the stunning Aulanko Nature Reserve and the historic Häme Castle throughout the tour. Lastly, you will visit the Lahti Ski Museum before returning to Helsinki. This journey will provide you with moments you won't soon forget.

Itinerary overview

Experience Southern Finland’s charm with this 10-day itinerary, starting in Tampere and exploring the cultural and scenic highlights of Porvoo, Hämeenlinna, and Helsinki.

Begin in Tampere with visits to Tampere Cathedral and the Moomin Museum. On day two, enjoy Särkänniemi Adventure Park and the Vapriikki Museum Centre. Drive to Porvoo on day three to explore Porvoo Old Town and Cathedral.

Day four takes you to Hämeenlinna via a scenic route through Tammela and Loppi. In Hämeenlinna, visit Häme Castle and Aulanko Nature Reserve. On day six, head to Lahti to visit the Ski Museum and explore the city.

Return to Helsinki on day seven for a visit to the National Museum of Finland. Day eight focuses on Helsinki’s cultural highlights with the Music Centre and the Finnish Museum of Natural History. On day nine, explore Helsinki’s art scene with the Ateneum Art Museum and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.

Conclude with a leisurely morning in Helsinki, some souvenir shopping, and head to the airport on day ten. This itinerary offers a perfect mix of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and local experiences.

Aerial view of Tampere city © Shutterstock

Aerial view of Tampere city © Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Tampere

  • Explore Tampere Cathedral
  • Visit Moomin Museum

Day 2: Tampere’s Charm

  • Stroll in Särkänniemi Adventure Park
  • Visit Vapriikki Museum Centre

Day 3: Tampere to Porvoo

  • Drive to Porvoo
  • Explore Porvoo Old Town
  • Visit Porvoo Cathedral

Day 4: Scenic Route to Hämeenlinna

  • Drive through Tammela and Loppi
  • Arrive in Hämeenlinna

Day 5: Hämeenlinna Highlights

  • Visit Häme Castle
  • Explore Aulanko Nature Reserve

Day 6: Hämeenlinna to Lahti

  • Drive to Lahti
  • Visit Lahti Ski Museum
  • Explore the city

Day 7: Lahti to Helsinki

  • Return to Helsinki
  • Visit the National Museum of Finland

Day 8: Helsinki Culture

  • Tour the Helsinki Music Centre
  • Explore the Finnish Museum of Natural History

Day 9: Helsinki Art

  • Visit Ateneum Art Museum
  • Explore Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Day 10: Departure

  • Morning at leisure in Helsinki
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport
Helsinki cityscape © elina/Shutterstock

Helsinki cityscape © elina/Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: Finnish Lakeland

This 10-day trip through the Finnish Lakelands will exceed all your expectations. You will be able to discover stunning scenery and explore the energetic city life. From traditional meals and local market tours in Kuopio to witnessing historic strongholds in Punkaharju and Savonlinna, this trip has it all. Finish with a lovely walk along Lappeenranta Harbor and a goodbye dinner in Helsinki, making it an ideal trip to Finland. 

Itinerary overview

Your trip starts in Kuopio by going to the bustling Kuopio Market and the Puijo Tower. On your second day, you can immerse yourself in the local way of life at the Kuopio Art Museum. On day three, drive to Savonlinna to explore Olavinlinna Castle and the charming old town. Day four highlights Savonlinna’s beauty with a visit to Kerimäki Church and the scenic Punkaharju area. Continue to Mikkeli on day five, where you can see Mikkeli Cathedral and explore Kenkävero.

Day six is dedicated to Mikkeli’s history at the Infantry Museum and the old market hall. On day seven, drive to Lappeenranta to visit the Saimaa Canal and the historic old fortress. Discover more of Lappeenranta on day eight with a walk around the harbor and a visit to the South Karelia Museum.

Return to Helsinki on day nine for a farewell dinner. Conclude your trip on day ten with a relaxing morning in Helsinki where you can shop for souvenirs or explore more of the city. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural exploration, and local experiences.

Lake cabin in Ruissalo, Turku, Finland © Igor Grochev/Shutterstock

Lake cabin in Ruissalo, Turku, Finland © Igor Grochev/Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Kuopio

  • Visit Puijo Tower
  • Explore Kuopio Market

Day 2: Kuopio

  • Visit Kuopio Art Museum
  • Stroll around the harbour

Day 3: Kuopio to Savonlinna

  • Drive to Savonlinna
  • Visit Olavinlinna Castle
  • Explore Savonlinna’s old town

Day 4: Savonlinna’s Beauty

  • Visit Kerimäki Church
  • Enjoy the scenery of Punkaharju

Day 5: Savonlinna to Mikkeli

  • Drive to Mikkeli
  • Visit Mikkeli Cathedral
  • Explore Kenkävero

Day 6: Mikkeli Highlights

  • Visit the Infantry Museum
  • Stroll through the old market hall

Day 7: Mikkeli to Lappeenranta

  • Drive to Lappeenranta
  • Visit the Saimaa Canal
  • Explore the old fortress

Day 8: Lappeenranta Discoveries

  • Walk in Lappeenranta Harbour
  • Visit the South Karelia Museum

Day 9: Lappeenranta to Helsinki

  • Return to Helsinki
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner

Day 10: Departure

  • Morning at leisure in Helsinki
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport
Ties Lagraauw

written by
Ties Lagraauw

updated 08.08.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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