How to spend 5 days In Finland - 5 itineraries

updated 24.09.2024

Feel the enchantment of Finland, a nation that draws people in with its rich past varied culture, and stunning scenery. Want to get the most out of your trip? Check out our 5-day Finland plans crafted by our Finland travel specialists to make sure you see the best this gorgeous country has to show.

Itinerary #1: Helsinki and Nuuksio Delights

Start an exciting trip that mixes Helsinki's lively city feel with Nuuksio National Park's peaceful nature. Check out famous sites, taste local food, and go on nice walks. This plan gives you a good mix of city stuff and outdoor fun so you can see Finland's different views and rich past.

This 5-day plan combines Helsinki's buzz with Nuuksio National Park's calm scenery. On day one, kick off your Helsinki trip by seeing the Helsinki Cathedral walking in Esplanadi Park, and buying stuff in the Design District. Have some old-school Finnish food and a drink at a bar nearby. On the second day, explore the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and the Helsinki City Museum then spend your evening in the Kamppi area.

On the third day, go to Nuuksio National Park. This beautiful place provides a quiet setting to hike for a day. On day four, visit the Haltia Nature Centre. Then stroll around the park's lakes to take in amazing views. Use your morning to explore more of Nuuksio before returning to Helsinki. On day five, drop by the Ateneum Art Museum or Uspenski Cathedral before you depart.

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

Presidential Palace and Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki © Shutterstock

Presidential Palace and Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

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: Discover Nuuksio

  • Drive to Nuuksio National Park
  • Enjoy a day of hiking

Day 4: Nuuksio Wonders

  • Visit Haltia Nature Centre
  • Walk around Nuuksio's lakes

Day 5: Back to Helsinki

  • Visit Ateneum Art Museum or Uspenski Cathedral
  • Return to Helsinki

If you're not sure about 5 days, make sure to browse all our itineraries or opt for 10 days in Finland.

Turku Castle at morning sun with green springtime trees and park in Turku, Finland © Shutterstock

Turku Castle at morning sun with green springtime trees and park in Turku, Finland © Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Turku and the Archipelago

Come to experience the best of history, culture and nature all in Turku and its surrounding archipelagos. Start by uncovering the history of Turku and then move to the cute town of Naantali, and then become mesmerized by the islands of the Turku Archipelago. This trip is an ideal blend of culture and scenery, city sightseeing, and experiences of regional identity, for the perfect trip to Finland.

On the first day, dive into Turku's long past and incredible island views. Start by checking out Turku Castle and taking a stroll by the Aura River. Wrap up your day listening to old-school Finnish tunes in a nearby bar. 

On day two, drive to Naantali to check out Moomin World. Afterward, enjoy the sights of this charming coastal town before calling it a day. On the third day, set off to discover the beautiful Turku Archipelago. 

On day four, hop on a ferry to Seili island to check out its past and scenery. On day five, kick off your morning at the Turku Market Hall and the Turku Art Museum then take it easy in the afternoon.

Looking for inspiration first? Make sure to read our article about the best things to do in Finland.

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

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

Itinerary overview

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

Day 3: Archipelago Discovery

  • Explore Turku Archipelago
  • Visit idyllic islands

Day 4: Seili Island Excursion

  • Ferry to Seili
  • Explore Seili's history and beauty

Day 5: Farewell to Turku

  • Visit Turku Market Hall
  • Explore Turku Art Museum
Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village © Shutterstock

Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village © Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Northern Finland Highlights

Begin an exhilarating journey through the Northern part of the unfamiliar Finland in the spirited city of Rovaniemi. Find out more about the region’s history at the Arktikum museum before you take to skiing at Levi Ski resort. Take the chance to go to visit Inari and Ivalo tiny towns with stunning views and historical places. End your travel at the captivating Santa Claus Village and the proceeding Arctic Circle Hiking Area to give Finland the vacation it will impress in your mind.

Explore Northern Finland, starting with Rovaniemi and its lovely and historic attributes. Arch your first day with a trip to the Arktikum museum, taking a city center walk, and having dinner at one of the restaurants. 

Your second day entails moving to Levi, where you will be engaging in skiing at the Levi Ski Resort.

Day three relives you to the small Inari village and then to Ivalu and its background of natural beauty. Stay in Ivalo town for the night. 

On your fourth day, go for a Siida Museum, and the stunning Inari Lake before heading back to Rovaniemi in the evening. Make sure at the end or during the last day of your tour visit Santa Claus Village and go for a hike in the Arctic Circle Hiking Area.

Midnight sun in Swedish Lapland

Midnight sun in Lapland © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

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

Day 3: Historic Inari and Ivalo

  • Tour Inari
  • Explore Ivalo

Day 4: Inari Discoveries

  • Visit Siida Museum
  • Enjoy Inari Lake

Day 5: Rovaniemi Farewell

  • Visit Santa Claus Village
  • Stroll through Arctic Circle Hiking Area
Aerial view of Tampere city © Shutterstock

Aerial view of Tampere city © Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: Southern Finland Adventure

Start your journey in Tampere with a stop at the old cathedral and a visit to the entertaining Moomin Museum. Next, explore Porvoo's charming old town and take in the scenic villages on your route to Hämeenlinna. Once in Hämeenlinna, you can see the historic Häme Castle and take in the breathtaking views at Aulanko Nature Reserve.

Explore the South of Finland that is home to a big metropolis and at the same time, it is full of serene countryside. On the first day head to Tampere where you can find Tampere Cathedral and take a tour at Moomin Museum. 

Day two will have you jump on a bus and go to Porvoo, wander round the old town and then download in a convenient homely guesthouse. 

The third day takes you to Hämeenlinna, with a stop in the villages Tammela and Loppi before returning to Porvoo for the night.

On day four one you will visit the Häme Castle and then move to the Aulanko Nature Reserve. After that, continue to the city of Lahti for the night. And to finish off this trip, on the last day you will explore the Lathi Ski Museum before you leave for Helsinki. 

Lake view from the lookout tower of Aulanko in Finland © Shutterstock

Lake view from the lookout tower of Aulanko in Finland © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Day 1: Welcome to Tampere

  • Explore Tampere Cathedral
  • Visit Moomin Museum

Day 2: Tampere to Porvoo

  • Drive to Porvoo
  • Visit Porvoo old town

Day 3: Hämeenlinna Adventure

  • Drive the scenic route to Hämeenlinna
  • Visit Tammela and Loppi

Day 4: Hämeenlinna and Lahti

  • Visit Häme Castle
  • Explore Aulanko Nature Reserve

Day 5: Return to Helsinki

  • Visit Lahti Ski Museum
  • Return to Helsinki
City Savonlinna bird's eye view, view of the castle Olavinlinna, Saimaa Lake © Shutterstock

City Savonlinna bird's eye view, view of the castle Olavinlinna, Saimaa Lake © Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: Finnish Lakeland

Begin a magical trip through Finland's beautiful Lakeland area, starting in the busy city of Kuopio. Get a taste of lively city life and calm natural beauty as you check out cultural spots and pretty landscapes. From the old-world charm of Savonlinna to the peaceful beauty of Lappeenranta, this trip plan gives you a perfect mix of unforgettable experiences. It ends with a goodbye dinner in Helsinki making sure you have a Finnish adventure to remember.

Explore Finland's beautiful Lakeland region, taking in Kuopio's energy, Savonlinna's charm, and Mikkeli's historic sites. On the first day, go to Kuopio to check out the Puijo Tower and Kuopio Market before eating at a local spot. 

The second day involves seeing more buildings; make sure to stop by Kuopio's harbor before traveling to Savonlinna to tour Olavinlinna Castle. 

See Kerimäki's unique church on day three and continue to Punkaharju where you can view the coastline and wildlife, then stay overnight in Mikkeli.

Day four, take a trip to Lappeenranta to see Saimaa Canal and the old fortress. Spend the night in a cozy inn. On the last day, go for a morning stroll to Lappeenranta Harbour. Head back to Helsinki for the final goodbye dinner.

Traveling around a lot? Make sure to read about the best way to get around in Finland.

Summer midnight sun lake in Finland © Ekaterina Kondratova/Shutterstock

Summer midnight sun lake in Finland © Ekaterina Kondratova/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Day 1: Welcome to Kuopio

  • Visit Puijo Tower
  • Explore Kuopio Market

Day 2: Kuopio to Savonlinna

  • Explore Kuopio’s harbor
  • Visit Olavinlinna Castle

Day 3: Mikkeli and Punkaharju

  • Visit Kerimäki Church
  • Explore Punkaharju beaches

Day 4: Lappeenranta Highlights

  • Visit Saimaa Canal
  • Stay in Lappeenranta

Day 5: Return to Helsinki

  • Walk in Lappeenranta Harbour
  • Return to Helsinki
Ties Lagraauw

written by
Ties Lagraauw

updated 24.09.2024

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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