30 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.

For shopping fun, head to Hakaniemi Market or Taiga Colors. Visiting Aurinkolahti Beach and Norman Travels will get you outdoors. Step out of Helsinki with an excursion to Stromforsin ruukki in Ruotsinpyhtaa--about 1h 20 min away. The adventure continues: brush up on your military savvy at Fortress of Suomenlinna, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, admire the striking features of Rock Church, and take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum.

To find where to stay, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Helsinki online trip itinerary maker .

Sydney, Australia to Helsinki is an approximately 23-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time (New South Wales) to Eastern European Time is minus 8 hours. Prepare for cooler weather when traveling from Sydney in December: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 3°C and lows are around -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) so you can take a train to Tampere.

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

Step out of the city life by going to Yyteri Beach and Herrainpaivat Beach. Discover out-of-the-way places like Pihamaa Estate & Winery and Vapriikin Museokeskus. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Tampere: Holy Cross Church (in Parola) and St Olaf's Church in Tyrvaa (in Sastamala). Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampere Cathedral, stop by Ideapark, and soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers.

To see traveler tips, maps, photos, and more tourist information, use the Tampere road trip planning site .

Traveling by train from Helsinki to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. Traveling from Helsinki in December, expect Tampere to be a bit cooler, temps between 0°C and -6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) to allow time to take a train to Turku.

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

Step off the beaten path and head to Bellevue Beach and Ispoinen Beach and Sauna. Do your shopping at Kauppakeskus Mylly and Ruokapuoti Lumo. Change things up with these side-trips from Turku: Rauma (The Church of the Holy Cross, Old Rauma, & more), Kurjenrahka National Park (in Poytya) and Hanko (Pike's Gut & Hanko Water Tower). And it doesn't end there: step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle, see the interesting displays at Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral.

To see where to stay, photos, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Turku itinerary app .

Traveling by train from Tampere to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight. Expect a daytime high around 1°C in December, and nighttime lows around -4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can 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.

Do your shopping at Elan Ski Shop & Rental and Akaslompolo Sportshop. Take a break from the city and head to Levi Ski Resort and Nature & Wildlife Tours. Change things up with a short trip to Snow Village in Kittila (about 46 minutes away). The adventure continues: admire all the interesting features of Ice Karting Levi, make a trip to Ounasjoki - River for activities, and experience rural life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm.

For traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Levi tour website .

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Turku to Levi in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train, flight, and bus; or drive. In December, Levi is a bit cooler than Turku - with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) early enough to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Thu): gain insight with The Sami Cultural Centre Sajos, then examine the collection at Siida, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

For where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Inari trip planner .

Traveling by combination of bus, flight, and shuttle from Levi to Inari takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January in Inari, expect temperatures between -11°C during the day and -20°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Thu) early enough to travel to Kuusamo.

Kuusamo is a town and municipality in Finland. Explore hidden gems such as Jalavan Kauppa and Ruka. For shopping fun, head to Shopping Center Kumpare or Riipisen Wild Game and Souvenier Shop. Step out of Kuusamo to go to Suomussalmi and see Hossa National Park, which is approximately 1h 05 min away. It doesn't end there: explore the stunning scenery at Kiutakongas Rapids and admire the masterpieces at Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre.

To see ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Kuusamo planner .

Getting from Inari to Kuusamo by combination of shuttle and flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. January in Kuusamo sees daily highs of -10°C and lows of -19°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Savonlinna.

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

Do some cultural sightseeing at Olavinlinna Castle and Savonlinna Cathedral. Visiting Lempukka Beach and Imatra Waterfall will get you outdoors. Change things up with these side-trips from Savonlinna: Imatra (Lammassaari Island, Imatran Kalatalo, & more) and Johanna Oras Art Gallery (in Punkaharju). Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kerimaki Church, look for gifts at Taito Shop Savonlinna, examine the collection at Lusto - The Finnish Forest Museum, and pause for some photo ops at Savonlinna Herostatue - The Hero's Grave.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, read Savonlinna trip itinerary planning tool .

Fly from Kuusamo to Savonlinna in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Kuusamo in January since evenings lows in Savonlinna dip to -15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) early enough to travel to Joensuu.

Joensuu is a city and municipality in North Karelia in the province of Eastern Finland. Escape the urban bustle at Honkaniemi Beach and Ukko-Koli. Explore hidden gems such as Utra Beach and Taitokortteli. Change things up with these side-trips from Joensuu: Koli (Koli Shop Retkitupa & Koli Nature Centre Ukko), Patvinsuon Kansallispuisto (in Lieksa) and Rasavaara Observation tower (in Koli National Park). The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Pyhan Nikolaoksen kirkko, see the interesting displays at Carelicum, and make a trip to Joensuu Church.

To find photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Joensuu vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Savonlinna to Joensuu takes 2 hours. In January, daily temperatures in Joensuu can reach -8°C, while at night they dip to -14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.