Start your trip in the bustling capital of Finland, Helsinki. Visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress which is a UNESCO World Heritage site or indulge in the Finnish sauna culture at Löyly Sauna. Take a stroll through the Market Square and taste traditional Finnish food, followed by coffee and pastries at one of the cozy cafes in the area.
Visit the oldest city in Finland, Turku, and explore the Turku Castle which dates back to the 13th century. Stroll down the bank of River Aurajoki and visit Turku Cathedral, admire the unique architecture of the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art or learn about Finnish history at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum.
Head to Tampere, known as the "Manchester of Finland" and visit the Tampereen Teatteri, one of the oldest theaters in the Nordic countries. Take a stroll around the beautiful Pispalan Uittotunneli, shop at the famous Market Hall and taste some of the local specialties. For a dose of culture, visit the Vapriikki Museum or the Pirkkala's Stone Church.
Visit Finland's second oldest town, Porvoo, which is known for its charming and colorful wooden houses. Visit Porvoo Cathedral, stroll around the winding cobblestone streets and enjoy the picturesque views of the river. Visit the Porvoo Museum and learn about the town's history and traditions or indulge in shopping for souvenirs and handcrafted items at the Porvoo Old Town Hall Artisan's and Crafts Shop.
Travel to Oulu, a major urban center of northern Finland, to experience traditional Finnish activities such as ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Visit the Tietomaa Science Centre for an interactive display of technology and science, taste Finnish beer at Koiviston Kotijuustola Brewery and relax at the sandy Nallikari Beach.
Travel to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and explore the Arktikum Museum which is dedicated to Arctic life and history. Visit the iconic Santa Claus Village, the official home of Santa Claus, where you can experience a reindeer ride, husky safari and have a photo taken with Santa. Go snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoe hiking, and try Finnish delicacies like salmon soup, berry pies, and reindeer meat.
Visit Savonlinna, located in the eastern part of Finland and notable for the Olavinlinna Castle which hosts the famous Savonlinna Opera Festival. Experience the scenic views of Lake Saimaa, Finland's largest lake and go for a relaxing boating trip or visit the Savonlinna Provincial Museum to learn about the town's rich history. Also, try out traditional Finnish cuisine in one of Savonlinna's many restaurants.
The trip ends with a drive back to Helsinki.
Total Estimated Costs: 293 euros
Although public transport is available to get around most major cities in Finland, it is recommended to rent a car to efficiently explore the countryside. Car rental costs around 30-60 euros per day. Trains and buses are also available but can be more expensive based on the distance travelled. Domestic flights within Finland can be booked for around 70-150 euros.
If you have more time, consider visiting the charming town of Naantali, the snowy landscapes of Levi, the seaside town of Hanko or the historically significant town of Hämeenlinna. For a shorter trip, you can opt to exclude some destinations or spend fewer days in each city.
Helsinki Airport (HEL) is the main airport in Finland and is located 19 km from the city center. Another major airport is Oulu Airport (OUL) located approximately 15 km from Oulu's city center.