15-Day Comprehensive Finland Adventure: From Helsinki to Lapland

Day 1: Arrival and Helsinki Discovery

Helsinki, Finland on May 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Regatta

Enjoy traditional Finnish pastries and strong coffee by the seaside in a charming red cottage café open from 8:00am. It's a perfect cozy start to your day.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Visit Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Explore the iconic neoclassical landmarks in Helsinki's heart, offering picturesque views and insight into Finnish history. Open daily and free to visit.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Market Square (Kauppatori)

Taste fresh Finnish seafood and local delicacies at the lively outdoor market, open daily from 9am to 6pm.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Take a 15-minute ferry from Market Square to this UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive fortifications, museums, and scenic walks. Ferry runs regularly 6:00am-11:00pm.
EUR5, 3h

5:00pm

Stroll Esplanadi Park

Relax and enjoy the green central park lined with boutiques, cafes, and sculptures, ideal for an evening walk.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Savotta

Savor traditional Finnish cuisine with wild game and seasonal ingredients beside Senate Square, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Museum and Design Exploration

Helsinki, Finland on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Karl Fazer Café

Indulge in famed Fazer chocolates and fresh pastries in this historic café open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 1h

9:45am

Visit Ateneum Art Museum

Explore Finland’s largest classical art museum with works from Finnish masters, open 10am-6pm.
EUR17, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Olo Restaurant

Enjoy Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine focusing on seasonal Finnish ingredients, open until 3pm for lunch.
EUR60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Design Museum Helsinki

Discover the story of Finnish design from classic to contemporary pieces, open 11am-6pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

Marvel at the unique church carved into solid rock, open 10am-4pm.
EUR3, 45m

5:30pm

Relax at Löyly Sauna

Experience a contemporary Finnish sauna and sea views; check in advance as reservation is recommended. Open from 10am to 11pm.
EUR25, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kappeli

Dine in a historic pavilion in Esplanadi serving traditional and seasonal Finnish fare until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Day Trip to Porvoo

Porvoo, Finland on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Helsinki

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before taking the day trip, offered by most hotels from 7am.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Porvoo

Take a 1-hour bus ride east to Porvoo, renowned for its medieval old town.
EUR8, 1h

10:00am

Explore Porvoo Old Town

Wander the cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and charming riverside warehouses, ideal for shopping and photography. Shops typically open 10am-6pm.
EUR0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Smör

Enjoy fresh Nordic cuisine with a focus on fish and local produce in an elegant setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:45pm

Visit Porvoo Cathedral

Visit this historic landmark famous for its architecture and historical significance.
EUR0, 45m

3:45pm

Return to Helsinki

Catch the afternoon bus back to Helsinki, arriving early evening.
EUR8, 1h

6:00pm

Light Dinner at Sandro Töölö

Savor North African inspired dishes with a Finnish twist, open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h

Day 4: Turku and Archipelago

Turku, Finland on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Turku

Travel by train southwest to Turku, Finland's oldest city, for a 2-hour scenic ride.
EUR30, 2h

10:30am

Visit Turku Castle

Tour a medieval castle dating back to the 1280s featuring museums and exhibitions, open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Smör

Enjoy locally caught fish and organic dishes at this cozy restaurant near the castle.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Archipelago Boat Tour

Take a half-day afternoon cruise exploring the Turku Archipelago, departing from the harbor. Confirm schedule ahead; tours run 1pm to 5pm.
EUR45, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner in Turku at Kaskis

Enjoy a contemporary Finnish dining experience with creative dishes using local ingredients, open till 10pm.
EUR55, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening stroll along the Aura River

Relax with a walk along the lively river lined with cafes and bars.
EUR0, 1h

Day 5: Turku to Tampere

Tampere, Finland on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Turku Market Hall

Start your day tasting fresh local produce and coffee in this historical market hall open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Tampere

Take a 2-hour train northeast to Tampere, a city known for its industrial heritage and lakes.
EUR25, 2h

11:30am

Visit Vapriikki Museum Centre

Explore multiple exhibitions including natural history, Finnish history, and technology open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ravintola C

Experience upscale Finnish dining emphasizing local ingredients, open till 3pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:15pm

Walk Pyynikki Observation Tower and Park

Climb the tower for panoramic views of Tampere and enjoy fresh doughnuts from the café, open 9am-8pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax by Lake Näsijärvi

Enjoy an evening lakeside stroll or rent a paddle boat for some light activity.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pispala Bistro

Savor hearty bistro dishes in a cozy setting away from the city center, open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Tampere to Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä, Finland on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before departing.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Jyväskylä

Board a 2.5-hour train east to Jyväskylä, a city known for Alvar Aalto architecture and the Lakeland region.
EUR32, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Restaurant Harju

Taste local Finnish dishes with fresh ingredients in a quaint downtown setting.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Alvar Aalto Museum

Explore works and designs by Finland’s famous architect from 11am to 6pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

3:15pm

Walk around Lake Jyväsjärvi

Enjoy a scenic lakeside walk or rent a bike to explore the paths, perfect to relax.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Figaro

Dine on creative Nordic cuisine with excellent local wines until 9pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Exploring Lakeland and Nature

Jyväskylä, Finland on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Piisku

Enjoy fresh pastries and organic coffee in a popular café with specialty blends.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Leivonmäki National Park

Take a guided nature walk and birdwatching tour in this national park, about 40 minutes drive. Open daylight hours. Book tour in advance.
EUR40, 5h

3:30pm

Return to Jyväskylä; coffee break at Ateljee Café

Relax and enjoy views with artisan coffee and cake at this hilltop café.
EUR8, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Harmooni

Enjoy elegant local dishes emphasizing seasonal produce, open until 9pm.
EUR32, 1h30m

Day 8: Head North to Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, Finland on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with breakfast before the long journey north.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Fly from Jyväskylä to Rovaniemi

Take a roughly 1.5-hour flight to Lapland’s capital, gateway to Arctic adventures.
EUR75, 1h30m

10:00am

Check into accommodation in Rovaniemi

Drop luggage and freshen up, prepare for the Lapland exploration.
EUR0, 1h

11:30am

Visit Arktikum Museum

Learn about Arctic research, Sami culture, and Northern Lights at this innovative museum, open 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h

1:45pm

Lunch at Nili Restaurant

Taste authentic Lappish fare including reindeer meat and berry dishes, open till 4pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:30pm

Santa Claus Village

Visit the famous Christmas-themed village, meet Santa, and cross the Arctic Circle. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR0, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Roka Street Bistro

Enjoy contemporary Nordic small plates in a lively atmosphere until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 9: Lapland Outdoor Adventure

Rovaniemi, Finland on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Fuel up early for an active day in the wilderness.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Full-day excursion: Husky Safari and Nature Hike

Experience a husky sled ride with an experienced guide, followed by a scenic guided hike to spot local flora and fauna. Book in advance; tours operate from 9am to sunset.
EUR150, 7h

4:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and freshen up after the outdoor adventure.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Nili

Enjoy another chance to savor traditional Lappish dishes inspired by local culture and ingredients.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 10: Northern Lights and Sami Culture

Rovaniemi, Finland on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at café

Begin with a wholesome breakfast to energize your day.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Sami Cultural Centre Siida

Visit this cultural hub about Lapland’s indigenous Sami people with exhibitions and handicrafts, open 10am-5pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Kampanisatama

Enjoy light lunches and coffees in a cozy harbor café.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Pilke Science Centre

Learn about sustainable forestry and northern nature with interactive exhibits, open 10am-5pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

3:30pm

Afternoon Rest

Prepare for an evening Northern Lights tour with some rest.
EUR0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner Early at Rovaniemi City Restaurant

Have an early dinner featuring Arctic ingredients before your night tour, open until 9pm.
EUR30, 1h

7:30pm

Northern Lights Tour

Join an expert-led guided tour to hunt for the Aurora Borealis. Keep warm and bring a camera. Tours generally start at 7:30pm and last 4-5 hours.
EUR125, 5h

Day 11: Lapland Exploration Continued

Ranua, Finland on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast

Early breakfast before traveling south-east for wildlife experience.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Ranua Wildlife Park

Drive about 1 hour to Ranua to see Arctic animals in a natural setting. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR18, 6h including travel

10:30am

Explore Ranua Wildlife Park

Visit animals like polar bears, lynxes, and wolverines in well-maintained enclosures reflecting northern habitats.
Included, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Ranua Wildlife Park Café

Light meals and snacks available during your visit.
EUR15, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Rovaniemi

Drive back and relax back at your hotel before evening dinner.
EUR0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Roka Street Bistro

Another chance to enjoy delicious local flavors in Rovaniemi’s vibrant dining scene.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 12: Return Southward via Oulu

Oulu, Finland on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare with breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Oulu

Take a 2.5-hour train south to Oulu, a city known for technology and culture.
EUR40, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Tietomaa Science Center

Enjoy hands-on exhibits about science and technology in Oulu, open 10am-5pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Napoli

Have a hearty Italian meal, a local favorite in Oulu, open until 3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Walk by the Oulu River and Market Square

Explore the riverside parks and vibrant market area, a great spot for photos and shopping.
EUR0, 1h

4:00pm

Travel onward to Tampere by train

Board a 3-hour train to Tampere for your next stop.
EUR35, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at restaurant in Tampere

Choose a cozy local place such as Bistro C for a casual dinner after arrival, open till 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 13: Tampere Relax and Museum

Tampere, Finland on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax with breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Moomin Museum

Discover the world of the famous Finnish Moomin characters, open 10am-6pm.
EUR14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Pispala

Enjoy casual dining with lake views and local dishes open until 3pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Tampere Art Museum

See contemporary Finnish art collection, open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk around Pyynikki Park

Relax with picturesque views of the city and lakes.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Bertha

Enjoy traditional Finnish dishes with a modern touch in a charming setting.
EUR38, 1h30m

Day 14: Return to Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Helsinki

Take 2-hour train back south to Helsinki for your final day.
EUR30, 2h

11:00am

Visit Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore cutting edge contemporary art pieces, open 11am-6pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ravintola Loiste

Enjoy fresh seafood in a market hall setting open till 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Kaivopuisto Park

Stroll through one of Helsinki’s oldest parks with sea views and sculptures.
EUR0, 1h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Olo Restaurant

Celebrate the end of your trip with gourmet Finnish flavors at this Michelin-starred spot, open till 10pm.
EUR70, 2h

Day 15: Departure Day

Helsinki, Finland on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final Finnish breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Depart hotel and take a taxi or train to the airport for your flight home.
EUR40, 30m