10-Day Winter Itinerary in Finland and Estonia: Helsinki, Tallinn & the Golden Triangle Cities

Day 1: Arrival & Helsinki city center

Helsinki, Finland on December 1, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival and hotel check-in

Settle into your centrally located Helsinki accommodation to easily reach nearby attractions.
VARIED, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Admire the iconic neoclassical architecture of Helsinki Cathedral and wander around the historic Senate Square.
FREE, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Savotta

Savor traditional Finnish dishes crafted from local ingredients in this cozy restaurant near Senate Square.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Helsinki to Tallinn day trip

Helsinki, Finland & Tallinn, Estonia on December 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Ekberg

Begin the day with fresh pastries and coffee at this historic Helsinki café, open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Ferry to Tallinn

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour ferry crossing to Estonia’s enchanting capital Tallinn.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Explore Tallinn Old Town

Wander through the cobblestone streets, visiting landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Town Hall Square.
FREE, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Rataskaevu 16

Delight in Estonian modern cuisine in this cozy and highly-rated Old Town restaurant.
EUR30, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Kumu Art Museum

Discover Estonia’s premier art museum, showcasing modern and historical works, open until 6pm weekdays.
EUR10, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return ferry to Helsinki

Take the evening ferry back to Helsinki for a restful night.
EUR25, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Olo

Reward yourself with Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine in Helsinki.
EUR90, 1h30m
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Day 3: Helsinki cultural sites

Helsinki, Finland on December 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Good Life Coffee

Relish quality coffee and healthy breakfast fare in a cozy setting.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

Experience the remarkable church built directly into solid rock; open 10am-5pm daily.
EUR3, 1h

11:00am

Tour Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Take a 15-minute ferry to this UNESCO site and explore the historic sea fortress; ferries operate from 10am.
EUR5 ferry, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Walhalla

Enjoy traditional Finnish food in a lively harbor-side bistro.
EUR25, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping in Design District Helsinki

Browse boutiques and galleries showcasing Finnish design; most shops close by 6pm.
FREE, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Löyly

Dine in a modern Finnish sauna restaurant with beautiful seaside views and authentic cuisine.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 4: Travel to Tampere

Tampere, Finland on December 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty Nordic breakfast before heading to Tampere.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Tampere

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour train ride south to the cultural city of Tampere.
EUR30, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Café Pispala

Settle into your hotel then have lunch at this cozy café known for great local dishes and views.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Vapriikki Museum

Explore this diverse museum complex with exhibitions ranging from natural history to technology; open 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll Tammerkoski Rapids and Pyynikki Observation Tower

Enjoy beautiful winter views over the city and a chance to try famous doughnuts; observation tower open until 6pm.
EUR3, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Näsinneula

Experience dining in the revolving restaurant atop Näsinneula Tower with spectacular nighttime vistas.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Golden Triangle: Hämeenlinna day trip

Hämeenlinna, Finland on December 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Tampere

Enjoy a filling breakfast to prepare for your day trip.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Hämeenlinna

A quick 1-hour train ride takes you to this historic town famous for its castle.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Visit Hämeenlinna Castle

Explore this 13th-century medieval fortress full of history; open 11am-3pm in December.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Vate

Relax over lunch with fresh, locally sourced dishes in a charming café setting.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Walk through Hämeenlinna town center and lakeside paths

Stroll around the quaint streets and along the scenic lakeshore enjoying winter landscapes.
FREE, 2h

4:30pm

Return train to Tampere

Travel back to Tampere to continue your exploration of the Golden Triangle.
EUR12, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistro Kamppi

Indulge in modern Finnish cuisine made from seasonal ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Tampere local day

Tampere, Finland on December 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffi La Torrefazione

Start your day with excellent coffee and fresh pastries.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Moomin Museum

Discover the whimsical world of the beloved Finnish Moomin characters; museum hours 10am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ravintola C

Enjoy refined but comfortable Finnish cuisine in a stylish setting.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Free time to explore local shops or relax at hotel

Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring or simply relaxing before the evening.
FREE, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rooftop Bar

Enjoy panoramic city views alongside cocktails and casual dining to end your day.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Return to Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on December 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Tampere

Fuel up for the trip back to Helsinki with a morning meal.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Helsinki

Enjoy the 2-hour scenic ride to Finland’s vibrant capital.
EUR30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hietalahti Market Hall

Sample a variety of Finnish foods and delicacies in this lively market environment.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ateneum Art Museum

Explore Finland’s national art collection featuring classics and contemporary works; open until 6pm.
EUR15, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Löyly Sauna

Experience a traditional Finnish sauna by the sea, a perfect way to unwind before dinner.
EUR30, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Juuri

Celebrate your Finnish journey with innovative and locally sourced Nordic cuisine.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 8: Helsinki museums & parks

Helsinki, Finland on December 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Regatta

Relax in this charming seaside café known for cinnamon buns and rustic atmosphere.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit National Museum of Finland

Explore Finnish history ranging from prehistory to modern times in this grand museum; open 11am-6pm weekdays and 11am-5pm weekends (check day-specific hours).
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Engel

Enjoy artful meals and coffee with a view of Senate Square.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Walk in Esplanadi Park

Stroll through this popular park lined with boutiques and cafes, perfect for winter leisure walks.
FREE, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

A hub of modern art with rotating exhibits; open until 7pm on Thursdays and 6pm other weekdays.
EUR12, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Olo Ravintola

An elegant Michelin-starred dinner experience offering seasonal Finnish flavors.
EUR90, 2h
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Day 9: Day trip to Porvoo

Porvoo, Finland on December 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a quick and satisfying breakfast before traveling to Porvoo.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Bus to Porvoo

A 1-hour bus ride takes you to the charming medieval town famous for its wooden houses.
EUR8, 1h

10:45am

Explore Porvoo Old Town

Wander the picturesque cobbled streets, visit small boutiques, antique shops, and the historic cathedral.
FREE, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Brunssi & Bistro Sinne

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with fresh Nordic flavors in this cozy bistro within Old Town.
EUR25, 1h

3:30pm

Return bus to Helsinki

Head back to Helsinki in the late afternoon to prepare for your final day.
EUR8, 1h

5:00pm

Free evening for shopping or rest

Relax or visit any last-minute shops in Helsinki’s city center.
FREE, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Savotta

Enjoy classic Finnish flavors one last time right by Senate Square.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure from Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on December 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final Finnish breakfast to close your trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Airport transfer and departure

Travel to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport via taxi or train for your flight home.
Taxi EUR40 or train EUR5, 1h
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