8-Day Northern Finland and South Coast Tour from Helsinki to Kittila

Day 1: Helsinki exploration

Helsinki, Finland on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Regatta

Start your day with Finnish pastries and coffee at this cozy seaside cafe by the water, open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Helsinki Cathedral

Explore the iconic white neoclassical cathedral located in Senate Square, a must-see landmark of Helsinki.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk through Market Square and Esplanadi Park

Stroll through the bustling market with local vendors, then relax in the green spaces of Esplanadi Park.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Savotta

Taste authentic Finnish cuisine with views of the cathedral in this traditional yet stylish restaurant open from 11:30am.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Ateneum Art Museum

Discover Finland’s largest classical art collection with works from the 18th century onwards. Open 10am–6pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore the Design District

Browse boutiques, galleries, and design shops, perfect for unique souvenirs and Finnish design inspiration.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Olo

Enjoy a Michelin-starred tasting menu featuring modern Nordic cuisine. Reservations recommended. Open 6pm–10pm.
EUR90, 2h0m
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Day 2: Turku culture

Turku, Finland on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Helsinki to Turku

Take a morning train (about 2 hours) to Turku to start exploring the oldest city in Finland.
EUR25, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Art

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with local ingredients near the Aura River, opens at 8am.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:30am

Turku Castle

Visit this medieval fortress and museum which offers a vivid glimpse into Finnish history. Open 10am–5pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kaskis

Dine at this modern Nordic restaurant focusing on seasonal Finnish produce. Open from 12pm. Reservations advised.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk along Aura River

Enjoy a scenic riverside walk visiting nearby museums and cafes in a charming urban setting.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Visit Turku Cathedral

Explore Finland’s national shrine and historical cathedral located in the city center, open until 8pm in summer.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Smör

Enjoy creative dishes in a cozy setting with a focus on local ingredients.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 3: Tampere city life

Tampere, Finland on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Turku to Tampere

Morning train journey (approx. 2 hours) to Tampere to explore Finland’s lively cultural hub.
EUR30, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Pispala

Enjoy a rustic breakfast in this charming café in the Pispala district with great views.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Vapriikki Museum Centre

A diverse museum complex covering history, natural sciences, and technology, open 10am–6pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant C

Enjoy an elegant meal with a focus on creative Finnish cuisine; open 11:30am–10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:30pm

Pyynikki Observation Tower

Climb the tower for panoramic views of Tampere and try the famous doughnuts available on site.
EUR3, 1h30m

6:00pm

Walk around Tampere Market Hall

Explore Finland’s largest indoor market with shops and food stalls, ideal for a casual evening stroll.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bistro C

Relax with modern Finnish dishes in a stylish atmosphere open until late.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hanko coastal charm

Hanko, Finland on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Tampere to Hanko

About 3.5 hours by train and bus combining to the southern coastal town known for its beaches and maritime culture.
EUR40, 3h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Majakka

Enjoy your morning coffee and pastries at this charming cafe near the harbor, open from 9am.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Hanko Front Museum

Explore military history and the impact of wars on this strategic peninsula. Open 11am–4pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Steak House Pontus

Enjoy fresh seafood and Finnish specialties in this popular restaurant by the sea.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Tulliniemi Beach

Spend the afternoon at Finland’s southernmost beach with beautiful views and walking trails.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Wanhan Casino

Dine on traditional Finnish and seafood dishes in a historic building overlooking the sea.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 5: Lappenranta history

Lappenranta, Finland on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hanko to Lappenranta

A scenic 3.5-hour train journey east to the town near the Russian border known for its fortress and Saimaa lake views.
EUR45, 3h30m

11:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Ulpu

Enjoy a riverside breakfast with freshly baked goods in a cozy setting, opens at 8am.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lappeenranta Fortress

Explore this historic 18th-century fortress with museums, shops, and beautiful lakeside views. Open 10am–6pm.
EUR8, 2h0m

3:00pm

Saimaa Canal boat tour

Take a relaxing boat cruise on the Saimaa Canal to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. Tours typically run in summer afternoons.
EUR30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Melo

Enjoy Italian-influenced dishes with Finnish ingredients in a stylish setting by the harbor.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Rovaniemi Arctic gateway

Rovaniemi, Finland on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Lappenranta to Rovaniemi

Catch an early flight (about 1 hour 45 minutes) to the Arctic Circle city famous as the hometown of Santa Claus.
EUR100, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe & Bar 21

Start with hearty breakfast options in a warm setting, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:00am

Santa Claus Village

Visit the legendary Santa Claus Village to meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and enjoy themed shops. Open year-round 9am–6pm.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Santa’s Salmon Place

Taste local salmon dishes inside Santa Claus Village, open 11am–5pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Arktikum Science Museum and Arctic Centre

Explore exhibits about Arctic nature, culture, and history in a modern museum open 10am–6pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Nili Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Lappish cuisine featuring reindeer and local berries in a cozy setting, open 5pm–9pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Kittila wilderness

Kittila, Finland on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Rovaniemi to Kittila

Take a 1.5-hour domestic flight or 3-hour drive north into Lapland’s wilderness known for ski resorts and nature.
EUR80, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Kittilä Café

Enjoy a traditional Finnish breakfast buffet with local ingredients, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h0m

11:30am

Levi Ski Resort Exploration

Explore hiking trails or take a gondola ride offering panoramic views of the Lapland landscape. Activities vary seasonally; check availability.
EUR20, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Piste

Enjoy local Lappish cuisine including smoked fish and game meats in a rustic setting, open for lunch.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Wilderness Church

See this charming wooden church and learn about Lapland’s local traditions. Open to visitors during daylight hours.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kuukkeli

Savor hearty Lappish dishes with a modern twist made from regional ingredients.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Fly from Kittila to Helsinki

Take a morning flight back to Helsinki airport, approximately 1h45m flight duration.
EUR90, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Johan & Nyström

Relax with artisan coffee and pastries in a stylish cafe near Helsinki center, open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Walk through this island museum showcasing traditional Finnish wooden architecture and rural heritage. Open 10am–6pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Ursula

Enjoy lake views and fresh Finnish dishes in this popular spot near the sea, open from 11am.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shopping and stroll in Kamppi

Browse shops and enjoy a last stroll in the city center before departure.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell dinner at Löyly

Dine at this eco-friendly seaside restaurant known for Finnish dishes and sauna culture. Reservations recommended.
EUR50, 2h0m
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