5-Day Nordic Adventure: Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Tampere, Turku & Lappeenranta

Day 1: Exploring Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on June 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Regatta

Start your day with traditional Finnish pastries and coffee at this charming seaside café, open from 8:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Visit Helsinki Cathedral

Explore this iconic neoclassical cathedral located in Senate Square, open to visitors from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Market Square (Kauppatori)

Enjoy fresh local seafood and traditional Finnish dishes at the outdoor stalls open from 9:00am until 6:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Take a 15-minute ferry to this UNESCO World Heritage site and explore the historic fortress open from 9:00am until dusk.
EUR5 ferry, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Esplanadi Park

Stroll through Esplanadi Park, a lively green space in the city center, perfect for relaxation and people watching.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Savotta

Experience authentic Finnish cuisine inspired by Lapland traditions, open until 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Arctic Wonders in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, Finland on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Café & Bar 21

Fuel up with European breakfast favorites before heading out, open from 6:30am.
EUR12, 1h

8:30am

Train to Rovaniemi

Take the morning train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, approximately 8 hours. Alternatively, take a 1.5-hour flight if preferred.
EUR80 train or EUR120 flight, 8h train or 1h30m flight

5:00pm

Visit Arktikum Museum and Science Centre

Explore Arctic history and culture with interactive exhibits, open until 6:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nili Restaurant

Sample traditional Lapland dishes like reindeer and salmon, open until 9:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Tampere City Highlights

Tampere, Finland on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Pispala

Enjoy delicious coffee and baked goods in a local favorite café open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Train to Tampere

Travel from Rovaniemi to Tampere by train (approx. 9 hours). Consider a flight with a transfer to save time.
EUR70 train or EUR100 flight, 9h train or 3h flight+transfer

6:30pm

Visit Pyynikki Observation Tower

Climb the tower for panoramic views of Tampere and its lakes, open until 9:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ravintola C

Dine on modern Finnish cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, open until 10:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic Turku Discovery

Turku, Finland on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Art

Savor organic breakfast options in this art-themed café, open from 8:00am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Train to Turku

Depart Tampere to Turku on a 1.5-hour train ride.
EUR20, 1h30m

11:30am

Turku Castle Tour

Explore the medieval Turku Castle museum, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kaskis Restaurant

Enjoy innovative Finnish cuisine in a cozy setting, open for lunch from 12:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Turku Cathedral

Discover Finland’s national shrine, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along the Aura River

Enjoy a scenic stroll by the riverside, lined with shops and cafes.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mami

Dine on contemporary Finnish dishes incorporating seasonal ingredients, open until 10:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Lappeenranta Lakeside Charm

Lappeenranta, Finland on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Satama

Relax with a lake view and enjoy breakfast specialties, open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Train to Lappeenranta

Travel from Turku to Lappeenranta by train with transfer at Helsinki, total approx. 4.5 hours.
EUR40, 4h30m

3:00pm

Lappeenranta Fortress

Explore this historic fortress area with museums and cafes, open year-round.
Free entry, some museums EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Saimaa Lake Cruise

Take an evening cruise on the beautiful Saimaa lake, check schedule and book in advance, cruises typically run from May to September.
EUR25, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Wolkoff Restaurant

Enjoy lakeside dining with Finnish and international dishes, open until 10:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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