Helsinki, Finland - Helsinki, Finland 20 days trip

A relatively young city, the Finnish capital commands the Baltic Sea with its diverse architectural landscape and a rich culture.

Enjoy this center's eclectic mix of 19C-20C landmarks, all creatively woven together with squares and parks perfect for people-watching.

Carved into an enormous rock, this unique church doubles as a performance hall, given its excellent acoustics.

Home to the National Opera, this ceramic and granite building overlooks the Toolo Bay and offer world-class productions.

Escape the city in this beautiful green park, which consists of lightly maintained woodland and gravel paths.

This national park is riddled with hiking trails and camping grounds, while picnic areas are nestled among lush forested scenery.

This immense square is surrounded by superb 19C Neoclassical buildings, including a governmental building, a cathedral, and a university.

This museum focuses on art from the 18C-20C period, exhibiting the finest of Finnish artists, as well as notable international masters.

In addition to its excellent art exhibits, the museum itself is a work of art, featuring superb natural and artificial illumination.

Located on the busy seafront, this square is an exciting spectacle where shopping, dining, and people-watching are indulged by all.

Located on a tranquil island and nestled amid lush nature, this open air museum preserves Finnish architecture spanning the past 400 years.

Reminiscent of famed Slavic churches, this Eastern Orthodox 19C cathedral boasts fine redbrick facade and a lavish interior.

Boasting elegant modern architecture, the palace features an array of performance halls and is known for its excellent acoustics.

Elegant and austere at the same time, the 19C Neoclassical cathedral is a recognizable landmark of the cityscape.

Founded in the 14C, Turku is the oldest city in Finland. With an active port, its history, culture, and trade continue to thrive.

Set majestically on the Aura River, this 13C castle boasts superb medieval artifacts and a museum that is the most visited in Finland.

This important 13C cathedral has since been greatly expanded, now boasting elaborate interior and ancient eerie tombs.

Step into the lively historic district, where almost any time of year a concert, market, festival, or some other event is occurring.

Nicely blending the old with the new, this museum exhibits preserved city sections from medieval times as well as contemporary art.

In southeast Finland, the sea is dotted with thousands of islands. Visit the tiny isles and their villages to see their beauty.

A unique combination of old and new, this medieval Finnish town is home to several excellent historic and modern attractions.

Several original 19C buildings and workshops make up this open-air museum, where fascinating crafts and trades are demonstrated.

Although small, this attractive museum displays excellent Finnish artworks, including some by Gallen-Kallela, Westerholm, and more.

Dedicated to the Finnish artist Aaltonen, this modern building beautifully displays his many paintings and sculptures.

This indoor market has operated since the 19C, offering an array of local produce and an authentic atmosphere.

Established in the 15C, Rauma has deep maritime roots. The city is both historic and modern, with many outdoor activities.

The medieval Pori celebrates its port heritage, trade history, and cultural roots, that culminate in its annual jazz festival.

Famous for its limestone industry, Pargas is also home to beautiful architecture and local history museum.

Visit the world of the delightful Moomins in this fun theme park, offering replicated character's houses and fun performances.

Despite Tampere being a large city, its setting among lakes and its numerous historic buildings preserves a relaxed atmosphere.

A visit to Tampere is not complete without exploring its surrounding lakes and landscapes. Boat tours are particularly beautiful.

All expectations are met as you explore this historic center, full of locals, landmarks, shopping, and an almost-daily market.

As the largest exhibition hall in Scandinavia, it hosts concerts, ballets, and other performances. Be sure to book in advance.

Enjoy the beach in the summer, or visit when the popular lake freezes over and the locals combine it with a trip to the sauna.

Encompassing lakes, gorges, forests, and lush rugged scenery, this national park is beloved by those who appreciate its wildness.

Home to some of the oldest woods in Finland, this national park spans forests, swamps, and bogs, affording great scenic hiking.

This massive park promises fun for everyone with its roller coasters, water rides, zoo, kiddie rides, and aquarium.

Founded in 1907, this fine cathedral boasts Gothic influences, lovely frescoes, and superb stained-glass windows.

Boasting a height of over 160m, this observation tower overlook Lake Nasijarvi and features a revolving restaurant with great views.

This neighborhood was organically developed by workers in the 19C. A walk up its steep lanes will afford spectacular lake views.

Sprawling along the Isojarvi Lake, this national park covers forested area of Scots pine, as well as fertile marshlands.

Boasting a vast expanse of land and home to a small amount of animals, this zoo preserves excellent conditions as a sanctuary.

Of striking modern architecture, this monumental concrete church is simple and elegant, featuring remarkable natural illumination.

Set on Lake Vanajavesi, this ancient city is known for its 13C castle, as well as the lush nature surrounding it.

This forest may look primal, but is in fact an art installation, planted according to specific geometrical patterns and calculations.

The medieval Pori celebrates its port heritage, trade history, and cultural roots, that culminate in its annual jazz festival.

Explore the historic landmarks, museums, and green spaces while discovering unending activity along the city's central streets.

Finland's only mausoleum is dedicated to the daughter of a local businessman, boasting neo-Gothic architecture and superb frescoes.

Housed in an elegant 19C Renaissance Revival building, the Pori Theater offers an array of superb productions in Finnish.

One of the oldest historical museums in Finland features over 80,000 artifacts, exploring the interesting past of the province.

Home to some of the oldest woods in Finland, this national park spans forests, swamps, and bogs, affording great scenic hiking.

In southeast Finland, the sea is dotted with thousands of islands. Visit the tiny isles and their villages to see their beauty.

The Kokemaenjoki River flows through the middle of this stunning lush park, bisecting the city on its winding way.

With many permanent and temporary exhibits, this art museum features work by both Finnish and international artists.

The Ark features rotating and permanent exhibits, dedicated to the ecology and natural environment of the Satakunta region.

People come from all over Finland to enjoy this famously idyllic stretch of white sandy beach, and you should definitely join.

Despite Tampere being a large city, its setting among lakes and its numerous historic buildings preserves a relaxed atmosphere.

Founded in the 14C, Turku is the oldest city in Finland. With an active port, its history, culture, and trade continue to thrive.

A unique combination of old and new, this medieval Finnish town is home to several excellent historic and modern attractions.

Established in the 15C, Rauma has deep maritime roots. The city is both historic and modern, with many outdoor activities.

Vassa grew around a 14C castle, built by Swedish sailors. Today it is a vibrant university city, with a wealth of 19C landmarks.

The combination of both water park and spa guarantees a fun outing for visitors of all ages and preferences.

Admire the Statue of Freedom in the cobbled central square, then set out to explore the friendly streets full of cafes and shops.

Housed in an old warehouse, this museum boasts an outstanding collection of pop art, kinetic art, surrealism, and more.

This museum traces the turbulent history of the region through decorative arts and photographs, hosting various Finnish contributors.

Perfect for lovers of bird-watching, this national park encompasses extensive marshes and wetlands, as well as great camping spots.

Founded in the 17C, this bilingual town is a hidden gem of cultural wealth, traditional architecture, and great local food.

The buildings in this center were designed by Viljo Revell, a famed Finnish architect famed for its unique form of modern architecture.

Popular primarily during wintertime, this 19C town boasts the largest snow castle in the world, a gem museum, and a harbor.

World's largest snow fortress is open each winter Jan to Apr, and features a restaurant, a hotel, ice sculpture exhibits, and more.

A museum showcasing over 3,000 gemstones, including King of Finland's crown, and several replicas of famous royal jewelry.

Get a feel of the local culture as you explore the serene central streets, or head to the harbor for a view of the sprawling sea.

A 1960 Finnish icebreaker, offering tourist cruises, as well as on-board guided tours exploring its own history.

The world's northernmost zoo is home to over 200 animals, including wolves, deers, Euroasian lynxes, and polar bears.

Just south of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is Lapland's capital. Its location offers a good chance of seeing the aurora borealis.

Set in the heart of the town, this Evangelical Lutheran church was erected in 1902 and boasts Gothic Revival architecture.

Kuusamo offers outdoor fun all year long, including skiing and hiking. It also boasts lively culture and great nightlife.

Although much of the center was destroyed during WWII, today it features cafes and a few interesting museums to explore.

A unique national park featuring pine forests, river valleys with sandy banks and rapids, as well as diverse wildlife.

Take a walk around or go fishing in this stunning lake, surrounded by picturesque wooded fells.

Above the Arctic Circle, you will find this wonderful reserve dedicated to reindeer, where you can learn about these majestic animals.

At times unnerving and at times delightful, the colorful scarecrows occupying a field outside of Suomussalmi are an art installation.

As the northernmost town in Finland, Kemijarvi is the base to many adventures, from easy day hikes to extreme winter sports.

Founded in 1653, the pedestrian-friendly Kuopio is a city of culture, cuisine, and excellent recreation across several islands.

At 75m tall, this tower offers a lush panorama of the surrounding lakes and forests, also featuring a revolving restaurant.

Roam this relatively traffic-free historic center, exploring cafes, shops, and landmarks, or perhaps making friends with the locals.

This museum holds priceless religious items from monasteries in the area. Its icons are considered some of the world's most beautiful.

A beautiful lake, part of the Iso-Kalla lake system, where you can find great opportunities for fishing and ice skating.

The landscape in this national park has been sculpted by the glaciers of the last ice age, leaving cliffs and rivers in its wake.

Engulfing Finland's beautiful lakelands, this national park is partly forested and affords great hiking, as well as boating.

A national park set on the hills lining the west banks of Lake Pielinen, dedicated to the preservation of traditional agriculture.

Founded in 1639, this quaint town retains its impressive medieval castle, and boasts a wonderful cultural atmosphere.

This 15C stronghold is the gem of the town. Featuring two museums, it follows the town's history and offers stunning views of the area.

Wander the streets taking in the local color, visit a tavern for a drink, or go off to explore some of the historic landmarks.

Beautifully laid out along the waterfront, this square is a lively trading and meeting spot for both locals and visitors.

This museum traces the interesting history of Savonlinna and its surrounding region. Don't miss the historic boats and ships.

The landscape in this national park has been sculpted by the glaciers of the last ice age, leaving cliffs and rivers in its wake.

Engulfing Finland's beautiful lakelands, this national park is partly forested and affords great hiking, as well as boating.