Finland-6-day-itinerary

Finland Travel Itinerary (6 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki

  • Arrival: Arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
  • Transportation: Take the I train or bus 615 from the airport to the city center ( approx. 30-40 minutes)
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Activity:
    • Visit the iconic Senate Square and take a stroll around the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral
    • Explore the nearby Market Square, where you can try local delicacies like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties) and fresh seafood
  • Things to Know:
    • Finland is known for its design, so be sure to check out some of the many design shops in Helsinki
    • Try to learn a few basic Finnish phrases like “hei” (hello), “kiitos” (thank you), and “anteeksi” (excuse me)

Day 2: Helsinki

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Finnish breakfast at a local café or bakery
  • Activity:
    • Visit the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, which is built directly into solid rock
    • Take a ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site ( approx. 15-20 minutes)
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Finnish cuisine like karjalanpaisti (Karelian stew) or salmiakki (salty licorice)
  • Activity:
    • Visit the Ateneum Art Museum, which features an impressive collection of Finnish art
    • Explore the trendy Kallio neighborhood, known for its street art, vintage shops, and cafes

Day 3: Helsinki to Lakeland

  • Transportation: Take a train or bus from Helsinki to Jyväskylä ( approx. 2-3 hours)
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel in Jyväskylä
  • Activity:
    • Visit the Alvar Aalto Museum, which showcases the works of famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto
    • Take a stroll along the picturesque Jyväsjärvi lake
  • Things to Know:
    • Lakeland is known for its beautiful lakes and forests, so be sure to take some time to enjoy nature
    • Try some local specialties like kalakukko (fish pie) or sieni (mushrooms)

Day 4: Lakeland

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Finnish breakfast at a local café or bakery
  • Activity:
    • Visit the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, which features stunning scenery and hiking trails
    • Take a boat tour on Lake Päijänne, Finland’s second-largest lake ( approx. 1-2 hours)
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Finnish cuisine like lohikeitto (salmon soup) or karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties)
  • Activity:
    • Visit the Jyväskylä Art Museum, which features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art
    • Explore the charming old town of Jyväskylä

Day 5: Lakeland to Lapland

  • Transportation: Take a flight from Jyväskylä to Rovaniemi ( approx. 1 hour)
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel in Rovaniemi
  • Activity:
    • Visit the Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa and cross the Arctic Circle
    • Take a stroll along the Arctic River
  • Things to Know:
    • Lapland is known for its stunning natural beauty, so be sure to take some time to enjoy the scenery
    • Try some local specialties like poronkäristys (reindeer stew) or cloudberry pie

Day 6: Lapland

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Finnish breakfast at a local café or bakery
  • Activity:
    • Visit the Rovaniemi Church, which features a beautiful wooden interior
    • Take a snowmobile safari (optional) or try dog sledding (optional)
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Finnish cuisine like karjalanpaisti (Karelian stew) or salmiakki (salty licorice)
  • Departure: Depart from Rovaniemi Airport

Visa Requirements:

Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa to enter Finland for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. However, it’s always best to check with the Finnish Immigration Service for the latest information.

Transportation:

  • Trains: VR trains connect major cities in Finland
  • Buses: Matkahuolto buses connect smaller towns and villages
  • Flights: Finnair and Norwegian operate domestic flights
  • Taxis: Available at airports and city centers

Other Things to Know:

  • Language: Finnish is the official language, but most Finns speak excellent English
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Weather: Finland can be quite chilly, especially in winter, so pack warm clothing
  • Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET)