Finland-4-day-itinerary

August 4, 2024

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki

Arrival: Arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
Transportation: Take a bus or taxi to your accommodation
Check-in: Check into your hotel and freshen up
Lunch: Head to the Old Market Hall for lunch, try some traditional Finnish cuisine like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties) or kalakukko (fish pie)

Visit Senate Square: Visit the beautiful Senate Square, surrounded by stunning neoclassical buildings
Uspenski Cathedral: Stop by the colorful Uspenski Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox church in the heart of Helsinki
Market Square: Explore the Market Square, where you can find fresh produce, souvenirs, and street performers

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of Helsinki’s many restaurants, try some Finnish seafood or meat dishes
Evening stroll: Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the views of the city skyline and the sea

Transportation: Take the train to Espoo ( approx. 30 minutes)
Visit Sello Shopping Center: Visit the largest shopping center in Finland, Sello
Nuuksio National Park: Head to Nuuksio National Park for a hike and some scenic views ( approx. 1 hour)

Hike: Hike through the beautiful forests of Nuuksio, with stunning views of Lake Tuusula
Picnic: Take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the park’s many scenic spots

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Espoo or Helsinki
Free time: Spend some free time exploring the city, visiting museums, or shopping for souvenirs

Transportation: Take the train to Turku ( approx. 1 hour)
Visit Turku Castle: Visit the stunning Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with beautiful gardens
Turku Cathedral: Stop by the beautiful Turku Cathedral, a Gothic church in the heart of the city

Archipelago cruise: Take a scenic cruise through the archipelago, with stunning views of the islands and sea
Visit the harbor: Visit the bustling harbor, where you can find local seafood restaurants and souvenir shops

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of Turku’s many restaurants, try some traditional Finnish cuisine like kalakukko or karjalanpiirakka
Evening stroll: Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the views of the city skyline and the sea

Transportation: Return to Helsinki by train ( approx. 1 hour)
Visit the Market Hall: Visit the bustling Market Hall in Helsinki, where you can find fresh produce, souvenirs, and street performers
Last minute shopping: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or gifts

Important Information:

Visa requirements: Citizens of certain countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia) do not need a visa to enter Finland as tourists. Check with the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information.
Weather: Pack accordingly for the season you are visiting (June-July: warm and sunny, August-September: mild and rainy).
Language: While many Finns speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Finnish phrases like “heipä” (hello), “kiitos” (thank you), and “sori” (excuse me).

Additional tips:

Respect local customs: Respect the local way of life and traditions.
Try local cuisine: Try traditional Finnish dishes like karjalanpiirakka, kalakukko, and salmiakki (salty licorice).
Explore beyond Helsinki: While Helsinki is a beautiful city, there’s much to explore in Finland beyond its capital. Consider visiting other cities like Turku, Oulu, or Lapland for a more authentic experience.

Transportation:

Train: The train network in Finland is efficient and reliable. Buy tickets at the train station or online.
Bus: Bus services are also available, but less frequent than trains.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available, but can be expensive.