The capital
Almost every trip starts in Helsinki, a calm seaside capital of design, public saunas, food halls and islands, with the sea fortress of Suomenlinna a short ferry ride away.
The southwest and the lake cities
Turku, Finland's oldest city, has a medieval castle and cathedral and opens onto the archipelago. Tampere, between two lakes, is the sauna capital, with red brick mills and the Moomin Museum. Both are about two hours from Helsinki by train.
The Lakeland
Savonlinna and the Lakeland is the classic Finnish summer: an island castle, opera, lake boats and cottages with saunas by the water.
Lapland
Rovaniemi and Lapland is the Arctic north, with snow from late autumn to spring, the northern lights, huskies and reindeer, and the midnight sun in summer.
Putting it together
A classic ten day trip pairs Helsinki with either the Lakeland or Tampere and then flies or takes the night train north to Lapland. Use the places to visit list and the free trip planner to shape it.