📍 Finland

SOUTHEAST FINLAND: ISLANDS, TOWNS AND LAKE CULTURE

Red-roofed cottages radiate wooden warmth, lake water ripples calm, island forests hold green silence. Southeast Finland is serenity.

≈ 7
Days
237
Km
5
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Porvoo and its old town with red houses, Kotka and its maritime heritage, Sipoo cabins. Southeast Finland, between coast and tradition.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Vantaa Aviapolis

modern gateway city tech

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3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Aviapolis district (urban exploration around the airport)
2
Finnish Aviation Museum (two hangars with aircraft and exhibitions)
3
Heureka, science center in Tikkurila (interactive exhibitions)
4
Tikkurilankoski urban leisure park and banks of the Keravanjoki river
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Street-art urban walk in Myyrmäki (Artsi and outdoor murals)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22 km
Travel time: 25min
2
Day

Sipoo Soderkulla

coastal cottage timber charm

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9 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Kuusijärvi recreational area (forest and lake access on the edge of Sipoonkorpi)
2
Sipoonkorpi National Park — Byabäcken trail (easy nature loop)
3
Village of Nikkilä — old and new churches (15th c. and 19th c.)
4
Former Nikkilä psychiatric hospital estate (outdoor heritage walk)
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Traditional sauna and swimming at Lake Kuusijärvi
→
Excursion in the Sipoo archipelago (kayak or boat to Norrkullalandet, barbecue areas and observation tower)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 28 km
Travel time: 30min
3
Day

Porvoo Old

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10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Old Porvoo (cobblestone streets, wooden houses, cathedral and riverbanks)
2
J. L. Runeberg House (museum of the national poet)
3
Albert Edelfelt Museum-Studio (painter's summer work site)
4
Taidehalli / Art Hall of Porvoo (contemporary art exhibitions)
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Porvoo Archipelago — Kråkö island (walk, workshops and gardens)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 35min
4
Day

Kotka

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4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Town of Loviisa (historic center and wooden houses)
2
Malmgård Manor (exteriors, park and agricultural estate)
3
Strömfors Ironworks (Ruotsinpyhtää) — preserved industrial village
4
Valkmusa National Park — boardwalks and observation tower
🎯

Activities

→
River excursion in Strömfors (calm canoeing depending on season)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 45min
5
Day

Kotka

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4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Sapokka Water Garden (waterfalls, pools and award-winning flower beds)
2
Katariina Seaside Park (headlands, maritime areas and views)
3
Vellamo Maritime Centre (maritime, coast guard, Kymenlaakso museums)
4
Langinkoski (former imperial fishing lodge, banks of the Kymijoki)
🎯

Activities

→
Boat crossing to Varissaari island (small forts, wrecks and trails)
→
Kiulu floating sauna (wellness session in small harbor, subject to availability)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 27 km
Travel time: 25min
6
Day

Kouvola

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6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Hamina — fortress trail (circular heritage route, bastions)
2
Historic center of Hamina (wooden houses and religious buildings)
3
Verla cardboard factory (UNESCO) — factory village and exhibitions
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramic walk on the ramparts and viewpoints of Hamina
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 50min
7
Day

Kouvola

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6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Repovesi National Park (bridges, cliffs and lakes — classic loop)
2
Mustila Arboretum (giant conifers, rhododendron valley)
3
Ankkapurha district (museums, industrial heritage, architecture)
🎯

Activities

→
Tykkimäki (amusement park / water park depending on season)
→
Käyrälampi — swimming, paddling or mountain biking around the lake (depending on season)

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FROM HELSINKI TO THE NORTHERN LIGHTS: JOURNEY THROUGH FINLAND

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🛡️ Travel advice - Finland

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Midnight sun, warmest weather, White Nights, peak tourist season, highest prices, perfect for outdoor activities.

Winter (December-March): Northern Lights, winter sports, Christmas magic, polar night, Aurora season, unique Arctic experiences.

Fall (September-October): Ruska (autumn colors), comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, mushroom picking, cozy atmosphere.

Spring (April-May): Nature awakening, moderate weather, longer days, good value, excellent for cultural activities.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 8 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Finland?

Land of midnight sun with pristine wilderness, sauna culture, and Northern Lights magic. Experience Lapland adventures, design excellence, and authentic Nordic lifestyle. The country offers incredible natural beauty with modern amenities and progressive society. Finland provides authentic Nordic experiences with natural phenomena and cultural authenticity.