19 days in Finland Itinerary

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Room Escape Games and Kansallisgalleria. There's much more to do: admire the striking features of Rock Church, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, get engrossed in the history at National Museum of Finland, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral.

For photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip planner .

Johannesburg, South Africa to Helsinki is an approximately 18-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or do a combination of flight and train. Traveling from Johannesburg in December, expect Helsinki to be much colder, temps between 3°C and -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can go by car to Savonlinna.

The picturesque town of Savonlinna sits on two islands surrounded by shimmering lakes and lush greenery.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Wed): pause for some serene contemplation at Pikkukirkko, then don't miss a visit to Riihisaari, then see the interesting displays at Savonlinna Provincial Museum, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kerimaki Church.

Planning Savonlinna trip won't be overwheling when you use's Insprock itinerary maker.

You can drive from Helsinki to Savonlinna in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Helsinki in December: high temperatures in Savonlinna hover around -1°C and lows are around -7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) so you can drive to Kuopio.

Kuopio is a city and a municipality located in the region of Northern Savonia, Finland. On the 21st (Fri), pause for some serene contemplation at Lutheran Cathedral, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Nikolaos Cathedral, then take in panoramic vistas at Puijo Tower, then see the interesting displays at RIISA - Orthodox Church Museum of Finland, and finally test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms.

To find reviews, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read Kuopio online road trip planner .

Traveling by car from Savonlinna to Kuopio takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In December, plan for daily highs up to -3°C, and evening lows to -8°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) early enough to travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): make a trip to LUVATTUMAA - Levi Ice Gallery and then deepen your understanding at Kid's Land. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: ski along the peaceful trails at Levi Ski Resort.

To find traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Levi itinerary builder site .

Do a combination of flight and bus from Kuopio to Levi in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Kuopio in December; daily highs in Levi reach -6°C and lows reach -15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Rovaniemi.

An urban center set amongst the great Arctic wilderness, Rovaniemi serves as the capital of Lapland province.

Step off the beaten path and head to SantaPark and Syvasenvaara Fell. There's lots more to do: find something for the whole family at Santa Claus Village, examine the collection at Santa's House of Snowmobiles, see Santa Claus Office, and pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church.

To see where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi trip planner .

Traveling by car from Levi to Rovaniemi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Rovaniemi are -6°C, while nighttime lows are -13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) early enough to catcht the bus to Kuusamo.

Kuusamo is a town and municipality in Finland. On the 28th (Fri), experience rural life at Palosaari Reindeer and Fishing Farm and then explore the world behind art at Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre.

To see ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Kuusamo trip planner .

Traveling by bus from Rovaniemi to Kuusamo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. December in Kuusamo sees daily highs of -5°C and lows of -13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sat): get lost in a book at Turku City Library, then step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle, then explore the ancient world of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral. On the 30th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: kick back and relax at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, see the interesting displays at Louhisaari Manor, and then make a trip to Naantali Church.

To find maps, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Turku tour builder site .

Getting from Kuusamo to Turku by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Kuusamo in December; daily highs in Turku reach 1°C and lows reach -4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) to allow time to take a train to Tampere.

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

On the 31st (Mon), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampere Cathedral, examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia Ortodoxa San Alexander Nevski y San Nicolas, then get in on the excitement at Irti Maasta Tampere, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 1st (Tue): stroll through Rauhaniemi Beach, enjoy some diversion at Pyynikki's Swim Hall, and then steep yourself in history at Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Tampere trip planning app .

You can take a train from Turku to Tampere in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In December in Tampere, expect temperatures between 0°C during the day and -6°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.