10 days in Helsinki & Lapland 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.

Visiting Nuuksio National Park and Aurinkolahti Beach will get you outdoors. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Room Escape Games and Hietaranta Beach. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral.

For photos, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Helsinki holiday builder site.

Madrid, Spain to Helsinki is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Madrid in December, expect Helsinki to be little chillier, temps between 3°C and -3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. On the 31st (Mon), take some stellar pictures from Otsamo Fell, examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

For ratings, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Inari trip itinerary planning site.

You can fly from Helsinki to Inari in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Helsinki in December, expect nights in Inari to be much colder, around -17°C, while days are slightly colder, around -7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Mon) so you can drive to Luosto.

Nestled among vast forests and fells, Luosto represents a small idyllic resort village set on the edge of Pyha-Luosto National Park.

To see where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Luosto planning app.

Drive from Inari to Luosto in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December in Luosto, expect temperatures between -8°C during the day and -17°C at night. You will leave for Rovaniemi on the 1st (Tue).

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

Explore hidden gems such as Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy and Christmas House Santa. Take a break from the city and head to Safaris and Syvasenvaara Fell. Step out of Rovaniemi with an excursion to Korouoma Canyon in Posio--about 1h 40 min away. There's lots more to do: make a trip to Santa Claus Village, enjoy some diversion at Santa Claus Office, look for gifts at Your Piece Of Finland, and explore the different monuments and memorials at German Soldier s Cemetery.

Plan a Rovaniemi trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Luosto to Rovaniemi takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Luosto in January, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Rovaniemi, with lows of -17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.