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.

Get in touch with nature at Nuuksio National Park and Hietaranta Beach. Step off the beaten path and head to Room Escape Games and Spas & Wellness. There's much more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Rock Church, pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, kick back and relax at Aurinkolahti Beach, and brush up on your military savvy at Fortress of Suomenlinna.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Helsinki trip itinerary builder .

Madrid, Spain to Helsinki is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone difference moving from Central European Time to Eastern European Time is 1 hour. Traveling from Madrid in December, expect Helsinki to be slightly colder, temps between 3°C and -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Kick off your visit on the 31st (Mon): take in the pleasant sights at Otsamo Fell, then examine the collection at Siida, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

For maps, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Inari trip itinerary maker website .

You can do a combination of flight and shuttle from Helsinki to Inari in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. While traveling from Helsinki, expect slightly colder days and cooler nights in Inari, ranging from highs of -7°C to lows of -17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Mon) so you can travel to Levi.

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

On the 3rd (Thu), look for all kinds of wild species at Kopara Reindeer Park and then explore and take pictures at Amethyst Mine Lapland.

To see reviews, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read Luosto trip planner .

You can drive from Levi to Luosto in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to -13°C, and evening lows to -22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) so you can drive to Rovaniemi.

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

Step out of the city life by going to Safaris and Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy. You'll discover tucked-away gems like SantaPark and Rovaniemi City Library. Take a break from Rovaniemi with a short trip to Korouoma Canyon in Posio, about 1h 40 min away. There's much more to do: Head underground at Syvasenvaara Fell, find something for the whole family at Santa Claus Village, snap pictures at Lumberjack's Candle Bridge, and see Santa Claus Office.

Start your trip to Rovaniemi by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Traveling by car from Luosto to Rovaniemi takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Luosto in January since evenings lows in Rovaniemi dip to -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.