10 days in Helsinki, Kuusamo & Rovaniemi 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.

Family-friendly places like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church will thrill your kids. Pack the 23rd (Tue) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, get to know the resident critters at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha, kick back and relax at Hietaranta Beach, and get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum.

To see reviews, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Helsinki day trip planning site.

Manchester, UK to Helsinki is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from Manchester to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Manchester in October, expect Helsinki to be little chillier, temps between 10°C and 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Thu) early enough to travel to Kuusamo.

Kuusamo is a town and municipality in Finland. Kick off your visit on the 26th (Fri): look for all kinds of wild species at The Predator Center in Kuusamo. On your second day here, look for gifts at Riipisen Wild Game and Souvenier Shop, then head outdoors with Karhunkierros, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Kiutakongas Rapids.

To find other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Kuusamo route planner.

Getting from Helsinki to Kuusamo by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In October, Kuusamo is a bit cooler than Helsinki - with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sat) so you can go by car to Rovaniemi.

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

Attractions like Santa Claus Village and SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus make great kid-friendly stops. There's lots more to do: get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, engage your brain at Pilke Science Centre, make a trip to Lordi's Square, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church.

For reviews, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi online trip itinerary maker.

Drive from Kuusamo to Rovaniemi in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. October in Rovaniemi sees daily highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.