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 Linnanmaki Amusement Park and Korkeasaari Zoo will thrill your kids. There's lots more to do: step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence, don't miss a visit to Senate Square, and admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church.

For other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip planner.

Manchester, UK to Helsinki is an approximately 6- hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of flight and ferry. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a 2 hour difference. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Manchester in October, with highs in Helsinki at 10°C and lows at 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) to allow enough time 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.

For traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Kuusamo route planner.

Getting from Helsinki to Kuusamo by flight takes about 3 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 catch the bus to Rovaniemi.

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

Attractions like SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus and Pilke Science Centre make great kid-friendly stops. Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Santa Claus Village, identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, and see where the action happens at Lappi Areena.

For ratings, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip itinerary planning tool.

Traveling by bus from Kuusamo to Rovaniemi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in October, and nighttime lows around -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.