10 days in Lapland, Lakeland & Helsinki Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sun): admire nature's wide array of creatures at Ranua Zoo and then don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square. On your second day here, don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, see Santa Claus Office, and then get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour.

For traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi itinerary builder.

London, UK to Rovaniemi is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone difference moving from Greenwich Mean Time to Eastern European Standard Time is 2 hours. Traveling from London in March, things will get colder in Rovaniemi: highs are around -1°C and lows about -9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Mon) early enough to drive to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Tue): see exotic creatures in open habitats at Lapland Safaris Saariselka, stop by Shamaan Design - Lappi Shop, and then see the interesting displays at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 24th (Wed): get all the equipment you need at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort and then pause for some serene contemplation at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Saariselka holiday planner.

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Saariselka in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In March, plan for daily highs up to -1°C, and evening lows to -12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) 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.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Thu): explore the landscape on two wheels at Levi Ski Resort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 26th (Fri): join the crowd at Icekarting Levi, take a memorable tour with Lapland Safaris Levi, then stop by Elan Ski Shop & Rental, and finally don't miss a visit to Lapland Hotels SnowVillage.

To see traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Levi road trip planning app.

You can fly from Saariselka to Levi in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In March, daytime highs in Levi are 0°C, while nighttime lows are -10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough to travel to Tampere.

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

Start off your visit on the 27th (Sat): browse the range of quality goods at City Sokos, then examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, and finally walk around Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

To find photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Tampere trip builder site.

You can fly from Levi to Tampere in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and train; or drive. Traveling from Levi in March, you will find days in Tampere are a bit warmer (3°C), and nights are about the same (-7°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sat) so you can drive to Helsinki.

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.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Sinebrychoff Art Museum and Mannerheim Museum. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Kansallisgalleria and The National Museum of Finland. And it doesn't end there: get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, make a trip to The National Library of Finland, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Johannes Church.

To find photos, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki travel route planning site.

You can drive from Tampere to Helsinki in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In March in Helsinki, expect temperatures between 3°C during the day and -5°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.