11 days in Finland 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.

Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Helsinki Cathedral will appeal to history buffs. Temppeliaukio Church and The Esplanadi Park are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Take a break from Helsinki with a short trip to Paavolan Tammi in Lohjan Island, about 1h 05 min away. And it doesn't end there: wander the streets of Katajanokka, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum.

To find reviews, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip itinerary planning tool .

London, UK to Helsinki is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or drive. The time zone difference when traveling from London to Helsinki is 2 hours. Traveling from London in December, expect Helsinki to be a bit cooler, temps between 3°C and -3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) early enough to go by car to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): gain insight at Turku Cathedral, enjoy the sand and surf at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, then admire the landmark architecture of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel, and finally wander the streets of Naantali Old Town. Keep things going the next day: identify plant and animal life at Kurjenrahka National Park, don't miss a visit to Archangel Michael's church, and then get engrossed in the history at Turku Castle.

To find photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Turku online vacation planner .

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 1°C, and evening lows to -4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train to Tampere.

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

On the 24th (Tue), look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, then enjoy the sand and surf at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, then pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Holy Cross Church. On your second day here, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then enjoy the sand and surf at Rauhaniemi Beach, then pause for some serene contemplation at Finlayson Church, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at St Olaf's Church in Tyrvaa.

To find photos, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Tampere online holiday maker .

Traveling by train from Turku to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December in Tampere, expect temperatures between 0°C during the day and -6°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can catch the train to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): kick back and relax at Hietasaaren uimaranta and then head off the coast to Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

To see reviews, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Vaasa vacation builder .

Getting from Tampere to Vaasa by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. December in Vaasa sees daily highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

On the 27th (Fri), get to know the resident critters at Ranua Zoo, then see Santa Claus Office, and then don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village. Keep things going the next day: stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, get a taste of life in the country at Poro Farmi, then take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church, and finally don't miss a visit to Marttiinin Shop Wanha Tehdas (Old Factory).

Plan my Rovaniemi trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Getting from Vaasa to Rovaniemi by flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Vaasa in December; daily highs in Rovaniemi reach -6°C and lows reach -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.