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 Temppeliaukio Church will appeal to history buffs. Get some cultural insight at Helsinki Cathedral and Katajanokka. Step out of Helsinki to go to Lohjan Island and see Paavolan Tammi, which is approximately 1h 5 min away. There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), get your game on at InsideOut Productions, tour the pleasant surroundings at The Esplanadi Park, and get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum.

For maps, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary planner.

London, UK to Helsinki 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. Traveling from London to Helsinki, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from London in December; daily highs in Helsinki reach 3°C and lows reach -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): take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, then enjoy the sand and surf at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, then admire the striking features of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel, and finally don't miss a visit to Naantali Old Town. Here are some ideas for day two: look for all kinds of wild species at Kurjenrahka National Park, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Archangel Michael's church, and then explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle.

To find traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Turku trip planning website.

Getting from Helsinki to Turku by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or fly. In December, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 1°C, while at night they dip to -4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can go by car to Tampere.

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

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Tue): identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum, then enjoy the sand and surf at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Holy Cross Church. Keep things going the next day: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Finlayson Church, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at St Olaf's Church in Tyrvaa.

To see traveler tips, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Tampere holiday planner.

You can drive from Turku to Tampere in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 0°C, and evening lows to -6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) to allow enough time to take a train to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Kick off your visit on the 26th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Hietasaaren uimaranta and then look for all kinds of wild species at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

For maps, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, read Vaasa trip planner.

Take a train from Tampere to Vaasa in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Vaasa can reach 1°C, while at night they dip to -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Start off your visit on the 27th (Fri): learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Ranua Zoo, see Santa Claus Office, and then make a trip to Santa Claus Village. Keep things going the next day: stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, identify plant and animal life at Napapiirin Porofarmi, then get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, then pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church, and finally revel in the low prices at Marttiini Store Old Factory.

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi day trip website.

Traveling by flight from Vaasa to Rovaniemi takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Vaasa in December: high temperatures in Rovaniemi hover around -6°C and lows are around -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.