11 days in Helsinki & Lapland 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Mannerheim Museum. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Kallio Church and Kansallisgalleria. And it doesn't end there: admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha, and admire the masterpieces at Design Museum.

To find more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki online trip planner.

Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also ride a ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. January in Helsinki sees daily highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel 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.

Step out of the city life by going to Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort and Urho Kekkonen National Park. Visit Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church and Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel for their historical value. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Saariselka: Inari (Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church & Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center). Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Gold Prospector Museum and stop by Shamaan Design - Lappi Shop.

For where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Saariselka trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Saariselka takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Prepare for a bit cooler weather when traveling from Helsinki in January: high temperatures in Saariselka hover around -11°C and lows are around -20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) to allow time 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.

On the 10th (Thu), hit the slopes at Levi Ski Resort. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll through Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, then join the crowd at Icekarting Levi, and finally hit the slopes at Kids' Land.

For photos and other tourist information, use the Levi holiday site.

You can fly from Saariselka to Levi in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Levi can reach -11°C, while at night they dip to -21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Rovaniemi.

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

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sat): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church, then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, then engage your brain at Pilke Science Centre, and finally get engrossed in the history at Arktikum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 13th (Sun): stop by Your Piece Of Finland and then fly down the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy.

To see where to stay, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read Rovaniemi online attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Levi to Rovaniemi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Levi in January, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Rovaniemi, with lows around -17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.