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 Kallio Church. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Mannerheim Museum and The Aalto House. There's much more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, get to know the resident critters at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha, and see the interesting displays at Design Museum.

For ratings, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read Helsinki trip tool.

Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also ride a ferry. Expect a daytime high around °C in January, and nighttime lows around °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Sun) early enough 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 °C and lows are around °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. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Fri): stroll through Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, thenbet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, and then fly down the slopes at Kids' Land.

For reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read Levi day trip website.

Getting from Saariselka to Levi by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. January in Levi sees daily highs of °C and lows of °C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough 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, thenidentify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, thenengage 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 °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.