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.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Rock Church and Fortress of Suomenlinna. Visiting King's Road and Korkeasaari Zoo will get you outdoors. And it doesn't end there: take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, admire the masterpieces at Design Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), and contemplate the long history of Mannerheim Museum.

To find traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip planner.

Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki is an approximately 2-hour ferry ride. You can also fly. In January in Helsinki, expect temperatures between -3°C during the day and -9°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) so you can travel to Saariselka.

Take a break from the city and head to Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort and Urho Kekkonen National Park. Do some cultural sightseeing at Siida and Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church. Change things up with a short trip to Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church in Inari (about 1h 10 min away).

To see more things to do, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read Saariselka day trip app .

Do a combination of flight and bus from Helsinki to Saariselka in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in January, things will get little chillier in Saariselka: highs are around -11°C and lows about -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.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Thu): ski along the peaceful trails at Levi Ski Resort. On the next day, experience rural life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, then admire all the interesting features of Ice Karting Levi, and finally get your game on at Kid's Land.

To find photos, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Levi travel route builder site .

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Saariselka to Levi in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In January in Levi, expect temperatures between -11°C during the day and -21°C at night. 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.

On the 12th (Sat), pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church, see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, then engage your brain at Pilke Science Centre, and finally take an in-depth tour of Arktikum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stop by Your Piece Of Finland and then hit the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy.

To see reviews, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Rovaniemi road trip tool .

You can drive from Levi to Rovaniemi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Levi in January, plan for a bit warmer nights in Rovaniemi, with lows around -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.