11 days in Helsinki, Inari & Akaslompolo 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.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Mon): get engrossed in the history at National Museum of Finland, pause for some photo ops at Sibelius Monument, then browse the exhibits of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, then wander the streets of Ullanlinna, and finally explore the world behind art at Design Museum. On your second day here, admire the masterpieces at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, then admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria, then test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, and finally soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers.

To find where to stay, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read our Helsinki road trip planning website .

Birmingham, UK to Helsinki is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of train, bus, and flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Birmingham to Helsinki is 2 hours. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Birmingham in October, with highs in Helsinki at 10°C and lows at 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Tue) so you can travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Siida and Gold Prospector Museum are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Reindeer Farm Petri Mattus and Lake Inari. Take a break from Inari with a short trip to Urho Kekkonen National Park in Saariselka, about 1h 45 min away. Spend the 25th (Thu) exploring nature at Lemmenjoki National Park.

For photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Inari road trip planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and shuttle from Helsinki to Inari takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Helsinki in October: high temperatures in Inari hover around 3°C and lows are around -2°C. You will leave for home on the 28th (Sun).

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Sun): stop by Akaslompolo Sportshop and then examine the collection at The Sarestoniemi Museum. On the next day, head outdoors with Scandinavian Adventures and then get outside with Seven Fells Up.

To see ratings, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read Akaslompolo vacation builder .

Traveling by car from Inari to Akaslompolo takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 3°C, and evening lows to -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.