11 days in Rovaniemi, Helsinki & Naantali Itinerary

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

Museum-lovers will appreciate Museum - Gallery Alariesto and Santa's House of Snowmobiles. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Rovaniemi Church and German Soldier s Cemetery. Change things up with these side-trips from Rovaniemi: Pyha-Luosto National Park (in Pyhatunturi), Kopara Reindeer Park (in Luosto) and Korouoma Canyon (in Posio). The adventure continues: tee off at Tornio Golf, buy something for everyone on your list at Arctic Circle Mall, and look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier.

To find traveler tips, reviews, photos, and tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi online trip planner .

July in Rovaniemi sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) so you can travel to Helsinki.

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.

Get some cultural insight at Mannerheim Museum and Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo). Appreciate the collections at Kansallisgalleria and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Cathedral of Porvoo (in Porvoo) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at The Aalto House, take in the spiritual surroundings of Temppeliaukion Church, wander the streets of Katajanokka, and brush up on your military savvy at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna.

To find maps, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki online trip itinerary maker .

Fly from Rovaniemi to Helsinki in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. Traveling from Rovaniemi in August, you will find days in Helsinki are a bit warmer (24°C), and nights are about the same (13°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Naantali.

Naantali is a town in south-western Finland, known as one of the most important tourist centres of the country. Start off your visit on the 5th (Mon): have some family-friendly fun at Moomin World, wander the streets of Naantali Old Town, and then explore the ancient world of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. On the 6th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the historical opulence of Turku Castle, then examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral, and finally see the interesting displays at Kylamaki Village of Living History.

To find reviews, maps, and tourist information, go to the Naantali holiday builder .

Getting from Helsinki to Naantali by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or fly. In August, daily temperatures in Naantali can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 7th (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.