12 days in Finland Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 20th (Fri): take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, then examine the collection at Santa's House of Snowmobiles, then see Santa Claus Office, and finally find something for the whole family at Santa Claus Village. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the views from Lumberjack's Candle Bridge, Head underground at Syvasenvaara Fell, then find something for the whole family at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, and finally look for gifts at Your Piece Of Finland.

To find ratings, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi trip site .

Sydney, Australia to Rovaniemi is an approximately 26-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 8 hours traveling from Sydney to Rovaniemi. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Sydney in December, with highs in Rovaniemi at -6°C and lows at -13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) so you can drive 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 22nd (Sun): ski along the peaceful trails at Levi Ski Resort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at Yllas Ski Resort, admire all the interesting features of Ice Karting Levi, and then experience rural life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm.

For more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Levi online travel planner .

Traveling by car from Rovaniemi to Levi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Levi can reach -6°C, while at night they dip to -15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can travel to Tampere.

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Tue): enjoy some diversion at Pyynikki's Swim Hall, then steep yourself in history at Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing, then enjoy breathtaking views from Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, and finally get your game on at Portaali VR. Here are some ideas for day two: relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, examine the collection at Vapriikin Museokeskus, then tour or see a game at Irti Maasta Tampere, and finally examine the collection at Moomin Museum.

For photos, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Tampere trip planner .

You can fly from Levi to Tampere in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Levi in December: high temperatures in Tampere hover around 0°C and lows are around -6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) to allow enough time to take a train 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.

Pack the 28th (Sat) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. Next up on the itinerary: learn about all things military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, explore the world behind art at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, appreciate the extensive heritage of The Esplanadi Park, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali).

To find more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip planner .

Take a train from Tampere to Helsinki in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. While traveling from Tampere, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Helsinki, ranging from highs of 3°C to lows of -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.