12 days in Finland 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.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sat): take in the exciting artwork at Galleria Lapinlahti and then get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. On the next day, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Nuuksio National Park.

To see ratings, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Helsinki trip itinerary planner.

Zurich, Switzerland to Helsinki is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train, bus, and flight; or drive. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Zurich to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in December, and nighttime lows around -3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Santa Claus Village as well as Sampo Icebreaker. Kick off your visit on the 24th (Tue): stop by LAURI, explore the different monuments and memorials at German Soldier s Cemetery, then pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church, and finally take an in-depth tour of Rovaniemi Local History Museum. On the 25th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: examine the collection at Santa's House of Snowmobiles, see the interesting displays at Christmas House Santa, and then find something for the whole family at Santa Claus Village.

For reviews, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Rovaniemi trip planner.

You can fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in 4 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in December, things will get slightly colder in Rovaniemi: highs are around -6°C and lows about -13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) to allow enough time to 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 26th (Thu): make a trip to Giewont Husky Adventures, then look for gifts at Akaslompolo Sportshop, and then examine the collection at The Sarestoniemi Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: glide through natural beauty at Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park.

To see maps, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Levi trip planner .

Traveling by car from Rovaniemi to Levi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Levi are -6°C, while nighttime lows are -15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. On the 28th (Sat), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church, pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, and then go for a walk through Otsamo Fell.

To see reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Inari holiday site .

Traveling by combination of bus, flight, and shuttle from Levi to Inari takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. December in Inari sees daily highs of -7°C and lows of -17°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sun): let little ones run wild at Adventure Park, then stay fit while traveling at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, then take in the spiritual surroundings of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel, and finally browse the different shops at Kauppakeskus Mylly.

For traveler tips, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Turku trip itinerary maker app .

You can do a combination of shuttle and flight from Inari to Turku in 5.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of shuttle, flight, and train; or drive. Traveling from Inari in December, expect Turku to be somewhat warmer, temps between 1°C and -4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can catch the train 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 30th (Mon): examine the collection at Tampere City Library, Metso, then see the interesting displays at The Finnish Labour Museum Werstas, then soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and finally see the interesting displays at The Car Museum of Vehoniemi (Vehoniemen automuseo). On the next day, look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, then examine the collection at National Police Museum, then get a taste of the local shopping with Laukko Manor, and finally view the masterpieces at Galleria Ronga.

To find maps, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Tampere trip planner .

You can take a train from Turku to Tampere in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. In December, daily temperatures in Tampere can reach 0°C, while at night they dip to -6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.