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.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sat): get a taste of the local shopping with Galleria Lapinlahti and then get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: walk around Nuuksio National Park.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary planner.

Zurich, Switzerland to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Zurich to Helsinki. In December, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 3°C, while at night they dip to -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. Start off your visit on the 24th (Tue): stop by Sampo Icebreaker, stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, then explore the different monuments and memorials at German Soldier s Cemetery, then pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church, and finally get engrossed in the history at Rovaniemi Local History Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: examine the collection at Santa's House of Snowmobiles, see the interesting displays at Christmas House Santa, and then make a trip to Santa Claus Village.

For where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Rovaniemi vacation planner.

You can fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in December, things will get a bit cooler in Rovaniemi: highs are around -6°C and lows about -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) to allow 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.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): don't miss a visit to Giewont Husky Adventures, look for gifts at Akaslompolo Sportshop, and then admire the masterpieces at Sarestoniemi Museum. On your second day here, explore the striking landscape of Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park.

To find maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Levi trip site.

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Levi in 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) early enough to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Kick off your visit on the 28th (Sat): take in the spiritual surroundings of Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, and then go for a walk through Otsamo Fell.

To find reviews, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Inari road trip website.

Traveling by flight from Levi to Inari takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Inari are -7°C, while nighttime lows are -17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to travel to Turku.

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

Start off your visit on the 29th (Sun): let the kids burn off some steam at Adventure Park, then kick back and relax 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 photos, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Turku itinerary planning site.

You can fly from Inari to Turku in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Inari in December: high temperatures in Turku hover around 1°C and lows are around -4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can go by car to Tampere.

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

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Mon): see the interesting displays at Tampere City Library, Metso, then examine the collection at The Finnish Labour Museum Werstas, and then see the interesting displays at The Car Museum of Vehoniemi (Vehoniemen automuseo). Keep things going the next day: look for all kinds of wild species at Hatanpaa Arboretum, then see the interesting displays at National Police Museum, then view the masterpieces at Laukko Manor, and finally shop like a local with Galleria Ronga.

Make your Tampere itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

You can drive from Turku to Tampere in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. December in Tampere sees daily highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.