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 27th (Sun): pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), then don't miss a visit to Senate Square, and finally explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna. Here are some ideas for day two: get interesting insight from Dive Finland Oy, then don't miss a visit to SkyWheel Helsinki, then admire the striking features of Helsinki Central Railway Station, and finally explore the different monuments and memorials at Hietaniemi Cemetery.

To find reviews, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, use the Helsinki online itinerary planner.

If you are flying in from Switzerland, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. In December, daytime highs in Helsinki are 3°C, while nighttime lows are -3°C. You will have some time to spend on the 29th (Tue) before leaving for Tampere.

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

On the 29th (Tue), stroll through Rauhaniemi Beach, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: identify plant and animal life at Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto.

To see maps, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Tampere trip planner.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Helsinki in December, with highs in Tampere at 0°C and lows at -6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Thu) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Explore hidden gems such as Safaris and Napapiirin Porofarmi. Step out of the city life by going to Tatuka Reindeerfarm and Syvasenvaara Fell. Change things up with a short trip to Korouoma Canyon in Posio (about 1h 40 min away). There's still lots to do: hit the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, take in the dramatic scenery at Auttikongas, get in on the family fun at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, and make a trip to Lordi's Square.

For ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Rovaniemi visit planning app.

Do a combination of train and flight from Tampere to Rovaniemi in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Tampere in December, with highs in Rovaniemi at -6°C and lows at -13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to travel to Kokkola.

Kokkola is a town and municipality of Finland. On the 6th (Wed), examine the collection at The Toivonen Animal Park and Peasant Museum, examine the collection at Pedagogy, K.H.Renlund museum, then see the interesting displays at Lassander House, K.H.Renlund museum, then admire the masterpieces at K.H. Renlund Museum, and finally wander the streets of Neristan (Old Wooden Town).

For where to stay, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Kokkola online itinerary builder.

Drive from Rovaniemi to Kokkola in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car. Traveling from Rovaniemi in January, expect Kokkola to be a bit warmer, temps between -5°C and -13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Thu) so you can travel to Helsinki.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence.

Discover how to plan a Helsinki trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Explore your travel options from Kokkola to Helsinki with the Route module. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.