12 days in Helsinki, Turku & Rovaniemi 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.

Popular historic sites such as Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum are in your itinerary. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Nuuksio National Park and Katajanokka. Take a break from Helsinki with a short trip to Ekenas Archipelago National Park in Raseborg, about 1h 20 min away.

To find more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, read our Helsinki trip planning site.

Phoenix, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Mountain Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is 9 hours. In June, Helsinki is colder than Phoenix - with highs of 65°F and lows of 50°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Tue) early enough to go by car to Turku.

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

Explore hidden gems such as Turku Castle and Bellevue Beach. Old Rauma and Turku Cathedral will appeal to history buffs. Change things up with a short trip to The Church of the Holy Cross in Rauma (about 1h 25 min away). The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, view the masterpieces at Gallery A, take in the spiritual surroundings of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel, and hike along The Archipelago Trail.

To see where to stay, photos, maps, and tourist information, use the Turku travel route planning tool.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. July in Turku sees daily highs of 70°F and lows of 52°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Pyha-Luosto National Park and German Soldier s Cemetery. Arktikum and Santa's House of Snowmobiles will appeal to museum buffs. Venture out of the city with trips to Kemi Church (in Kemi), Church of Sodankyla (in Sodankyla) and Kopara Reindeer Park (in Luosto). The adventure continues: Head underground at Syvasenvaara Fell, see Santa Claus Office, and stop by Your Piece Of Finland.

For where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi online travel planner.

Fly from Turku to Rovaniemi in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In July, daily temperatures in Rovaniemi can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Tue) so you can travel back home.