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 10 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 18-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 Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. Old Rauma and St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel will appeal to history buffs. Venture out of the city with trips to Bellevue Beach (in Hanko) and The Church of the Holy Cross (in Rauma). There's much more to do: gain insight at Turku Cathedral, get a taste of the local shopping with Gallery A, hike along The Archipelago Trail, and kick back and relax at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna.

For where to stay, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Turku trip planner.

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 your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) to allow enough time to 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 Kopara Reindeer Park. Arktikum and Santa's House of Snowmobiles will appeal to museum buffs. Venture out of the city with trips to Kemi Church (in Kemi) and Church of Sodankyla (in Sodankyla). The adventure continues: explore the fascinating underground world of Syvasenvaara Fell, see Santa Claus Office, explore the different monuments and memorials at German Soldier s Cemetery, and look for gifts at Your Piece Of Finland.

To see more things to do and other tourist information, read our Rovaniemi road trip planning site.

You can fly from Turku to Rovaniemi in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In July in Rovaniemi, expect temperatures between 67°F during the day and 52°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.