12 days in Lapland & Helsinki Itinerary

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

Do some cultural sightseeing at Arktikum and Rovaniemi Church. Visiting Safaris and Poro Farmi will get you outdoors. There's still lots to do: get in on the family fun at Santa Claus Village, make a trip to Lordi's Square, hit the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, and get engrossed in the history at Rovaniemi Local History Museum.

Start your trip to Rovaniemi by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Rovaniemi is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or do a combination of flight and train. Traveling from Dubai to Rovaniemi, you'll gain 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Prepare for much colder weather when traveling from Dubai in April: high temperatures in Rovaniemi hover around 3°C and lows are around -3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Kittila.

Kittilä is a municipality of Finland and a popular holiday resort.It is located in northern Finland north of the Arctic Circle within the Lapland region. On the 13th (Sat), hit the slopes at Levi Ski Resort. On the 14th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: hit the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort and then stop by Elan Ski Shop & Rental.

For reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Kittila road trip site .

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Kittila in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in April, and nighttime lows around -4°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Saariselka.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Mon): explore the striking landscape of Urho Kekkonen National Park, trek along Ruijanpolku Trail, and then stop by Hippupuoti Gift Shop. Keep things going the next day: hit the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort.

To see photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Saariselka online trip builder .

You can drive from Kittila to Saariselka in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Saariselka are 3°C, while nighttime lows are -6°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) so you can travel to Helsinki.

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.

Head to Market Square Kauppatori and Kamppi Shopping Centrefor plenty of shopping. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Rock Church. When in Helsinki, make a side trip to see Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, approximately 46 minutes away. There's still lots to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), look for gifts at Artisaani, and view the masterpieces at Galerie Anhava.

To see reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki trip site .

Fly from Saariselka to Helsinki in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Saariselka in April, with highs in Helsinki at 9°C and lows at 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can travel back home.