13 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.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Tue): explore the striking landscape of Nuuksio National Park. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha, then step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, and finally steep yourself in history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum.

For other places to visit, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read our Helsinki online visit planner.

Cape Town, South Africa to Helsinki is an approximately 19-hour flight. Traveling from Cape Town in December, expect Helsinki to be cooler, temps between 3°C and -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center and Gold Prospector Museum. Explore hidden gems such as Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort and Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church. Change things up with a short trip to Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church in Inari (about 1h 10 min away). There's more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel and get in on the family fun at Angry Birds Activity Park.

For where to stay, photos, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Saariselka trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Saariselka takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in December, expect nights in Saariselka to be cooler, around -17°C, while days are slightly colder, around -7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to go by car to Rovaniemi.

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

Museum-lovers will appreciate Christmas House Santa and Arktikum. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Rovaniemi Church and German Soldier s Cemetery. There's lots more to do: see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, explore the fascinating underground world of Syvasenvaara Fell, see Santa Claus Office, and make a trip to Lordi's Square.

Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Rovaniemi fast, fun, and easy.

Drive from Saariselka to Rovaniemi in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December in Rovaniemi, expect temperatures between -6°C during the day and -13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) to allow time 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 26th (Wed): kick back and relax at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Archangel Michael's church, and then take an in-depth tour of Turku Castle. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Thu): browse the exhibits of Louhisaari Manor, then explore the striking landscape of Kurjenrahka National Park, and then see the interesting displays at Kylamaki Village of Living History.

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

Getting from Rovaniemi to Turku by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Rovaniemi in December: high temperatures in Turku hover around 1°C and lows are around -4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can go by car to Helsinki.

On the 28th (Fri), learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo) and then steep yourself in history at Mannerheim Museum.

For reviews, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Helsinki trip itinerary planning app.

You can drive from Turku to Helsinki in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Fri) to allow time for travel back home.