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 Korkeasaari Zoo, then step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, and finally steep yourself in history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum.

To find more things to do, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Helsinki online visit planner.

Cape Town, South Africa to Helsinki is an approximately 18.5- hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or do a combination of flight and train. 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 Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel. Venture out of the city with trips to Inari (Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church & Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church). There's still lots to do: find something for the whole family at Angry Birds Activity Park.

To see traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, use the Saariselka tour planner.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Helsinki to Saariselka in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in December, you will find days in Saariselka are slightly colder (-7°C), and nights are colder (-17°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 Arktikum and Christmas House Santa. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Rovaniemi Church and German Soldier s Cemetery. And it doesn't end there: fly down the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square, take an exotic tour of a safari tour, and have fun at Santa Claus Office.

For more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Rovaniemi sightseeing site.

You can drive from Saariselka to Rovaniemi in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to -6°C, and evening lows to -13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) to allow enough 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.

To see maps and tourist information, use the Turku trip planner.

Getting from Rovaniemi to Turku by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and 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.

To see reviews, ratings, more things to do, 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 take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Fri) to allow time for travel back home.