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.

Go for a jaunt from Helsinki to Espoo to see Nuuksio National Park about 48 minutes away. Pack the 24th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. Next up on the itinerary: explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, take an in-depth tour of The National Museum of Finland, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali).

To see where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Helsinki journey planning app.

Arusha, Tanzania to Helsinki is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from East Africa Time (EAT) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is minus 1 hour. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Arusha in December, with highs in Helsinki at °C and lows at °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Muonio.

Muonio is a municipality of Finland.The town is located in far northern Finland above the Arctic Circle on the country's western border, within the area of the former Lappi province. On the 29th (Sat), explore the striking landscape of Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. Keep things going the next day: explore the landscape on two wheels at Levi Ski Resort.

To see where to stay, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Muonio vacation planner.

You can drive from Helsinki to Muonio in 12 hours. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Helsinki in December: highs in Muonio hover around °C, while lows dip to °C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Mon): get in on the family fun at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, thensee Santa Claus Office, and then make a trip to Santa Claus Village. Here are some ideas for day two: pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church, thentake an exotic tour of a safari tour, thentake an in-depth tour of Arktikum, and finally don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square.

To see reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Rovaniemi trip itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Muonio to Rovaniemi takes 3 hours. In December, plan for daily highs up to °C, and evening lows to °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Tue) so you can drive to Kuusamo.

Kuusamo is a town and municipality in Finland. Start off your visit on the 2nd (Wed): tour the pleasant surroundings at Ruka, thenlook for gifts at Riipisen Wild Game and Souvenier Shop, thenadmire the masterpieces at Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre, and finally look for gifts at Shopping Center Kumpare.

For maps, photos, and tourist information, read our Kuusamo itinerary builder website.

Traveling by car from Rovaniemi to Kuusamo takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around °C in January, and nighttime lows around °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) early enough to travel back home.