13 days in Helsinki & Lapland 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.

Museum-lovers will appreciate Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Taidekoti Kirpila. Get a sense of the local culture at Katajanokka and The Esplanadi Park. When in Helsinki, make a side trip to see Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, approximately Espoo away. There's much more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), and pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral.

To find reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip planner.

Singapore, Singapore to Helsinki is an approximately 15.5- hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or do a combination of flight and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 6 hours traveling from Singapore to Helsinki. Prepare for colder weather when traveling from Singapore in December: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 3°C and lows are around -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Start off your visit on the 16th (Mon): explore the venue of The Sami Cultural Centre Sajos, then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, and then see the interesting displays at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center.

To find traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read Inari trip itinerary maker tool.

Traveling by combination of flight and shuttle from Helsinki to Inari takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car; or drive. While traveling from Helsinki, expect slightly colder days and much colder nights in Inari, ranging from highs of -7°C to lows of -17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Get in touch with nature at Levi Ski Resort and Yllas Ski Resort. Step out of Levi to go to Muonio and see Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, which is approximately 58 minutes away. It doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to Giewont Husky Adventures.

To see photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Levi route planning site.

You can do a combination of shuttle and flight from Inari to Levi in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. December in Levi sees daily highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) early enough to travel to Salla.

Salla is a municipality of Finland, located in Lapland. Kick off your visit on the 20th (Fri): hit the slopes at Salla Ski Resort and then take an in-depth tour of Salla Museum of War & Reconstruction.

For ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Salla road trip app.

Traveling by car from Levi to Salla takes 4 hours. In December, plan for daily highs up to -7°C, and evening lows to -16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

On the 21st (Sat), get engrossed in the history at Arktikum and then take a memorable tour with Feelapland. On the next day, make a trip to Santa Claus Village, then see Santa Claus Office, then examine the collection at Christmas House Santa, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church.

To see maps, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi online tour itinerary planner.

Drive from Salla to Rovaniemi in 2 hours. December in Rovaniemi sees daily highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.