13 days in Helsinki, Levi & Rovaniemi 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.

Let the collections at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum capture your imagination. Get a sense of the local culture at Helsinki Cathedral and Temppeliaukio Church. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Helsinki: Fagervik Museum (in Inkoo) and Bellevue Beach (in Hanko). Next up on the itinerary: learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), stroll through Aurinkolahti Beach, explore the world behind art at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, and get to know the fascinating history of The Esplanadi Park.

For traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the 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. Traveling from Singapore to Helsinki, you'll gain 6 hours due to the time zone difference. Prepare for colder weather when traveling from Singapore in December: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 3°C and lows are around -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) 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 some cultural insight at Samiland and Sarestoniemi Museum. Head to LUVATTUMAA - Levi Ice Gallery and Akaslompolo Sportshopfor some retail therapy. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Levi: Keimioniemi Fishing Cabins (in Muonio) and Lapland Hotels SnowVillage (in Kittila). And it doesn't end there: hit the slopes at Kids' Land, explore the world behind art at Museum of Fine Arts Einari Junttila, bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, and don't miss a visit to Giewont Husky Adventures.

To see where to stay, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, go to the Levi day trip site.

Traveling by combination of flight and bus from Helsinki to Levi takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Helsinki in December; daily highs in Levi reach -6°C and lows reach -15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) so you can drive 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 16th (Sun): get in on the family fun at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus and then see Santa Claus Office. Here are some ideas for day two: get some fabulous bargains at Marttiini Store Old Factory, look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas, get engrossed in the history at Forestry Museum of Lapland, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church, and finally look for gifts at Kauppakeskus Sampokeskus.

For maps, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi trip maker website.

You can drive from Levi to Rovaniemi in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Rovaniemi can reach -6°C, while at night they dip to -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.