13 days in Lapland & Helsinki Itinerary

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

Change things up with a short trip to Amethyst Mine Lapland in Luosto (about 1h 35 min away). There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, get your game on at Snowman World Igloo Hotel, and find something for the whole family at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus.

To see photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Rovaniemi online vacation planner.

Bangkok, Thailand to Rovaniemi is an approximately 17-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 5 hours traveling from Bangkok to Rovaniemi. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Bangkok in December, with highs in Rovaniemi at -6°C and lows at -13°C. On the 29th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Kittila.

Kittilä is a municipality of Finland and a popular holiday resort.It is located in northern Finland north of the Arctic Circle within the Lapland region. On the 29th (Sat), don't miss a visit to Giewont Husky Adventures.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Kittila travel itinerary planner.

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Kittila in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to -5°C, and evening lows to -15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Kemi.

Kemi is a town and municipality of Finland. Start off your visit on the 31st (Mon): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Tornio Church, then stop by Sampo Icebreaker, then admire the masterpieces at Kemin Jalokivigalleria (Kemi Gemstone Gallery), and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kemi Church.

For maps, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Kemi day trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kittila to Kemi takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In December, daily temperatures in Kemi can reach -3°C, while at night they dip to -11°C. You'll set off for Helsinki on the 1st (Tue).

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.

Pack the 3rd (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. And it doesn't end there: step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria, contemplate the long history of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, and get to know the fascinating history of The Esplanadi Park.

To find photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Helsinki driving holiday planner.

Fly from Kemi to Helsinki in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Kemi in January: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around -3°C and lows are around -9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.