14 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.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Fri): tour the pleasant surroundings at Aurlahti Beach, step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, steep yourself in history at Mannerheim Museum, then contemplate the long history of The Aalto House, then get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence. On the 28th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: wander the streets of Katajanokka, tour the pleasant surroundings at Aurinkolahti Beach, and then explore the striking landscape of Nuuksio National Park.

For maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Helsinki trip planner .

Zurich, Switzerland to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or drive. The time zone difference moving from Central European Time (CET) to Eastern European Time (EET) is 1 hour. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in December, and nighttime lows around -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) to allow enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sun): get a taste of life in the country at Saariselka Reindeer Farm and then examine the collection at Gold Prospector Museum. On your second day here, enjoy some diversion at Action Park, then fly down the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort, then find something for the whole family at Angry Birds Activity Park, and finally look for gifts at Hippupuoti Gift Shop.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Saariselka road trip planner .

Getting from Helsinki to Saariselka by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. When traveling from Helsinki in December, plan for slightly colder days in Saariselka, with highs around -7°C, while nights are colder with lows around -17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. On the 31st (Tue), take in the spiritual surroundings of Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church, pause for some serene contemplation at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, and finally examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center. Keep things going the next day: get a taste of life in the country at Angeli Reindeer Farm, then experience rural life at Inari Reindeer Farm, and then explore the striking landscape of Lemmenjoki National Park.

To see ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Inari day trip tool .

Drive from Saariselka to Inari in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Inari can reach -7°C, while at night they dip to -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) early enough 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.

On the 2nd (Thu), bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, then glide through natural beauty at Torassieppi Reindeer Farm & Cottages, and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Discover Lapland. On the 3rd (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: identify plant and animal life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, then take in the exciting artwork at LUVATTUMAA - Levi Ice Gallery, then hit the slopes at Kids' Land, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Levi Ski Resort.

Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Levi fast, fun, and easy.

Traveling by flight from Inari to Levi takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Levi can reach -11°C, while at night they dip to -21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Ranua.

Ranua is a municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Lapland. Kick off your visit on the 4th (Sat): learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Ranua Zoo.

To find reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Ranua trip itinerary builder site .

You can drive from Levi to Ranua in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a bus. You'll set off for Rovaniemi on the 5th (Sun).

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

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Mon): try to win big at Feel Vegas - Club Rovaniemi, then make a trip to Lordi's Square, then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, and finally steep yourself in history at Maupertuis Memorial. Keep things going the next day: get curious at Pilke Science Centre, take an exotic tour of a safari tour, tour the pleasant surroundings at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, then take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church.

To see other places to visit and other tourist information, read Rovaniemi trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Ranua to Rovaniemi by bus takes about an hour. Other options: drive. Expect a daytime high around -10°C in January, and nighttime lows around -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 8th (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.