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.

On the 27th (Fri), kick back and relax at Aurlahti Beach, explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, steep yourself in history at Mannerheim Museum, then contemplate the long history of The Aalto House, then take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence. Keep things going the next day: take a stroll through Katajanokka, kick back and relax at Aurinkolahti Beach, and then explore the striking landscape of Nuuksio National Park.

For ratings, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip maker tool.

Zurich, Switzerland to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Zurich to Helsinki. In December, plan for daily highs up to 3°C, and evening lows to -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can 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.

On the 29th (Sun), get a taste of life in the country at Saariselka Reindeer Farm and then see the interesting displays at Gold Prospector Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Mon): fly down the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort, get in on the family fun at Angry Birds Activity Park, and then look for gifts at Hippupuoti Gift Shop.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Saariselka trip maker tool.

Getting from Helsinki to Saariselka by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in December, expect nights in Saariselka to be colder, around -17°C, while days are slightly colder, around -7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Tue) so you can go by car 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 31st (Tue): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church, pause for some serene contemplation at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel, then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, and finally examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center. On the 1st (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: surround yourself with nature on Angeli Reindeer Farm, experience rural life at Inari Reindeer Farm, and then explore the striking landscape of Lemmenjoki National Park.

To find maps, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, read our Inari trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Saariselka to Inari takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Inari are -7°C, while nighttime lows are -17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Thu): join the crowd at Icekarting Levi, glide through natural beauty at Torassieppi Reindeer Farm & Cottages, and then fly down the slopes at Discover Lapland. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: identify plant and animal life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, then view the masterpieces at LUVATTUMAA - Levi Ice Gallery, then hit the slopes at Kids' Land, and finally grab your bike and head to Levi Ski Resort.

To see maps, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Levi trip itinerary tool.

Traveling by flight from Inari to Levi takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. January in Levi sees daily highs of -11°C and lows of -21°C at night. 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): admire nature's wide array of creatures at Ranua Zoo.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, read Ranua trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Levi to Ranua in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. On the 5th (Sun), you'll travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Start off your visit on the 6th (Mon): join in the after-dark buzz at Feel Vegas - Club Rovaniemi, make a trip to Lordi's Square, then get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, and finally steep yourself in history at Maupertuis Memorial. Here are some ideas for day two: get curious at Pilke Science Centre, identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, fly down the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, then take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church.

For more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip planner.

Traveling by car from Ranua to Rovaniemi takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Rovaniemi can reach -10°C, while at night they dip to -17°C. On the 8th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.