14 days in Helsinki, Lakeland & 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.

Pack the 23rd (Tue) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Rock Church, explore the galleries of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria, and pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral.

To see reviews, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Helsinki trip itinerary website .

London, UK to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Eastern European Time, which is usually a 2 hour difference. Traveling from London in October, expect Helsinki to be slightly colder, temps between 10°C and 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Thu) early enough to catch the train to Tampere.

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Fri): explore the wide array of goods at City Sokos, look for gifts at Alko, then enjoy the sand and surf at Suolijarvi Beach, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower. Keep things going the next day: look and learn at Sarkanniemi Theme Park.

To find ratings, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Tampere visit planner.

Traveling by train from Helsinki to Tampere takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Tampere are 8°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Sat) early enough to take a train to Kuopio.

Kuopio is a city and a municipality located in the region of Northern Savonia, Finland. On the 28th (Sun), test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Lutheran Cathedral, explore the world behind art at Kuopio Art Museum, then take in panoramic vistas at Puijo Tower, and finally get a sense of history and politics at Kuopio Market City Hall.

For more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, read Kuopio trip maker tool .

Traveling by train from Tampere to Kuopio takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. October in Kuopio sees daily highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Savonlinna.

The picturesque town of Savonlinna sits on two islands surrounded by shimmering lakes and lush greenery.

On the 29th (Mon), appreciate the history behind The Spirit of the fortress, pause for some photo ops at Olavinlinnan Musta Passi, examine the collection at Savonlinna Provincial Museum, step into the grandiose world of Olavinlinna Castle, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pikkukirkko, and finally appreciate the history behind Savonlinna Herostatue - The Hero's Grave.

To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Savonlinna road trip website .

Traveling by car from Kuopio to Savonlinna takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 7°C in October, and nighttime lows around 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to drive to Lahti.

Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. Start off your visit on the 30th (Tue): have some family-friendly fun at Lahti Minigolf Centre Laune, then admire the local landmark of Musical Fountain, then get into the urban bustle at Sibelius Hall, and finally enjoy some diversion at Hohtokeila Lahti.

To see photos, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, go to the Lahti online route maker .

Drive from Savonlinna to Lahti in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of flight and train. Expect a daytime high around 8°C in October, and nighttime lows around 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Tue) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Rovaniemi is known for theme parks, museums, fun & games, nightlife, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: find something for the whole family at Santa Claus Village, see Santa Claus Office, don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square, and see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour.

To find photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi trip planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Lahti to Rovaniemi in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, flight, and bus; or drive. In October, Rovaniemi is a bit cooler than Lahti - with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.