15 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo) and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Appreciate the collections at Kansallisgalleria and Sea Fortress Suomenlinna. Explore Helsinki's surroundings by going to Raseborg (Hagen - Ramsholmen - Hogholmen & EKTA museum), Hvittrask (in Kirkkonummi) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). Next up on the itinerary: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, and identify plant and animal life at Laajalahti Nature Reserve.

For where to stay, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary planning site.

Auckland, New Zealand to Helsinki is an approximately 28-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is minus 10 hours. Plan for cooler temperatures traveling from Auckland in November, with highs in Helsinki at 5°C and lows at 0°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Mon) early enough to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. On the 5th (Tue), tour or see a show at The Sami Cultural Centre Sajos, take a memorable tour with Tours, then see the interesting displays at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church. On your second day here, experience rural life at Inari Reindeer Farm, experience rural life at Tuula's Reindeer, then get great views at Otsamo Fell, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church.

To find reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Inari vacation planner.

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Inari takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Helsinki in November, with highs in Inari at -3°C and lows at -10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Wed) early enough to travel to Tankavaara.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Thu): examine the collection at Gold Prospector Museum.

To see more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, go to the Tankavaara trip maker.

You can drive from Inari to Tankavaara in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around -3°C in November, and nighttime lows around -10°C. On the 7th (Thu), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Muonio.

Muonio is a municipality of Finland.The town is located in far northern Finland above the Arctic Circle on the country's western border, within the area of the former Lappi province. Start off your visit on the 8th (Fri): contemplate the long history of Keimioniemi Fishing Cabins, see the interesting displays at Muonion Kotiseutumuseo, then ski along the peaceful trails at Torassieppi Reindeer Farm & Cottages, and finally make a trip to Pyhakero. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get outside with Seven Fells Up, look for gifts at Akaslompolo Sportshop, and then fly down the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort.

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, use the Muonio trip builder app.

Getting from Tankavaara to Muonio by car takes about 3.5 hours. In November, plan for daily highs up to -5°C, and evening lows to -13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) early enough to go by car 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. Start off your visit on the 10th (Sun): don't miss a visit to Giewont Husky Adventures, get your game on at G2 ICEKARTING, then get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, then admire the masterpieces at Museum of Fine Arts Einari Junttila, and finally explore the world behind art at Sarestoniemi Museum.

To see other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Kittila trip tool.

Getting from Muonio to Kittila by car takes about an hour. In November in Kittila, expect temperatures between -3°C during the day and -11°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sun) so you can travel to Pyhatunturi.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Mon): look for all kinds of wild species at Kopara Reindeer Park and then go deep underground at Amethyst Mine Lapland.

To find more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, read Pyhatunturi online road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kittila to Pyhatunturi takes 2 hours. In November, daytime highs in Pyhatunturi are -3°C, while nighttime lows are -9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Mon) early enough to 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 12th (Tue): explore the different monuments and memorials at German Soldier s Cemetery, then see exotic creatures in open habitats at Feelapland, then take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, and finally take an in-depth tour of Rovaniemi Local History Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 13th (Wed): take in the dramatic scenery at Auttikongas, explore the fascinating underground world of Syvasenvaara Fell, then see the interesting displays at Santa's House of Snowmobiles, and finally stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier.

To find photos, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi travel route builder tool.

You can drive from Pyhatunturi to Rovaniemi in 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around -2°C in November, and nighttime lows around -7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Wed) so you can travel back home.