15 days in Helsinki, Savonlinna & 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.

You've now added Temppeliaukio Church to your itinerary. Attractions like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Senate Square make great kid-friendly stops. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Helsinki: Sarkanniemi Theme Park (in Tampere), Heureka (in Vantaa) and Ahvenisto (in Hameenlinna). And it doesn't end there: pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, admire the striking features of Helsinki Central Railway Station, cool off at The Swimming Stadium, and kick back and relax at Bellevue Beach.

For photos, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Helsinki day trip planning app.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Helsinki is an approximately 17-hour flight. You'll gain 6 hours traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Prepare for colder weather when traveling from Kuala Lumpur in October: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 10°C and lows are around 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can drive to Savonlinna.

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

Bring the kids along to Lempukka Beach and Utra Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Savonlinna: Honkaniemi Beach (in Joensuu), Parikkala (Siikalahti Wetland & The Parikkala Sculpture Park) and Lappeenranta (Angry Birds Activity Park & Korpikeidas). There's much more to do: explore the historical opulence of Olavinlinna Castle, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kerimaki Church, step off the mainland to explore Lammassaari Island, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pikkukirkko.

For ratings, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Savonlinna road trip planning site.

Drive from Helsinki to Savonlinna in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Helsinki in October: highs in Savonlinna hover around 7°C, while lows dip to 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Tue) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Attractions like Santa Claus Village and Arctic Emotions Oy make great kid-friendly stops. There's much more to do: take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, have fun at Santa Claus Office, find something for the whole family at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, and look for all kinds of wild species at Napapiirin Porofarmi.

For ratings, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Rovaniemi trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Savonlinna to Rovaniemi takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from Savonlinna in October, plan for little chillier days in Rovaniemi, with highs around 3°C, while nights are about the same with lows around -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.