16 days in Helsinki, Porvoo & 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.

Visiting Aurinkolahti Beach and Pihlajasaari Recreational Park will get you outdoors. Get some cultural insight at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and The Esplanadi Park. Take a break from Helsinki with a short trip to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, about 48 minutes away. Pack the 17th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. Next up on the itinerary: admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, explore the world behind art at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, steep yourself in history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Kamppi Chapel of Silence.

For maps, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip itinerary planner.

Kaunas, Lithuania to Helsinki is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and ferry; or drive. In December, plan for daily highs up to 3°C, and evening lows to -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Porvoo.

Porvoo, one of Finland's oldest and prettiest towns, boasts cobbled streets, famous red-brick warehouses, and a charming river.

Step out of the city life by going to Lehman and Valkmusa National Park. Explore Porvoo's surroundings by going to Stromforsin Ruukki (in Ruotsinpyhtaa), Repovesi National Park (in Kouvola) and Kotka (Santalahti Nature Trail & Sapokka Water Garden). There's more to do: make a trip to Porvoo Old Town.

To see ratings, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Porvoo trip planner.

You can drive from Helsinki to Porvoo in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In December, daily temperatures in Porvoo can reach 1°C, while at night they dip to -4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) to allow time to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Rovaniemi is known for wildlife, museums, and fun & games. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, revel in the low prices at Marttiini Store Old Factory, catch a live event at Lappi Areena, and don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village.

To find ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi day trip planner.

Getting from Porvoo to Rovaniemi by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Porvoo in December, expect Rovaniemi to be a bit cooler, temps between -6°C and -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.