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.

Get outdoors at Aurinkolahti Beach and Korkeasaari Zoo. Popular historic sites such as Rock Church and Fortress of Suomenlinna are in your itinerary. Change things up 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. There's lots more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Hietaranta Beach, don't miss a visit to Senate Square, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), and take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum.

For more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki trip tool .

Kaunas, Lithuania to Helsinki is an approximately 7-hour combination of train and flight. You can also do a combination of train, flight, and ferry; or drive. In December in Helsinki, expect temperatures between 3°C during the day and -3°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) early enough to go by car 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 Repovesi National Park and Lehman. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Porvoo: Kotka (Santalahti Nature Trail & Sapokka Water Garden), Stromforsin ruukki (in Ruotsinpyhtaa) and Valkmusa National Park (in Siltakyla). Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Porvoo Old Town.

For other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Porvoo road trip website .

You can drive from Helsinki to Porvoo in an hour. Another option is to take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Porvoo are 1°C, while nighttime lows are -4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) 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: see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, take in the views from Lumberjack's Candle Bridge, take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, and don't miss a visit to Marttiinin Wanha Tehdas.

For photos, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, read Rovaniemi trip planner .

Getting from Porvoo to Rovaniemi by combination of bus and flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus, flight, and train; or drive. In December, Rovaniemi is little chillier than Porvoo - with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.