16 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'll discover tucked-away gems like Katajanokka and Nuuksio National Park. Your inner history buff will appreciate Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Stromforsin Ruukki. Step out of Helsinki to go to Ruotsinpyhtaa and see Church of Ruotsinpyhtaa, which is approximately 1h 25 min away. And it doesn't end there: explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, contemplate the long history of Urho Kekkonen Museum Tamminiemi, and get to know the resident critters at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha.

To see where to stay, photos, maps, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki trip maker tool.

Singapore, Singapore to Helsinki is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Singapore Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is minus 6 hours. Traveling from Singapore in December, expect Helsinki to be much colder, temps between 3°C and -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) early enough to drive to Savonlinna.

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

On the 22nd (Sat), look for all kinds of wild species at Siikalahti Wetland and then take in the history at Salpa Line. Keep things going the next day: take in the dramatic natural features at Kummakivi Boulder, get all the information you need at Riihisaari, stop by Taito Shop Savonlinna, then make a trip to Pikkukirkko, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kerimaki Church.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Savonlinna travel site.

You can drive from Helsinki to Savonlinna in 4 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a train. In December, Savonlinna is little chillier than Helsinki - with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Get some cultural insight at Rovaniemi Church and Rovaniemi Local History Museum. Kemi Church and German Soldier s Cemetery will appeal to history buffs. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rovaniemi: Tornio Church (in Tornio), Pyha-Luosto National Park (in Pyhatunturi) and Ski Resort Ritavalkea (in Pello). Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, have some family-friendly fun at Snowman World Igloo Hotel, examine the collection at Christmas House Santa, and take an in-depth tour of Arktikum.

Plan trip to Rovaniemi with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Traveling by flight from Savonlinna to Rovaniemi takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Prepare for a bit cooler weather when traveling from Savonlinna in December: high temperatures in Rovaniemi hover around -6°C and lows are around -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.