16 days in Lapland, Lakeland & Helsinki Itinerary

Nestled among vast forests and fells, Luosto represents a small idyllic resort village set on the edge of Pyha-Luosto National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Thu): identify plant and animal life at Kopara Reindeer Park.

To find traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Luosto trip planner.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Luosto is an approximately 14.5-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone difference moving from Gulf Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is minus 2 hours. Prepare for cooler weather when traveling from Dubai in July: high temperatures in Luosto hover around 23°C and lows are around 11°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Kick off your visit on the 27th (Fri): trek along Juutua Nature Trail, then relax in the rural setting at Inari Reindeer Farm, and then wander the wide-open spaces of Reindeer Farm Petri Mattus. Keep things going the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church and then get outside with Lake Inari.

To find reviews, ratings, photos, and tourist information, read our Inari road trip planner.

Getting from Luosto to Inari by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. July in Inari sees daily highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Tampere.

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Sarkanniemi Theme Park and Rauhaniemi Beach. Take a break from Tampere with a short trip to The Parola Armour Museum in Parola, about 58 minutes away.

For where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Tampere online driving holiday planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and train from Inari to Tampere takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. While traveling from Inari, expect a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Tampere, ranging from highs of 24°C to lows of 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Tue) to allow time to drive to Kouvola.

Kouvola is a town and municipality in southeastern Finland. Start off your visit on the 1st (Wed): admire the landmark architecture of Main Building of Military School, then wander the streets of Linden Esplanade, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Arboretum Mustila. On the next day, stroll around Riverside Park, then appreciate the extensive heritage of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, and then hike along Santalahti Nature Trail.

To find other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Kouvola visit planning site.

You can drive from Tampere to Kouvola in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Kouvola are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) early enough to drive to Helsinki.

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.

On the 3rd (Fri), find something for the whole family at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 4th (Sat): take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, then kick back and relax at Aurinkolahti Beach, and then explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna.

For photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki trip builder site.

Getting from Kouvola to Helsinki by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 5th (Sun) to allow time for travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Santa Claus Village has been added to your itinerary. On your second day here, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church, then have some family-friendly fun at Snowman World Igloo Hotel, and then make a trip to Santa Claus Village.

For maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip planner.

Fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in August, you will find days in Rovaniemi are slightly colder (20°C), and nights are about the same (11°C). Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 8th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.