18 days in Helsinki, Ivalo & Utsjoki 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Old Market Hall and Sibelius Hall. There's still lots to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, browse the different shops at Kamppi Shopping Centre, and appreciate the extensive heritage of The Esplanadi Park.

Plan my Helsinki trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

If you are flying in from Australia, the closest major aiport is Helsinki Vantaa Airport. In February, plan for daily highs up to 0°C, and evening lows to -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Mon) early enough to travel to Ivalo.

Ivalo is a village in the municipality of Inari, Lapland, Finland, located on the Ivalo River 20km south of Lake Inari. To see maps, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read Ivalo online trip itinerary planner.

Fly from Helsinki to Ivalo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. In February, Ivalo is slightly colder than Helsinki - with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. On the 25th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Utsjoki.

Utsjoki is a municipality in Finland, the northernmost in the country. For where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Utsjoki day trip site.

Traveling by car from Ivalo to Utsjoki takes 2 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Ivalo to Utsjoki. In February, daily temperatures in Utsjoki can reach -3°C, while at night they dip to -11°C. On the 4th (Mon), you're off to Helsinki.

To see maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Helsinki day trip site.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Utsjoki to Helsinki. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Utsjoki to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. On the 5th (Tue), you'll travel to Helsinki.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like The Aalto House and Raseborg Castle. Let the collections at Design Museum and Heureka capture your imagination. Enjoy Helsinki some more: browse the eclectic array of goods at Market Square Kauppatori, wander the streets of Ullanlinna, and walk around Sibelius Monument.

To see reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary app.

Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Thu) so you can catch the train back home.