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.

Popular historic sites such as Fortress of Suomenlinna and Rock Church are in your itinerary. Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Kansallisgalleria will appeal to museum buffs. Change things up with a short trip to Sibelius Hall in Lahti (about 1h 45 min away). The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to Hakaniemi Market, hunt for treasures at Old Market Hall, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, and look for gifts at Marimekko.

For maps, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip planner.

If you are flying in from Australia, the closest major airport is Helsinki Vantaa Airport. In February, daytime highs in Helsinki are 0°C, while nighttime lows are -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. For photos, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Ivalo trip builder site .

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Helsinki to Ivalo. In February, Ivalo is a bit cooler than Helsinki - with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Mon) to allow time for travel to Utsjoki.

To see maps, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, read our Utsjoki journey planner.

Traveling by car from Ivalo to Utsjoki takes 2 hours. The time zone difference moving from Eastern European Time to Central European Time is minus 1 hour. In February in Utsjoki, expect temperatures between -3°C during the day and -11°C at night. On the 4th (Mon), you're off toHelsinki.

To find where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki travel website .

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Utsjoki to Helsinki. Traveling from Utsjoki to Helsinki, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. You will leave for home on the 5th (Tue).

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Raseborg Castle and Ullanlinna. Step out of Helsinki with an excursion to Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre in Vantaa--about 32 minutes away. See some other sides of Helsinki: pause for some photo ops at Sibelius Monument, contemplate the long history of The Aalto House, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and admire the masterpieces at Design Museum.

To find other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Helsinki attractions planning website .

Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Wed) to allow enough time to take a train back home.