18 days in Helsinki, Saariselka & 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 a sense of the local culture at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Bellevue Beach (in Hanko), Fagervik Museum (in Inkoo) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). And it doesn't end there: pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kamppi Chapel of Silence, admire the masterpieces at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, and take a stroll through Katajanokka.

To see where to stay, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki trip itinerary builder website.

Sao Paulo, Brazil to Helsinki is an approximately 20-hour flight. The time zone changes from Brasilia Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a 5 hour difference. In December, Helsinki is much colder than Sao Paulo - with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) early enough to travel to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Gold Prospector Museum and Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church. Change things up with these side-trips from Saariselka: Inari (Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, &more). categoryPhrases.sentence.On_the_day_spend_an_exhilarating_day_on_the_slopes_at. There's still lots to do: enjoy some friendly competition at Saariselka Bowling, pause for some serene contemplation at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel, look for gifts at Hippupuoti Gift Shop, and get in on the family fun at Angry Birds Activity Park.

To see more things to do and tourist information, you can read our Saariselka attractions planner.

Getting from Helsinki to Saariselka by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Helsinki in December: highs in Saariselka hover around -7°C, while lows dip to -17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Rovaniemi.

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

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Arktikum and Christmas House Santa. Next up on the itinerary: take an exotic tour of a safari tour, pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church, get in on the family fun at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, and stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier.

Discover how to plan a Rovaniemi trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

You can drive from Saariselka to Rovaniemi in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Rovaniemi can reach -6°C, while at night they dip to -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.