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 Helsinki Cathedral. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Fagervik Museum (in Inkoo), Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo) and Bellevue Beach (in Hanko). There's much more to do: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, don't miss a visit to Senate Square, take a stroll through Katajanokka, and stop by Linden Esplanade.

To find reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Helsinki online sightseeing planner.

Sao Paulo, Brazil to Helsinki is an approximately 20-hour flight. Traveling from Sao Paulo to Helsinki, you'll lose 5 hours due to the time zone difference. Prepare for much colder weather when traveling from Sao Paulo in December: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 3°C and lows are around -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) to allow time 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 Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center. Change things up with these side-trips from Saariselka: Inari (Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, Otsamo Fell, &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.