18 days in Lapland, Finnish Archipelago & Helsinki Region Itinerary

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

Step out of Rovaniemi with an excursion to Korouoma Canyon in Posio--about 1h 35 min away. There's still lots to do: find something for the whole family at Santa Claus Village, experience the excitement of Feelapland, explore the world behind art at Korundi House of Culture, and see Santa Claus Office.

To find reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Rovaniemi route site .

Brussels, Belgium to Rovaniemi is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or drive. Traveling from Brussels to Rovaniemi, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Brussels in September: high temperatures in Rovaniemi hover around 13°C and lows are around 6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Get out of town with these interesting Vaasa side-trips: Seinajoki (Wallsports Areena Seinajoki & Aalto Center of Seinajoki). Spend a day of island exploring on the 8th (Sun) at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read Vaasa trip itinerary planner .

Getting from Rovaniemi to Vaasa by flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Traveling from Rovaniemi in September, expect nights in Vaasa to be about the same, around 7°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

Turku is known for historic sites, museums, shopping, parks, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle, stroll through Kupittaa Park, get lost in a book at Turku City Library, and test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms.

To find other places to visit, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Turku trip itinerary planner .

You can drive from Vaasa to Turku in 4 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a train. In September, daily temperatures in Turku can reach 18°C, while at night they dip to 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to drive to Kotka.

Kotka is a city and municipality of Finland.Kotka is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland at the mouth of Kymi River and it is part of the Kymenlaakso region in southern Finland. Kotka is known for parks, museums, zoos & aquariums, historic sites, and nature. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: hike along Santalahti Nature Trail, look for all kinds of wild species at Riverside Park, get engrossed in the history at Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum, and go for a walk through Linden Esplanade.

To see photos, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Kotka tour builder tool .

Traveling by car from Turku to Kotka takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. In September in Kotka, expect temperatures between 17°C during the day and 9°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can 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.

Step out of Helsinki to go to Espoo and see Nuuksio National Park, which is approximately 46 minutes away. Pack the 20th (Fri) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's lots more to do: brush up on your military savvy at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, make a trip to Senate Square, and stroll through The Esplanadi Park.

To find maps, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip itinerary planning site .

You can drive from Kotka to Helsinki in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Helsinki are 19°C, while nighttime lows are 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.