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 40 min away. There's lots more to do: don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, see Santa Claus Office, and admire the sheer force of Auttikongas.

To find more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Rovaniemi trip planning website.

Brussels, Belgium to Rovaniemi is an approximately 8.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Brussels to Rovaniemi is 1 hour. In September, Rovaniemi is little chillier than Brussels - with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can travel to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Vaasa: Seinajoki (Wallsports Areena Seinajoki & Aalto Center of Seinajoki). Spend the 8th (Sun) among the memorable landscape of Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site. The adventure continues: examine the collection at Terranova, make a trip to Kaupungintalo - City Hall, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Mustasaaren kirkko, and head outdoors with Setterbergin Puisto.

To see reviews, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read Vaasa online trip maker.

You can fly from Rovaniemi to Vaasa in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Rovaniemi in September: highs in Vaasa hover around 17°C, while lows dip to 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) so you can 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, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get engrossed in the history at Turku Castle, walk around Kupittaa Park, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Turku Cathedral, and let the kids burn off some steam at Adventure Park.

To find reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Turku trip planner.

Traveling by car from Vaasa to Turku takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 18°C in September, and nighttime lows around 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Fri) so you can go by car 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, and zoos & aquariums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: trek along Santalahti Nature Trail, step off the mainland to explore Varissaari - Fort Elisabeth, get engrossed in the history at Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum, and let little ones run wild at Katariina Seaside Park.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Kotka using our trip planner.

Getting from Turku to Kotka by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 17°C in September, and nighttime lows around 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can go by car 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 with an excursion to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo--about 48 minutes away. Pack the 20th (Fri) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's still lots to do: explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, browse the eclectic array of goods at Market Square Kauppatori, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral.

For traveler tips, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read Helsinki trip maker.

You can drive from Kotka to Helsinki in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. In September, plan for daily highs up to 19°C, and evening lows to 8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.