22 days in Finland Itinerary

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

Kids will appreciate attractions like SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus and Santa Claus Village. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Snowman World Igloo Hotel and Pilke Science Centre. Take a break from Rovaniemi with a short trip to Tatuka Reindeerfarm in Ylitornio, about 38 minutes away. There's still lots to do: see the top attractions with Feelapland, Head underground at Syvasenvaara Fell, see Santa Claus Office, and make a trip to Lordi's Square.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi online road trip planner.

Sydney, Australia to Rovaniemi is an approximately 27-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Sydney to Rovaniemi is minus 8 hours. Traveling from Sydney in December, expect Rovaniemi to be cooler, temps between -6°C and -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) to allow time to drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Thu): fly down the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort. On your second day here, get in on the family fun at Angry Birds Activity Park, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel, then stop by Hippupuoti Gift Shop, and finally get a taste of local nightlife at Saariselka Bowling.

For other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Saariselka road trip site.

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Saariselka in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Traveling from Rovaniemi in December, plan for slightly colder nights in Saariselka, with lows around -17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) early enough to travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Kids' Land and Icekarting Levi. Explore hidden gems such as Lapland Hotels SnowVillage and Levi Huskypark. Spend the 23rd (Sun) on two wheels at Levi Ski Resort. Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Giewont Husky Adventures, get your game on at G2 ICEKARTING, look for all kinds of wild species at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, and view the masterpieces at LUVATTUMAA - Levi Ice Gallery.

To find ratings, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our Levi trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by flight from Saariselka to Levi takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December in Levi, expect temperatures between -6°C during the day and -15°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Mon) so you can travel to Turku.

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

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Turku City Library and Turku Cathedral. You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Turku Castle and Bellevue Beach. Venture out of the city with trips to Hanko (Pike's Gut & Hanko Water Tower). The adventure continues: find something for the whole family at Vaski Adventure Island, take an in-depth tour of Ett Hem Museum, admire the striking features of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel, and cool off at JukuPark Turku.

To see more things to do and more tourist information, read Turku trip itinerary builder site.

You can fly from Levi to Turku in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In December, Turku is a bit warmer than Levi - with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Thu) so you can go by car to Tampere.

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

Step off the beaten path and head to Vapriikin Museokeskus and Sarkanniemi Theme Park. Kids will appreciate attractions like Tampereen Tuomiokirkko and Rauhaniemi Beach. Change things up with these side-trips from Tampere: Holy Cross Church (in Parola) and Ahvenisto (in Hameenlinna). The adventure continues: take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower and steep yourself in history at Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing.

To find ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Tampere trip itinerary app.

Traveling by car from Turku to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 0°C in December, and nighttime lows around -6°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Heureka and Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo). Kids will appreciate attractions like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and The National Museum of Finland. Pack the 1st (Tue) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Temppeliaukio Church, stroll through Hietaranta Beach, don't miss a visit to Senate Square, and admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria.

To see maps, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, use the Helsinki online route planner.

Getting from Tampere to Helsinki by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Tampere in December, you will find days in Helsinki are a bit warmer (3°C), and nights are about the same (-3°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can travel back home.