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 Snowman World Igloo Hotel. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Pilke Science Centre and Lordi's Square. Take a break from Rovaniemi with a short trip to Tatuka Reindeerfarm in Ylitornio, about 38 minutes away. There's still lots to do: make a trip to Santa Claus Village, look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, have fun at Santa Claus Office, and take an exotic tour of Feelapland.

For where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Rovaniemi journey 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. Prepare for much colder weather when traveling from Sydney in December: high temperatures in Rovaniemi hover around -6°C and lows are around -13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) to allow enough 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 Levi Ski Resort. Explore hidden gems such as Icekarting Levi and Giewont Husky Adventures. Take a break from Levi with a short trip to Lapland Hotels SnowVillage in Kittila, about 46 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: find something for the whole family at Levi Huskypark, 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 Vaski Adventure Island. 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). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Turku Cathedral, cool off at JukuPark Turku, admire the striking features of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel, and take an in-depth tour of Ett Hem Museum.

For other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Turku itinerary website.

Traveling by flight from Levi to Turku takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Levi in December, expect Turku to be a bit warmer, temps between 1°C and -4°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) early enough to 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 Ahvenisto. Go for a jaunt from Tampere to Parola to see Holy Cross Church about 58 minutes away. There's much more to do: enjoy breathtaking views from Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, enjoy the sand and surf at Rauhaniemi Beach, and contemplate the long history of Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing.

To see reviews, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Tampere online trip planner.

Traveling by car from Turku to Tampere takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December in Tampere, expect temperatures between 0°C during the day and -6°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Heureka and Kansallisgalleria. Kids will appreciate attractions like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Pack the 1st (Tue) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's lots more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, tour the pleasant surroundings at Hietaranta Beach, admire the masterpieces at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali).

For where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip itinerary planning tool.

Traveling by car from Tampere to Helsinki takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Tampere in December: highs in Helsinki hover around 3°C, while lows dip to -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.