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 Feelapland. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Snowman World Igloo Hotel 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 engage your brain at Pilke Science Centre.

To find maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read Rovaniemi online attractions planner.

Sydney, Australia to Rovaniemi is an approximately 27-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is minus 8 hours. Traveling from Sydney in December, expect Rovaniemi to be much colder, temps between -6°C and -13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can go by car 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, thenstop 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 LUVATTUMAA - Levi Ice Gallery. Explore hidden gems such as Icekarting Levi and Levi Huskypark. Take a break from Levi with a short trip to Lapland Hotels SnowVillage in Kittila, about 46 minutes away. 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, have some family-friendly fun at G2 ICEKARTING, and identify plant and animal life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm.

To see reviews, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Levi tour planning app.

Fly from Saariselka to Levi in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Levi are -6°C, while nighttime lows are -15°C. Finish 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 Bellevue Beach. You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Turku Castle and Vaski Adventure Island. 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 is open 1 of September?, 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 Sarkanniemi Theme Park and Vapriikin Museokeskus. Kids will appreciate attractions like Tampereen Tuomiokirkko and Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower. Change things up with these side-trips from Tampere: Holy Cross Church (in Parola) and Ahvenisto (in Hameenlinna). The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach 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 Room Escape Games. Kids will appreciate attractions like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo). 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.