22 days in Helsinki & Rovaniemi Itinerary

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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Kotka (Sapokka Water Garden & Kotka Church), Espoo (Nuuksio National Park & Haltia) and Söderskärin majakka (in Porvoo). Pack the 22nd (Sun) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. Spend the 27th (Fri) exploring nature at Sipoonkorven Kansallispuisto. The adventure continues: expand your understanding of the military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, explore the world behind art at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, appreciate the extensive heritage of The Esplanadi Park, and admire the striking features of Helsinki Central Railway Station.

Plan my Helsinki trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Melbourne, Australia to Helsinki is an approximately 23-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is minus 8 hours. Prepare for much colder weather when traveling from Melbourne in December: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around °C and lows are around °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rovaniemi: Pyha-Luosto National Park (in Pyhatunturi), Korouoma Canyon (in Posio) and Kotielainpuisto Arkadia (in Simo). Pack the 5th (Sun) with family-friendly diversions at Duudsonit Activity Park - TornioHaparanda. The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, and see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour.

To find where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi journey maker.

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Helsinki in December; daily highs in Rovaniemi reach °C and lows reach °C. On the 7th (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.