26 days in Finland 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Nuuksio National Park and Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo). Get out of town with these interesting Helsinki side-trips: Turku (Turku Cathedral, Turku Castle, &more) and Porvoo Old Town (in Porvoo). There's still lots to do: step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, take an in-depth tour of The National Museum of Finland, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church.

To find other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Helsinki itinerary planner.

Launceston, Australia to Helsinki is an approximately 29-hour flight. Traveling from Launceston to Helsinki, you'll gain 8 hours due to the time zone difference. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Launceston in December, with highs in Helsinki at 3°C and lows at -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) 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 Yyteri Beach. Get in touch with nature at Hatanpaa Arboretum and Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto. Venture out of the city with trips to Juselius Mausoleum (in Pori) and Rauma (Kirsti - Sailor's Home Museum & Old Rauma). Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, make a trip to Nasinneula Tower, take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, and test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms.

To see other places to visit, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Tampere trip planner.

You can drive from Helsinki to Tampere in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In December, Tampere is little chillier than Helsinki - with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Kuusamo.

Kuusamo is a town and municipality in Finland. Get in touch with nature at Ruka and Hossan Lomakeskus. Step off the beaten path and head to Hossa National Park and Palosaari Reindeer and Fishing Farm. When in Kuusamo, make a side trip to see Jalavan Kauppa in Taivalkoski, approximately Taivalkoski away. It doesn't end there: explore the activities along Kiutakongas Rapids and admire the masterpieces at Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre.

To find other places to visit, maps, ratings, and tourist information, read our Kuusamo trip itinerary site.

Getting from Tampere to Kuusamo by combination of train and flight takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Tampere in December: high temperatures in Kuusamo hover around -5°C and lows are around -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Tue) early enough to drive to Levi.

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

Explore hidden gems such as Levi Ski Resort and Discover Lapland. Get outdoors at Safaris and Yllas Ski Resort. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Levi: Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park (in Muonio) and Lapland Hotels SnowVillage (in Kittila). There's still lots to do: hit the slopes at Kids' Land, relax in the rural setting at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, and bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi.

For more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Levi trip planner.

Drive from Kuusamo to Levi in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. Expect a daytime high around -6°C in December, and nighttime lows around -15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough to travel 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.

Take a break from the city and head to Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort and Lemmenjoki National Park. Step off the beaten path and head to Juutua Nature Trail and Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel. Explore Saariselka's surroundings by going to Inari (Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church & Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center). There's still lots to do: stop by Hippupuoti Gift Shop.

For photos, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read Saariselka online route planner.

You can fly from Levi to Saariselka in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Saariselka can reach -11°C, while at night they dip to -20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Rovaniemi.

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

Visiting Ranua Zoo and Napapiirin Porofarmi will get you outdoors. Explore hidden gems such as Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy and SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus. The adventure continues: make a trip to Santa Claus Village, get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, explore the fascinating underground world of Syvasenvaara Fell, and see Santa Claus Office.

To find traveler tips, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi travel planner.

Drive from Saariselka to Rovaniemi in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Rovaniemi can reach -10°C, while at night they dip to -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.