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 The National Museum of Finland. 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, admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria, 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 Tampereen Tuomiokirkko. Get in touch with nature at Hatanpaa Arboretum and Yyteri Beach. Venture out of the city with trips to Rauma (Kirsti - Sailor's Home Museum & Old Rauma), Seitsemisen Kansallispuisto (in Ylojarvi) and Juselius Mausoleum (in Pori). Next up on the itinerary: test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, tour the pleasant surroundings at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, enjoy some diversion at Pyynikki's Swim Hall, and enjoy breathtaking views from Nasinneula Tower.

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 Kiutakongas Rapids. When in Kuusamo, make a side trip to see Jalavan Kauppa in Taivalkoski, approximately Taivalkoski away. It doesn't end there: admire the masterpieces at Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre and relax in the rural setting at Palosaari Reindeer and Fishing Farm.

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 Safaris. Get outdoors at Kids' Land and Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. Take a break from Levi with a short trip to Lapland Hotels SnowVillage in Kittila, about 46 minutes away. The adventure continues: look for all kinds of wild species at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, hit the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort, and do sightseeing your way with Discover Lapland.

To see photos, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read Levi tour itinerary website.

You can drive from Kuusamo to Levi in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. In December, plan for daily highs up to -6°C, and evening lows to -15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) to allow time 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 Juutua Nature Trail. Step off the beaten path and head to Lemmenjoki National Park and Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center. Step out of Saariselka to go to Inari and see Saint Tryphon Pechenga Orthodox Church, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. There's still lots to do: look for gifts at Hippupuoti Gift Shop and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel.

For ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Saariselka trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Levi to Saariselka takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to -11°C, and evening lows to -20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Tue) so you can 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 Lordi's Square. The adventure continues: make a trip to Santa Claus Village, get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, get in on the family fun at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, 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.