5 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.

Helsinki is known for historic sites, shopping, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), and get engrossed in the history at The National Museum of Finland.

For more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read Helsinki road trip planner.

Paris, France to Helsinki is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. Traveling from Paris to Helsinki, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Paris in December, with highs in Helsinki at 3°C and lows at -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Sat) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Start off your visit on the 20th (Sun): take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, then see Santa Claus Office, then don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, and finally examine the collection at Christmas House Santa. On the 21st (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, then explore the fascinating underground world of Syvasenvaara Fell, and then identify plant and animal life at Napapiirin Porofarmi.

For where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Rovaniemi trip itinerary planning site.

You can fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in December, things will get slightly colder in Rovaniemi: highs are around -6°C and lows about -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Mon) early enough to travel back home.